After 8 long months, the NIU Lady Pioneers return to the court this afternoon for the first of two tryout practices. There are a lot of unanswered questions coming into the season, but also a lot of anticipation. I look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for this group during the 2011-12 season. I'm excited to have senior Brooke Byard and sophomore Kate Matthai serving as captains this season. We are working through some details regarding their leadership, theme for the season, and other logistics. Our first game is five weeks from tomorrow!
Check out the season schedule here.
Also, be sure to click on the link on the sidebar to follow us on twitter for practice, travel and especially game updates.
Thanks for reading.
Coach Whitt
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Post-season Honors
Just wanted to make it official that freshman guard Kate Matthai was selected by the coaches in the Midwest region as a member of the All-region team. Kate was the only freshman selected to this team this year. She was second in the region in scoring (16.2 points per game), as well as averaged 4.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2 steals per game. She accomplished this despite playing the final 5 games with a broken hand.
We were also excited that Abi Sexton and Miranda Smith were also recognized as National Scholar Athletes. This award goes to upperclassmen lettering in their sport while maintaining at least a 3.4 GPA. They will receive their certificates later in the semester.
We were also excited that Abi Sexton and Miranda Smith were also recognized as National Scholar Athletes. This award goes to upperclassmen lettering in their sport while maintaining at least a 3.4 GPA. They will receive their certificates later in the semester.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Season comes to an end
The longer I do this the faster the season seems to go. I apologize for not keeping up with the blog regularly this season. There were a number of factors, not the least of which is it was difficult to find different ways to say the same thing. So, at Christmas break I thought I would postpone the blog until the season ended.
We finished 1-24. That's not a typo...1-24. Bottom line is we had season-ending injuries early, and a lack of experience on the floor throughout the season. That's the easy, basketball answer. But there is so much more to this season and team. In fact, I'm going to say something that you will likely struggle to believe - I didn't want this season to end. Here's why.
From the middle of November when we were rendered short-handed and inexperienced, this team has come to practice and worked as hard as any team I've been around. They got a little better from Nov to Dec, but got drastically better from Jan to Feb. This team loved each other and really trusted me and K-Mo. They were absolutely a joy to coach and made this season so memorable and enjoyable. I really wanted to get another win down the stretch....but honestly, not for me....for them.
Anyway, so thankful for each of the 11 players, support staff, and Coach Moses. Abi and Miranda are graduating seniors that played their first season with us. Both have played soccer for Northland for 4 years, and finally gave in to my begging! Miranda improved more than any player, and Abi, while joining in Dec., provided some stability for us on and off the court. Becky is a senior, playing her third year for the Lady Pioneers. She was her normal force on the boards throughout the year (averaging almost 10 rebounds per game), but she really stepped up the final 7 games of the season averaging a double-double. Brooke jumped from a bench role to team captain and starter, and became our primary outside threat. Rachel M. moved from stats to a playing role in Jan., and filled a void for us defensively and with her on-floor communication. The Lord brought two freshmen, Kate and Becca, to us that really had great first seasons. Becca played steady all year, ending with a 10-rebound average, while Kate earned All-Region honors while finishing as our team's leading scorer despite breaking a finger with 7 games left. We also had Bethany, Chelsea, Rachel W., and Jenni filling in roles off the bench.
Sara filled in after her injury to finish the season doing stats, while I'm sure Hannah was the All-region manager! She gave me such peace of mind on trips and at practice. And of course it was great to work with a great friend again, K-Mo.
I will write more at a later time, but wanted to let the 2010-11 Lady Pioneers know how much I love them and am so proud of their character and effort this season. Trust.
Coach
We finished 1-24. That's not a typo...1-24. Bottom line is we had season-ending injuries early, and a lack of experience on the floor throughout the season. That's the easy, basketball answer. But there is so much more to this season and team. In fact, I'm going to say something that you will likely struggle to believe - I didn't want this season to end. Here's why.
From the middle of November when we were rendered short-handed and inexperienced, this team has come to practice and worked as hard as any team I've been around. They got a little better from Nov to Dec, but got drastically better from Jan to Feb. This team loved each other and really trusted me and K-Mo. They were absolutely a joy to coach and made this season so memorable and enjoyable. I really wanted to get another win down the stretch....but honestly, not for me....for them.
Anyway, so thankful for each of the 11 players, support staff, and Coach Moses. Abi and Miranda are graduating seniors that played their first season with us. Both have played soccer for Northland for 4 years, and finally gave in to my begging! Miranda improved more than any player, and Abi, while joining in Dec., provided some stability for us on and off the court. Becky is a senior, playing her third year for the Lady Pioneers. She was her normal force on the boards throughout the year (averaging almost 10 rebounds per game), but she really stepped up the final 7 games of the season averaging a double-double. Brooke jumped from a bench role to team captain and starter, and became our primary outside threat. Rachel M. moved from stats to a playing role in Jan., and filled a void for us defensively and with her on-floor communication. The Lord brought two freshmen, Kate and Becca, to us that really had great first seasons. Becca played steady all year, ending with a 10-rebound average, while Kate earned All-Region honors while finishing as our team's leading scorer despite breaking a finger with 7 games left. We also had Bethany, Chelsea, Rachel W., and Jenni filling in roles off the bench.
Sara filled in after her injury to finish the season doing stats, while I'm sure Hannah was the All-region manager! She gave me such peace of mind on trips and at practice. And of course it was great to work with a great friend again, K-Mo.
I will write more at a later time, but wanted to let the 2010-11 Lady Pioneers know how much I love them and am so proud of their character and effort this season. Trust.
Coach
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
National and Regional Stat Leaders
Well, despite our 1-6 start, I thought I would share some encouraging team and individual efforts so far this season.
From a team standpoint, we rank in the top 10 in the nation in the following categories:
Defense points allowed per game (5th) 58.6 points
Opponents fg% (7th) 36.7%
Opponents 3pt fg% (8th) 29%
We also have some players among the national/regional statistical leaders:
Kate - scoring (9th /2nd ) 16.4 points per game; assists (16th/6th) 3.6 per game; steals (17th/5th) 2.7 per game
Rebecca – rebounds (4th/3rd) 11.6 rebounds per game; blocks (nr/9th) .4 blocks per game;
Becky – rebounds (17th/8th) 8.6 rebounds per game
Miranda – steals (nr/8th) 2.3 steals per game
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Heading into Christmas Break
As most of you know, this has been a first semester of injuries and youth for the Lady Pioneer basketball team. With two starters and all-region players from last year's team, as well as another returner, out for the season with injuries, we are enduring the process of learning and growing together as a team with only two players that were members of the team last year.
Our first semester came to an end Friday night with a 67-50 loss to Grace Bible College. On the surface, it looks like another double-digit loss to send us to a 1-6 record. However, for me, the team, and the great crowd in attendance, it was easy to see much improvement from our past few games. We played with confidence, purpose, and passion from the opening tip. Players are learning and contributing in their roles better, and it's easy to see that this team is improving and enjoying playing together.
We trailed by 3 with about 90 seconds in the first half, gave up a 3, missed a shot, and then gave up two free throws on a 50-50 call that could have been a charge on a Grace player. We then missed a lay-up at the buzzer to trail 33-25 at the half. We turned it over on our first two possessions for easy lay-ups for them to start the second half, and we go from being down three to down 12 in about 2 1/2 minutes of game time. While our team is improving, we're not good enough to overcome multi-possession lapses. They stretched the lead to 20 before we got very confident and went on a run to close the gap to 8 with five minutes remaining. But Grace slowed it down, got quality shots, and pulled away at the end.
Kate led us in scoring with 15 points. She also had 5 assists and 2 steals. While 6 turnovers is a lot, it's not bad considering she played all 40 minutes with the ball in her hands. Brooke added 14 points, including 3 for 3 from the 3pt line, and had 4 assists. Rebecca scored 11 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. I was probably most excited about her going 5 of 6 from the ft line.
I haven't written about it yet, but we're glad to have senior Abi Sexton join the team. In addition to her being a solid athlete and someone who has already contributed on the floor, she is a great example and blessing of leadership for this young team.
Anyway, we're off for a month before hitting the court again. I think the break is great for the girls, especially the majority of which played other sports in early fall. Thanks for your prayers!
Trust.
Our first semester came to an end Friday night with a 67-50 loss to Grace Bible College. On the surface, it looks like another double-digit loss to send us to a 1-6 record. However, for me, the team, and the great crowd in attendance, it was easy to see much improvement from our past few games. We played with confidence, purpose, and passion from the opening tip. Players are learning and contributing in their roles better, and it's easy to see that this team is improving and enjoying playing together.
We trailed by 3 with about 90 seconds in the first half, gave up a 3, missed a shot, and then gave up two free throws on a 50-50 call that could have been a charge on a Grace player. We then missed a lay-up at the buzzer to trail 33-25 at the half. We turned it over on our first two possessions for easy lay-ups for them to start the second half, and we go from being down three to down 12 in about 2 1/2 minutes of game time. While our team is improving, we're not good enough to overcome multi-possession lapses. They stretched the lead to 20 before we got very confident and went on a run to close the gap to 8 with five minutes remaining. But Grace slowed it down, got quality shots, and pulled away at the end.
Kate led us in scoring with 15 points. She also had 5 assists and 2 steals. While 6 turnovers is a lot, it's not bad considering she played all 40 minutes with the ball in her hands. Brooke added 14 points, including 3 for 3 from the 3pt line, and had 4 assists. Rebecca scored 11 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. I was probably most excited about her going 5 of 6 from the ft line.
I haven't written about it yet, but we're glad to have senior Abi Sexton join the team. In addition to her being a solid athlete and someone who has already contributed on the floor, she is a great example and blessing of leadership for this young team.
Anyway, we're off for a month before hitting the court again. I think the break is great for the girls, especially the majority of which played other sports in early fall. Thanks for your prayers!
Trust.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Another tough loss
The title may be a little misleading, because the way I see it there are no "easy" losses. I view this one as tough in light of having a real opportunity to compete and win, and falling short. You probably know by now that not having some players I was counting on in the preseason as well as some injuries have left us a little depleted. The girls have battled hard and given every ounce of effort in the games since losing Ellie and Sara, but effort and hard work are not enough.
We played a physical and aggressive Silver Lake team that always proves to be a good challenge. I honestly can't remember the last time we lost to them, but at the same time, only remember one comfortable win. We started slowly again, offensively and defensively, and could never recover. We trailed by as many as 15 in the first half, cut it to 7, but ended up trailing 27-16 at the break.
The second half started with a little more promise, but we hit a dry spell where the lead was pushed deep into double digits again. We were able to cut it to 6 with about four minutes remaining, but our starters were out of gas and unable to make needed shots down the stretch and we lost 59-46.
Kate led us in scoring again with 19, but we probably need to get her driving and dishing to get more girls involved in the offense. At the same time, she's doing what competitors do when faced with adversity, and trying to carry the team. Rebecca had a great game for us, and I'm looking for better and better things from her as the season progresses. She scored 14 and grabbed 16 rebounds while dishing 4 assists. These two freshman are a wonderful foundation to some good days ahead for the Lady Pioneers. Brooke struggled finding her shot, scoring 7, but had 5 assists to help the team. Overall we out-rebounded an opponent for the first time this year (36-33), but the shooting percentages have got to increase for us to have success. Our struggle at the FT line are also hindering us from being successful.
Again, when you realize that of the 9 healthy players we have on the roster, only 2 played last year, we're still in the "hello my name is" stage on the court at times. Repetition, court time, and trust will continue to weave this group into a team. I already love this group and their character. Having a great time teaching.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Trust.
We played a physical and aggressive Silver Lake team that always proves to be a good challenge. I honestly can't remember the last time we lost to them, but at the same time, only remember one comfortable win. We started slowly again, offensively and defensively, and could never recover. We trailed by as many as 15 in the first half, cut it to 7, but ended up trailing 27-16 at the break.
The second half started with a little more promise, but we hit a dry spell where the lead was pushed deep into double digits again. We were able to cut it to 6 with about four minutes remaining, but our starters were out of gas and unable to make needed shots down the stretch and we lost 59-46.
Kate led us in scoring again with 19, but we probably need to get her driving and dishing to get more girls involved in the offense. At the same time, she's doing what competitors do when faced with adversity, and trying to carry the team. Rebecca had a great game for us, and I'm looking for better and better things from her as the season progresses. She scored 14 and grabbed 16 rebounds while dishing 4 assists. These two freshman are a wonderful foundation to some good days ahead for the Lady Pioneers. Brooke struggled finding her shot, scoring 7, but had 5 assists to help the team. Overall we out-rebounded an opponent for the first time this year (36-33), but the shooting percentages have got to increase for us to have success. Our struggle at the FT line are also hindering us from being successful.
Again, when you realize that of the 9 healthy players we have on the roster, only 2 played last year, we're still in the "hello my name is" stage on the court at times. Repetition, court time, and trust will continue to weave this group into a team. I already love this group and their character. Having a great time teaching.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Trust.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Chicago Trip - a challenging weekend
One of the things we always enjoy is traveling together as a team. Chicago is one of our favorite cities, so we were excited when we had the opportunity to travel to Moody Bible Institute for three games in three days. The only disappointing thing is the timing - I have to miss the Northland High School Invitational Basketball Tournament and seeing so many basketball campers that were here to play this year. Congrats to the girls from Eagle Heights Christian School and Coach Kerri Barra for winning the championship. Wish we could have been here to see all of our friends from Camp play.
Our first game Thursday night was against the traditional power from the Eastern region, Philadelphia Biblical University. They are a well-coached team by my good friend Drew Watson. The game was extremely physical and a different style from our first game here against Andrews where we shot 37 free throws. Against PBU, despite the physical nature, we only shot 13 free throws. The game was back and forth for the first eight minutes, and then PBU stretched out to an seven-point lead that we trimmed to a 23-27 deficit at the half. We talked in the locker room about the need for coming out and setting the tempo the first five minutes of the second, but didn't follow through and saw PBU outscore us 11-2 in that span and never look back. We trimmed the lead to six with four minutes left, but could never get it closer, falling 58-47. Ellie led us in scoring with 19, and Kate added 12. Rebecca did a phenomenal job on the boards, collecting 12 rebounds. Overall though, it was the offensive rebounds and poor shooting that did us in.
On Friday afternoon we faced Lincoln Christian University. The team warmed up well and seemed excited to get on the floor. LCU scored on the first possession of the game. We pushed after the inbounds, found Ellie on the left wing, and she attacked the rim. She went down in a crowd with a knee injury and didn't return. Pray for her and her family as they get additional evaluations this week while home. It's always tough to see a teammate injured, especially your captain and best player. I had this experience last February with Ellie's sister, Lydia. You don't know how the girls will react. As in February, I was so encouraged with the heart and effort as the girls played hard, smart, and confident, sprinting to a 31-18 halftime lead, leading by as many as 27 in the second, and winning 61-43. It's difficult to single anyone out for their work because everyone rallied. Kate led us with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. Miranda stepped up in a big way, shooting 7/8 from the field to score 14 points and made 9 steals. Brooke scored 11 points and had 5 steals. Becky led us with 7 rebounds. After the game we spent a couple of hours downtown Friday night enjoying the shopping and eating on Michigan Ave.
For a number of reasons we were not mentally prepared for Saturday's game against Emmaus Bible College. Ellie's injury, some team sickness, and Kate receiving word of a high school classmate passing away the day before left us very distracted. Emmaus proved to be more prepared than we were, jumping out early and leading 24-21 at half. We came out to begin the second half and pulled even in the first five minutes, and spent the next 6 or 8 minutes building a 10 point lead with 8 minutes left. It was during this stretch that Sara went down with a knee injury and had to be carried form the floor. Please pray for her and her family as well this week. I really think that was about as much as our girls could take, and Emmaus began executing well offensively, we rushed shots, and before we knew what happened we had dropped the game 53-50. I give all the credit to Justin Smith and his team. No team plays any harder than they do, and they reminded us that games are 40 minutes, not 32. Kate led us with 21 points and Brooke added 10. Rebecca grabbed 15 rebounds in the loss that dropped us to 1-3, and more importantly, 9 healthy players.
Because the Lord's ways are perfect, on Friday morning (prior to Ellie's injury) we studied about the admonition to live and play for something bigger than ourselves, not knowing when the ability will be taken from us. The spirit and teachability of this group is unmatched, and I pray the Lord will do His work in our lives as we go through this difficult first semester schedule while thinking about our injured teammates.
We play Silver Lake College on Tuesday night at 5:30. If you're in the area please come by. If not, I'm fairly certain it will be webcast live. Stay tuned to the Northland International University facebook page or twitter account (northlandyou) for webcasting instructions.
Thanks as always for praying for yes. We are excited to see what God is going to do with our team this season!
Our first game Thursday night was against the traditional power from the Eastern region, Philadelphia Biblical University. They are a well-coached team by my good friend Drew Watson. The game was extremely physical and a different style from our first game here against Andrews where we shot 37 free throws. Against PBU, despite the physical nature, we only shot 13 free throws. The game was back and forth for the first eight minutes, and then PBU stretched out to an seven-point lead that we trimmed to a 23-27 deficit at the half. We talked in the locker room about the need for coming out and setting the tempo the first five minutes of the second, but didn't follow through and saw PBU outscore us 11-2 in that span and never look back. We trimmed the lead to six with four minutes left, but could never get it closer, falling 58-47. Ellie led us in scoring with 19, and Kate added 12. Rebecca did a phenomenal job on the boards, collecting 12 rebounds. Overall though, it was the offensive rebounds and poor shooting that did us in.
On Friday afternoon we faced Lincoln Christian University. The team warmed up well and seemed excited to get on the floor. LCU scored on the first possession of the game. We pushed after the inbounds, found Ellie on the left wing, and she attacked the rim. She went down in a crowd with a knee injury and didn't return. Pray for her and her family as they get additional evaluations this week while home. It's always tough to see a teammate injured, especially your captain and best player. I had this experience last February with Ellie's sister, Lydia. You don't know how the girls will react. As in February, I was so encouraged with the heart and effort as the girls played hard, smart, and confident, sprinting to a 31-18 halftime lead, leading by as many as 27 in the second, and winning 61-43. It's difficult to single anyone out for their work because everyone rallied. Kate led us with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. Miranda stepped up in a big way, shooting 7/8 from the field to score 14 points and made 9 steals. Brooke scored 11 points and had 5 steals. Becky led us with 7 rebounds. After the game we spent a couple of hours downtown Friday night enjoying the shopping and eating on Michigan Ave.
For a number of reasons we were not mentally prepared for Saturday's game against Emmaus Bible College. Ellie's injury, some team sickness, and Kate receiving word of a high school classmate passing away the day before left us very distracted. Emmaus proved to be more prepared than we were, jumping out early and leading 24-21 at half. We came out to begin the second half and pulled even in the first five minutes, and spent the next 6 or 8 minutes building a 10 point lead with 8 minutes left. It was during this stretch that Sara went down with a knee injury and had to be carried form the floor. Please pray for her and her family as well this week. I really think that was about as much as our girls could take, and Emmaus began executing well offensively, we rushed shots, and before we knew what happened we had dropped the game 53-50. I give all the credit to Justin Smith and his team. No team plays any harder than they do, and they reminded us that games are 40 minutes, not 32. Kate led us with 21 points and Brooke added 10. Rebecca grabbed 15 rebounds in the loss that dropped us to 1-3, and more importantly, 9 healthy players.
Because the Lord's ways are perfect, on Friday morning (prior to Ellie's injury) we studied about the admonition to live and play for something bigger than ourselves, not knowing when the ability will be taken from us. The spirit and teachability of this group is unmatched, and I pray the Lord will do His work in our lives as we go through this difficult first semester schedule while thinking about our injured teammates.
We play Silver Lake College on Tuesday night at 5:30. If you're in the area please come by. If not, I'm fairly certain it will be webcast live. Stay tuned to the Northland International University facebook page or twitter account (northlandyou) for webcasting instructions.
Thanks as always for praying for yes. We are excited to see what God is going to do with our team this season!
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