The story of the past few games was relived on our home court last night as we dropped a close game, 75-69 to Mt. Mary College. While the middle part of the game was different than the last couple, the plot and ending was eerily similar: difficulty defending the post with our undersized team and effort until the final buzzer.
This time, instead of leading much I the contest only to surrender the lead late, we trailed by two at half, then watched as they pushed out to a 17 point lead with four minutes remaining, and fought back to within three before dropping the game.
We came into the game short-handed for sure, with starter and third leading scorer Brooke sidelined with an ankle injury. But we were not making excuses and were determined to play hard and focused.
We led most of the first half thanks to good shooting and decision making by Allie. She scored 12 before intermission and got everyone involved. However three first-half fouls left us in a precarious position. We started the second half slowly and watched them go to work inside. We were always a step slow adjusting inside, and their post made some difficult shots. Add to that some bad turnovers that led to easy baskets for them, and we were going the wrong direction.
Kate took over the game offensively in the second half. She scored 25 of her game high 35 against a variety of defenses. She did this while battling congestion and a bad back.
We made a furious comeback the last four minutes, even with Allie out of the game after fouling out, forcing turnovers and hitting clutch shots, but the lead was too big to overcome.
Kate was 7/15 from 3pt, and had 3 rebounds and 3 steals. Allie finished with 13 points, 4 reb, 6 assists and 3 steals. Becca scored 10, collected 6 rebounds, and made 3 steals. While Valerie turned in her best stat line o the season: 8 points (4/5), 7 reb, 3 assists, 5 steals. She had several other deflections and hustle plays that resulted in extra shots and possessions for us as well.
We're en route to Manitowoc, WI where we play Silver Lake College. They beat us 53-52 at our place in November, and we're excited to et back on the court.
Follow @NI_Athletics on twitter today for in-game scores and information. Thanks for reading.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Second half underway...
It's been a while so I thought I would give you a summary of events since the girls returned for this semester. They got back to campus on Mon night, Jan. 9 for several practice sessions before leaving for the AG Credit Union Classic in Minneapolis that weekend. Returning from break is always difficult, but it was made more so this year with the loss of three key players. One would be temporary while two for the season.
While we were anxious to return to the court, it was obvious early that we were rusty and had holes to fill as we lost big to nationally ranked Valley Forge and Trinity College. We played better on the final day of the tournament before dropping the game to host and 10th ranked North Central University. Kate was name to the all-tournament team as she averaged 18 points per game.
On Tuesday of last week we traveled to Dubuque, IA for a region game against Emmaus. Things continued to improve and we took charge early, an led 32-10 at half. We finished well and earned a 55-20 road win to improve to. 3-0 in our region.
On Friday we traveled to Grand Rapids, MI to play at #8 Grace Bible College. Grace features the nation's leading scorer and rebounder, and that proved to be a challenge in many ways. Despite leading 33-31 at half, we were uneasy because of the foul difficulty. However we played incredible the second half before surrendering the game on the boards and at the free throw line. While we were out-rebounded by the Tigers, it was difficult to defend the free throw line where the home team enjoyed a 31-8 advantage en route to their 73-65 win. All in all, it was our most complete game in two seasons. Allie finished 2 assists away from a triple double while only committing 1 turnover. Kate scored 26 points despite being face-guarded and double-teamed all night.
We traveled to Chicago the next morning to face #7 Moody. While Grace poses some size issues, Moody poses a crisis! They boast a three player front line over six feet tall. We were once again hurt on the glass, specifically the offensive boards, an played from behind most of the game. We trailed by 8 at half, and Moody stretched the lead to 15 in the second. Our tired girls would not quit, an went on a run to cut the lead to five with six minutes left. But we had no answer inside, an fell by the same score as the previous night, 73-65. Allie had another great game scoring 21 and protecting the ball, and Becca and Brooke scored well also. Kate struggled shooting against a much taller defender but still finished with 15 points.
While not getting the results we wanted, the girls came away encourage and determined to get better for our stretch run. They see that the margin between us and some upper teams is very close. We were able to enjoy some time in downtown Chicago before moving on.
Even in the losses, we took care of the ball, averaging only 8 turnovers per game. We also shot a staggering 88% from the free throw line (23/26). All good signs.
On Sunday we ministered with the guys' team in singing at First Baptist Church in Mishawaka, IN before making the trip back to campus. So after 2500+ miles in the van and 6 games in 4 states, the ladies begin classes Tuesday and we return to the court Friday night.
Thanks for reading.
While we were anxious to return to the court, it was obvious early that we were rusty and had holes to fill as we lost big to nationally ranked Valley Forge and Trinity College. We played better on the final day of the tournament before dropping the game to host and 10th ranked North Central University. Kate was name to the all-tournament team as she averaged 18 points per game.
On Tuesday of last week we traveled to Dubuque, IA for a region game against Emmaus. Things continued to improve and we took charge early, an led 32-10 at half. We finished well and earned a 55-20 road win to improve to. 3-0 in our region.
On Friday we traveled to Grand Rapids, MI to play at #8 Grace Bible College. Grace features the nation's leading scorer and rebounder, and that proved to be a challenge in many ways. Despite leading 33-31 at half, we were uneasy because of the foul difficulty. However we played incredible the second half before surrendering the game on the boards and at the free throw line. While we were out-rebounded by the Tigers, it was difficult to defend the free throw line where the home team enjoyed a 31-8 advantage en route to their 73-65 win. All in all, it was our most complete game in two seasons. Allie finished 2 assists away from a triple double while only committing 1 turnover. Kate scored 26 points despite being face-guarded and double-teamed all night.
We traveled to Chicago the next morning to face #7 Moody. While Grace poses some size issues, Moody poses a crisis! They boast a three player front line over six feet tall. We were once again hurt on the glass, specifically the offensive boards, an played from behind most of the game. We trailed by 8 at half, and Moody stretched the lead to 15 in the second. Our tired girls would not quit, an went on a run to cut the lead to five with six minutes left. But we had no answer inside, an fell by the same score as the previous night, 73-65. Allie had another great game scoring 21 and protecting the ball, and Becca and Brooke scored well also. Kate struggled shooting against a much taller defender but still finished with 15 points.
While not getting the results we wanted, the girls came away encourage and determined to get better for our stretch run. They see that the margin between us and some upper teams is very close. We were able to enjoy some time in downtown Chicago before moving on.
Even in the losses, we took care of the ball, averaging only 8 turnovers per game. We also shot a staggering 88% from the free throw line (23/26). All good signs.
On Sunday we ministered with the guys' team in singing at First Baptist Church in Mishawaka, IN before making the trip back to campus. So after 2500+ miles in the van and 6 games in 4 states, the ladies begin classes Tuesday and we return to the court Friday night.
Thanks for reading.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Kate wins national Student-Athlete of the Week award
Katelyn won the NCCAA national Student-Athlete of the Week award for her play during our three games last week. She averaged 23 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and three steals in the games while leading us to a 2-1 record last week. She had game highs of 23 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals in wins against Kuyper College (55-42) and Lincoln Christian University (60-44), and a loss against NCAA III Finlandia University (45-51).
She has been playing at a high level already this season, and the games she had last week really indicate that. She has been fun to watch, but behind every individual award, there is a team that helped make it possible. In other words, she likely doesn't win the award if we went 0-3. She doesn't shoot without someone passing the ball. She doesn't get an assist unless someone scores off of her pass. Her winning was also very impressive when you consider she just completed her soccer season a few weeks ago and really only had about three or four practices with the entire team.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Lady Pioneers in the News
Here's a recent article from our *local newspaper about our last two games.
*local - a relative term that can be defined from a few minutes to half hour away. In this case, half hour because it's the closest newspaper to us. Although it is delivered daily to the campus!
Northland women's basketball - IronMountainDailyNews.com | news, sports, business, jobs - The Daily News
*local - a relative term that can be defined from a few minutes to half hour away. In this case, half hour because it's the closest newspaper to us. Although it is delivered daily to the campus!
Northland women's basketball - IronMountainDailyNews.com | news, sports, business, jobs - The Daily News
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Surprises
I mentioned earlier that Allie's mom flew out from Wyoming to surprise her for the game on Thursday night. With some difficult weather and such, she was running a little late and didn't arrive at the start of the game. Probably was a good thing. Allie ended up picking up a foul in the first minute, and her second about three minutes later. With two personals, I was forced to take her out of the game. I motioned for her to come sit next to me because I wasn't very happy with the way she took an unnecessary risk that resulted in the second foul.
"Do you know why you have to sit here?" I asked. "Because you were upset with missing a shot and you took out your frustration by playing recklessly on defense. Now you have to sit here while we hope the team can keep it together." She was staring at the floor by now. At this exact moment her mom walked into the gym across from our bench. So I continued, "And besides, it's a shame your mom comes all this way to see you sit on the bench with two fouls!" She looked up at me and asked "What did you say?" I said "It's a shame your mom came all this way to see you play and now you have two fouls," while pointing across the gym at her mom.
The absolute biggest smile I've ever seen exploded on her face as she looked back at me, then her mom, then me, then her mom.
She went back into the game with about 13 minutes left in the first half. I don't think she picked up a foul the rest of the game.
"Do you know why you have to sit here?" I asked. "Because you were upset with missing a shot and you took out your frustration by playing recklessly on defense. Now you have to sit here while we hope the team can keep it together." She was staring at the floor by now. At this exact moment her mom walked into the gym across from our bench. So I continued, "And besides, it's a shame your mom comes all this way to see you sit on the bench with two fouls!" She looked up at me and asked "What did you say?" I said "It's a shame your mom came all this way to see you play and now you have two fouls," while pointing across the gym at her mom.
The absolute biggest smile I've ever seen exploded on her face as she looked back at me, then her mom, then me, then her mom.
She went back into the game with about 13 minutes left in the first half. I don't think she picked up a foul the rest of the game.
Two in a row...now break
As much fun as getting a win was on Thursday night, the thought of getting a second consecutive one on Saturday was even better! We defeated Kuyper College , also a Midwest regional opponent, 55-42 in the final game we hosted this weekend. We had watched them play the day before and saw that they played a 2-3 zone defense for the entire game, so we felt pretty good about our chances because of the way we shoot the ball from the outside.
However, we had to go to plan B at halftime as we were about as cold shooting from the field as you could imagine. We shot 17% from the field from what were honestly wide open looks. We didn't take a poor shot the entire first half, but couldn't get the ball to drop. We were fortunate to be leading 19-18 at the half. The only explanations were that we took care of the basketball (6 turnovers) and played some very good defense. We also did a good job of limiting them to a minimal amount of offensive rebounds. We talked at half about making the extra pass, and not settling for the first shot but looking for the best shot. This was especially important because of the poor outside shooting, but also because of how much space was available in the middle of the zone. Another change we made was asking Allie to deny the return pass back to their best scorer after she gave it up.
The girls took the adjustments and applied them immediately, and we began to stretch out the lead with easy shots in the paint as well as getting to the free throw line. Allie's 2nd half defense limited their scorer to 5 points in the 2nd half (3 of them in transition). Kate led us again with 20 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Allie contributed 17 points, four rebounds, four steals and two blocks. CJ scored nine points off the bench, and Becca had a game high 14 rebounds.
There were several good performances on Saturday, but CJ's effort was so important. She has been playing good defense the past few games, and earning her playing time based on that. But I know we need her to score a little bit, and she can. So for her to knock down some shots and free throws with confidence will help our team down the stretch. Also, Amy provides a lot of energy and aggression in the lineup. She does so many things that don't show up in the box score, but we need players like that.
As I said in a previous posting, it was awesome to have so many family members of players here to take in the games this weekend. As a coach, I'm definitely reminded what this is all about. I really do count it a privilege to work with these young ladies, and it's always put more into perspective when I get to spend time with their parents.Also, thanks so much to our Northland students and family. You have all been so supportive this semester, showing up to games, and cheering loudly. It's always so encouraging to have a legitimate home gym advantage.
So, now it's time for break. The girls will be back on Jan. 9th, and we will practice the 10th and 11th before traveling to Minneapolis for a 3-day tournament.
Just a reminder. For up to the second information on the Lady Pioneer basketball team, please follow us on twitter @W_PioneerBball. Thanks as always for following.
However, we had to go to plan B at halftime as we were about as cold shooting from the field as you could imagine. We shot 17% from the field from what were honestly wide open looks. We didn't take a poor shot the entire first half, but couldn't get the ball to drop. We were fortunate to be leading 19-18 at the half. The only explanations were that we took care of the basketball (6 turnovers) and played some very good defense. We also did a good job of limiting them to a minimal amount of offensive rebounds. We talked at half about making the extra pass, and not settling for the first shot but looking for the best shot. This was especially important because of the poor outside shooting, but also because of how much space was available in the middle of the zone. Another change we made was asking Allie to deny the return pass back to their best scorer after she gave it up.
The girls took the adjustments and applied them immediately, and we began to stretch out the lead with easy shots in the paint as well as getting to the free throw line. Allie's 2nd half defense limited their scorer to 5 points in the 2nd half (3 of them in transition). Kate led us again with 20 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Allie contributed 17 points, four rebounds, four steals and two blocks. CJ scored nine points off the bench, and Becca had a game high 14 rebounds.
There were several good performances on Saturday, but CJ's effort was so important. She has been playing good defense the past few games, and earning her playing time based on that. But I know we need her to score a little bit, and she can. So for her to knock down some shots and free throws with confidence will help our team down the stretch. Also, Amy provides a lot of energy and aggression in the lineup. She does so many things that don't show up in the box score, but we need players like that.
As I said in a previous posting, it was awesome to have so many family members of players here to take in the games this weekend. As a coach, I'm definitely reminded what this is all about. I really do count it a privilege to work with these young ladies, and it's always put more into perspective when I get to spend time with their parents.Also, thanks so much to our Northland students and family. You have all been so supportive this semester, showing up to games, and cheering loudly. It's always so encouraging to have a legitimate home gym advantage.
So, now it's time for break. The girls will be back on Jan. 9th, and we will practice the 10th and 11th before traveling to Minneapolis for a 3-day tournament.
Just a reminder. For up to the second information on the Lady Pioneer basketball team, please follow us on twitter @W_PioneerBball. Thanks as always for following.
Friday, December 2, 2011
From 377 down to 2...
I'm a note card guy. Ask anyone that knows me, as much as I enjoy electronic and technological gadgets, when it comes to simple notes and reminders there is nothing more comfortable and dependable to me than a simple 3x5 card and pen. For as long as I can remember, I've prepared for every game by jotting my pregame notes, playing rotation, reminders, scouting report, and our team plays on a card I keep in my pocket. And in the upper left corner, I usually jot down how many days it's been since our last win. With the injuries and youth of the team from last year and beginning this season, the number on the card for last night's card was 377.
But the girls continued on a path they began from a couple of weeks ago of controlling what they control (effort, attitude, and focus, our "three" cornerstones), and the ultimate result showed a 60-44 region win against Lincoln Christian University in the Midwest region tip-off tournament. The easy thing would be to say that I'm proud of the girls, and I am. But I've been proud of them when they've lost many times over the past 377 days - however we're very thankful for the win!
One of things that we talked about and made a goal for last night was to start fast, and we did just that. We were able to open an early 9-3 lead in the first five minutes before LCU went on an 11-4 run to take a 14-13 lead with nine minutes left in the half. However, sparked by a 14-2 run that included 8 points from Kate, we retook the lead and didn't look back, leading 31-20 at the half. There were lots of positives from the half, including our defensive intensity, ball movement, valuing the basketball (only 6 turnovers) and making 7 of 8 free throws. But the discussion at halftime was about the need to start the second half with the same energy and effort that we started the game, and play for a second half win as well.
The girls responded to that challenge as well. Our defensive effort provided some fast break opportunities, and good ball movement allowed some open shots, and we started the second half on a 19-2 run! This extended our lead to a game high 28-point lead with 11 minutes remaining.
Kate led us statistically again with 23 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and four steals. Allie added 14 points, five rebounds, six assists, and five steals, and Brooke added 14 points, four rebounds, and three steals. Becca grabbed eight rebounds and played great post defense. I was very pleased with Amy's effort last night. While her stat line only shows four points and six rebounds, she provided great hustle and aggressiveness that created turnovers and extra offensive possessions.
We were excited to have several parents and family members in attendance last night as well. Kate's parents from Augusta, GA, Brooke's family from Kansas, and Allie's mom from Wyoming, all made long trips to be here for the win. So thankful for their sacrifice to come and support their girls and the team!
Our attention turns to Saturday now as we prepare for Kuyper College at 1 pm. You can watch here. Personally, I'm looking forward to writing the number "2" on my note card. Thanks for following.
PS - If you can't watch, I encourage to subscribe to twitter and follow in-game tweets and updates at W_PioneerBball.
But the girls continued on a path they began from a couple of weeks ago of controlling what they control (effort, attitude, and focus, our "three" cornerstones), and the ultimate result showed a 60-44 region win against Lincoln Christian University in the Midwest region tip-off tournament. The easy thing would be to say that I'm proud of the girls, and I am. But I've been proud of them when they've lost many times over the past 377 days - however we're very thankful for the win!
One of things that we talked about and made a goal for last night was to start fast, and we did just that. We were able to open an early 9-3 lead in the first five minutes before LCU went on an 11-4 run to take a 14-13 lead with nine minutes left in the half. However, sparked by a 14-2 run that included 8 points from Kate, we retook the lead and didn't look back, leading 31-20 at the half. There were lots of positives from the half, including our defensive intensity, ball movement, valuing the basketball (only 6 turnovers) and making 7 of 8 free throws. But the discussion at halftime was about the need to start the second half with the same energy and effort that we started the game, and play for a second half win as well.
The girls responded to that challenge as well. Our defensive effort provided some fast break opportunities, and good ball movement allowed some open shots, and we started the second half on a 19-2 run! This extended our lead to a game high 28-point lead with 11 minutes remaining.
Kate led us statistically again with 23 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and four steals. Allie added 14 points, five rebounds, six assists, and five steals, and Brooke added 14 points, four rebounds, and three steals. Becca grabbed eight rebounds and played great post defense. I was very pleased with Amy's effort last night. While her stat line only shows four points and six rebounds, she provided great hustle and aggressiveness that created turnovers and extra offensive possessions.
We were excited to have several parents and family members in attendance last night as well. Kate's parents from Augusta, GA, Brooke's family from Kansas, and Allie's mom from Wyoming, all made long trips to be here for the win. So thankful for their sacrifice to come and support their girls and the team!
Our attention turns to Saturday now as we prepare for Kuyper College at 1 pm. You can watch here. Personally, I'm looking forward to writing the number "2" on my note card. Thanks for following.
PS - If you can't watch, I encourage to subscribe to twitter and follow in-game tweets and updates at W_PioneerBball.
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