|
Post by oldschoolhoops on Nov 30, 2021 18:34:28 GMT -5
URI awaits. A good test. Not a game with expectations to win but the team has a history of playing well as underdogs against better squads so perhaps they find that mojo and compete well. There's no pressure in this one.
What do folks think of this year's scheduling? Looks like a good mix. Scheduled some wins in there (Brown, D3 Conn College, UNH, Dartmouth, Bryant), some 50/50 games (Northeastern, Stetson, UMass), and some real challenges (BC, Pittsburgh, URI). Positioned them for a winning non-con schedule and seems like a good variety for a new coach/new team. Credit to the coaching staff for setting it up.
|
|
|
Post by oldschoolhoops on Nov 30, 2021 18:46:47 GMT -5
Three things to adjust for URI: 1. Replace Cross with McCormack in the starting line-up. Cross is great first guard off bench and lets her likely go against opponent's back-up which is better match-up for her to score. McCormack's energy and scoring ability is needed from the get-go. 2. Address all the sloppy passing/turnovers. 3. Emphasize playing more inside-out. Post players need more touches (and let's throw BPC as someone to post up too).
|
|
|
Post by lou on Nov 30, 2021 19:00:53 GMT -5
I like Cross a lot. Ball handler, passing, rebounding. I think she needs to play and I think the coaches feel the same. I'm Not that familiar with McCormack
|
|
|
Post by longsuffering on Nov 30, 2021 19:20:11 GMT -5
URI awaits. A good test. Not a game with expectations to win but the team has a history of playing well as underdogs against better squads so perhaps they find that mojo and compete well. There's no pressure in this one. What do folks think of this year's scheduling? Looks like a good mix. Scheduled some wins in there (Brown, D3 Conn College, UNH, Dartmouth, Bryant), some 50/50 games (Northeastern, Stetson, UMass), and some real challenges (BC, Pittsburgh, URI). Positioned them for a winning non-con schedule and seems like a good variety for a new coach/new team. Credit to the coaching staff for setting it up. The only improvement would be if Dave Magarity could hook on somewhere as an interim head coach. We play great against him. Nice balance this year, mostly regional which makes up for the long league trips.
|
|
|
Post by oldschoolhoops on Nov 30, 2021 19:22:28 GMT -5
I like Cross a lot. Ball handler, passing, rebounding. I think she needs to play and I think the coaches feel the same. I'm Not that familiar with McCormack I like Cross too, Lou. Certainly one of the best passers on the team and right behind AL as an impact defender from the guard position. McCormack started all but one game last year. She looks ready to go. She's coming back from injury early this season. Her energy and competitiveness are so key to how HC starts games. Cross is not a scorer (just one made FG against all D1 opponents this year) and it can hurt in the beginning of games as teams don't need to respect her shooting and that can jam up post spacing. It's all about putting players in the best position to be their best. I really do like Cross (I favor D and efficient passers) but she's better matched up coming off the bench when teams are going to their next best line-ups for rest or foul trouble.
|
|
|
Post by longsuffering on Nov 30, 2021 19:24:29 GMT -5
I like Cross a lot. Ball handler, passing, rebounding. I think she needs to play and I think the coaches feel the same. I'm Not that familiar with McCormack You are describing attributes that I referred to as "glue." Cross has every skill except shooting, at least so far. McCormack is a scorer. They both contribute.
|
|
|
Post by purplehaze on Nov 30, 2021 21:47:02 GMT -5
‘Every skill set except shooting’. I love it - as if that is ok - sorry, not in my book for small D.1 guards
|
|
|
Post by longsuffering on Nov 30, 2021 22:09:31 GMT -5
‘Every skill set except shooting’. I love it - as if that is ok - sorry, not in my book for small D.1 guards I was trying to be positive about her contributions. It is not OK and I would rather have McCormack start and score. It would give the defense two guards who can create their own shot to worry about. McCormack's height is a defensive liability but her offense makes up for it.
|
|
|
Post by lowerkimball on Dec 1, 2021 10:31:52 GMT -5
Oldschool - agree with this sentiment on the schedule and previously had said it on another thread. Whoever is in charge should get a bonus because it couldn't have been drawn up much better. Pitt's been pretty bad the last few years so that might be less of a challenge then it appears on paper.
Regarding adjustments - Agreed on throwing the ball away. It's never a good thing when you're addressing sloppy passing / turnovers after the preseason. Good teams regardless of sport don't beat themselves and it often comes down to what your habits are in practice. I've felt this years biggest challenge with this team heading into the season was where is the scoring going to come from - especially from the guard spot. Anyone would agree that it is infinitely harder to win when you are playing with 3 kids on the floor that can score versus all 5 or even 4, which was why it was refreshing to see McCormack playing and Demski to break out. It just makes the lives of everyone around them that much easier.
|
|
|
Post by oldschoolhoops on Dec 1, 2021 13:12:37 GMT -5
AL needs a running mate in the backcourt to be at her best on offense. It's tough on her to carry the load especially when the lanes aren't there because defenses don't have to extend out to honor the three point shooting of other guards like they did in her frosh and sophomore years. Getting AL untracked and the ball in the post should be priority #1 and #2 each game plan for the staff. IMO that starts with getting McCormack and her on the floor together more. Certainly her size can be an issue on the defensive end, but there are ways to address that (doubles, go zone, etc.). You can see the frustration with AL sometimes when she can't get the offense going on her own and the ball screen motion action is too easy to defend. When AL can play off the ball with another aggressive attacker (McCormack in this case) she will emerge as a consistent scorer again. That, in turn, will open up the post play too. But like Lowerkimball said, addressing sloppy passing/turnovers at this point is a problem. The team needs 5 players who can pass and catch. Those 5 should get the minutes.
|
|
|
Post by oldschoolhoops on Dec 1, 2021 13:13:05 GMT -5
Looking forward to seeing the approach vs, URI
|
|
|
Post by HC13 on Dec 1, 2021 13:46:58 GMT -5
Don't really care whose on the floor - just need to start making those open outside shots. So far, if you want to stop HC, pack the middle & rebound.
|
|
|
Post by longsuffering on Dec 1, 2021 23:02:36 GMT -5
Fun Fact: Madison Demski's sister is named Madelyn and her brother is named Matthew. Maddy, Maddy and Matty.
|
|
|
Post by rgs318 on Dec 2, 2021 9:56:53 GMT -5
Massey makes URI an 18 point favorite (68-50) with a 95% chance for the win. Those who said "no pressure" are right! Let's see how HC does as a clear underdog.
|
|
|
Post by HC13 on Dec 2, 2021 18:08:41 GMT -5
Yeesh, HC can't make a layup, but good D so far. RI 8-2
|
|
|
Post by longsuffering on Dec 2, 2021 18:09:59 GMT -5
"Mutt and Jeff" Demski and McCormack on the bench to start but Cross with an elbow jumper. Nice block by Allen. Madison and Cara had the hot hand last game so put them in please.
|
|
|
Post by rgs318 on Dec 2, 2021 18:11:54 GMT -5
Allen seems unable to hit in the paint. Overall HC is shooting 20% (1-5)
|
|
|
Post by longsuffering on Dec 2, 2021 18:16:59 GMT -5
Allen seems unable to hit in the paint. Overall HC is shooting 20% (1-5)
|
|
|
Post by rgs318 on Dec 2, 2021 18:17:21 GMT -5
This is becoming a game now - 3 straight triples make it 12-11, then URI hit a pair of 2s.
|
|
|
Post by longsuffering on Dec 2, 2021 18:17:39 GMT -5
Starting to tickle the twine from downtown now.
|
|
|
Post by longsuffering on Dec 2, 2021 18:19:59 GMT -5
Ezemma schools one of the Amazons from URI underneath.
|
|
|
Post by rgs318 on Dec 2, 2021 18:21:46 GMT -5
URI up 18-15 at the end if the quarter.
|
|
|
Post by rgs318 on Dec 2, 2021 18:23:22 GMT -5
Much better lighting (at the Hart) than that dark cave the men played in at CCSU.
|
|
|
Post by longsuffering on Dec 2, 2021 18:24:02 GMT -5
Cara money for three!
|
|
|
Post by rgs318 on Dec 2, 2021 18:24:45 GMT -5
AL nice drive hits - HC leads 20-18 (on a 7 point run)
|
|