Statistical Leaders

There are some team stats that I put a lot of merit in, and others really tell me little about our team. For instance, I like looking at our rebounding differential. I like to know whether we are out-rebounding our opponents during the season or not. I like this primarily because rebounding is so much about heart and attitude compared to, say, field goal percentage. Some nights we can shoot the ball poorly and win, while occasionally you can shoot it well, but have excessive turnovers, and lose. I like to watch our free-throw percentage as a team. There's no defense against free-throws, so whether we shoot well or not is based on preparation and concentration.

Individual stats are just that. A read of an individual performance with little regard for the rest of the team's performance. For instance, a team could have an amazing playmaker that distributes the ball well, but if her teammates can't make shots, then there won't be much to show for it on the scoreboard or assist column. There may be a player that averages nearly 20 points per game, but if they take half the team's shots, that's likely not healthy.

Each week the NCCAA provides a list of national statistical leaders for teams and individuals, as well as regional individual leaders. This week Northland placed fairly well on some of the national team stats (12th in offensive points per game, 15th in blocks, 3rd in steals, 15th in rebound margin, 10th in scoring margin, 12th in scoring defense).

However we were also well-represented in some national individual stats:

Lydia - 19th in 3-pt fg%, 5th in assists per game
Abbey - 11th in blocks per game
Ellie - 4th in steals per game

We also have some girls currently placing high in our regional stats (7 teams):

Abbey - 5th in points pg, 8th in fg %, 7th in 3pt fg%, 8th in rebounds pg, 5th in blocks pg, and 7th in steals
Tiffany - 6th in points pg, 6th in 3pt fg%, 5th in assists pg,
Ellie - 7th in points pg, 9th in fg %, 7th in ft%, 1st in steals
Lydia - 2nd in 3pt fg%, 3rd in ft%, 1st in assists pg

But perhaps the statistical leader I'm most proud of is Rebekah at 4th in the nation and 1st in our region in rebounds per game. This becomes impressive when you note that 9 of the top 10 rebounders in the nation are 6'0" or taller, while one player is 5'5"....yeah, our #14, Rebekah. I say it often, so the girls can finish it, but it's not how big you are, it's how big you play! Rebekah is averaging 11 rebounds per game by hard work, heart and attitude.

Again, we don't measure our success by statistics, but they can be a key indicator of where we need to work individually and as a team.