First of all, I felt Lauren did a fine job at the point; she handles the ball very well and seemed at ease on the court. Cole played a lot in the second half and showed that she has indeed improved over last season. But I think Lauren will be the starter. Secondly. K. Harris showed her shooting skills; I think she will be a fine two; she hit about four threes before missing. I like the way she gets her shot off--very quickly. As for the vets, if that term applies to sophs, both Amanda and Jessica did well after slow starts; Jess showed her speed to the bucket, and Z hit her shots and the boards very well in the second half. Finally, Minn. State was quite a bit better than the usual first-game-of-the-year victim; they could shoot from outside and were very disciplined.
notes on tonight's game
- Thread starter Kitkat
- Start date
I have to agree with you. Cole looks a lot stronger in the upper body than she did a year ago. Anna did get tired, but after going through being sick, she was fairly aggressive. I believe we saw the starting line up at the start of the 2nd half with Pop, Jess, Anna, Lauren and Kelsey B. although Harris could start too. I like the fact we have four post players who all have something to offer. Hallie is quick and a fighter, very aggressive, and she can shoot the three. With any line-up, everyone can score, so unlike last year when teams would leave Denae open, you can't do that this year, since all five on the floor can score. We'll see more on Sunday, can't wait.
I also thought the newcomers played great. ISU flirted with press on defense, I think we finally have the athletes to pull this off, and it would be nice to have if we need to use it.
Tonight definitely got me excited about the season. It went much smoother than I had originally thought and there were more than a few bright spots.
Anyone who picked up the keyrings/wallet card of the schedules, any reason why the game at home for the girls against Kansas State isn't on the wallet card? I'm guessing just a simple mistake.
Great start for the girls, guys' turn tomorrow!
Anyone who picked up the keyrings/wallet card of the schedules, any reason why the game at home for the girls against Kansas State isn't on the wallet card? I'm guessing just a simple mistake.
Great start for the girls, guys' turn tomorrow!
It wasn't bad, Little Clone Club was sparse, but that is normal for a school night. There were a lot of seats on the west end above the band that were empty. I believe part of that section is for faculty/staff season ticket holders. It was an exhibition game on a Thursday night, what do people want 10k? We'll see what Sunday is like with an afternoon game.
I think we will be in very good shape this year. Dangerous to put to much into one exhibition game, but regardless here are my thoughts.
Mansfield is very heady player, quick and good team leader. She may not have the driving ability of Aus, but few do. Lauren has a good outside shot, maybe not Aus or Harris, but defense won't be able to sag. You can tell that when the shot clock is winding down she wants the ball in her hands and expects to make something happen.
Harris really surprised me. When she signed they talked about her being one of best three point shooters in California and she didn't disappoint. She is more athletic than I expected and has a knack for getting to the right spot in passing lanes and for long rebounds. On most of her threes last night I wasn't even sure if the net moved. If she consistently shoots like that teams will be forced to game plan for her.
The biggest surprise of the night for me was Hallie C., she is going to be fun to watch over the next four years. Coming into the season I thought it would be hard for her to find minutes, but if she keeps progressing she will be really pushing for meaningful time.
Anna Prins looked soft tonight and a step slow, but coming back from pneumonia I guess that is to be expected. I have no worries that she will be back to herself in a couple weeks. Amanda Zimmerman had a rough first half I thought, but finally in the second half I began to see the Zimmerman I thought we would see since she was a freshman at Huxley. I hope she can continue to put it together because she can be a powerful player for us if she does.
Between Lauren and Chassidy Cole, we have a better than average point guard and a solid back up who will push Lauren every week.
Elly A., the late addition ( I believe walk on) is the smallest player I have ever seen on ISU team. Listed at 5 6", but I would be surprised if she is touches 5' 4". She is deep on the bench, and will be a fan favorite I suspect.
Darcy **** played a solid game as well, nothing flashy, but seemed to be making good decisions, have adequate athletic ability and a nose for the ball. I think she will be a steady player who will see some minutes this year as well.
Oh, and Pop was Pop, nothing seemed to different in her game, including her one handed free throw.
As season gets underway think you will see line up as follows:
Mansfield
Harris
Bolte
Poppens
Prins
Cole - backing up Mansfield and Harris (depending on matchups)
**** - backing up Harris
Schroll - backing up Harris & Bolte
Zimmerman - backing up Pop & Prins
Christopherson - backing up Prins
Mansfield is very heady player, quick and good team leader. She may not have the driving ability of Aus, but few do. Lauren has a good outside shot, maybe not Aus or Harris, but defense won't be able to sag. You can tell that when the shot clock is winding down she wants the ball in her hands and expects to make something happen.
Harris really surprised me. When she signed they talked about her being one of best three point shooters in California and she didn't disappoint. She is more athletic than I expected and has a knack for getting to the right spot in passing lanes and for long rebounds. On most of her threes last night I wasn't even sure if the net moved. If she consistently shoots like that teams will be forced to game plan for her.
The biggest surprise of the night for me was Hallie C., she is going to be fun to watch over the next four years. Coming into the season I thought it would be hard for her to find minutes, but if she keeps progressing she will be really pushing for meaningful time.
Anna Prins looked soft tonight and a step slow, but coming back from pneumonia I guess that is to be expected. I have no worries that she will be back to herself in a couple weeks. Amanda Zimmerman had a rough first half I thought, but finally in the second half I began to see the Zimmerman I thought we would see since she was a freshman at Huxley. I hope she can continue to put it together because she can be a powerful player for us if she does.
Between Lauren and Chassidy Cole, we have a better than average point guard and a solid back up who will push Lauren every week.
Elly A., the late addition ( I believe walk on) is the smallest player I have ever seen on ISU team. Listed at 5 6", but I would be surprised if she is touches 5' 4". She is deep on the bench, and will be a fan favorite I suspect.
Darcy **** played a solid game as well, nothing flashy, but seemed to be making good decisions, have adequate athletic ability and a nose for the ball. I think she will be a steady player who will see some minutes this year as well.
Oh, and Pop was Pop, nothing seemed to different in her game, including her one handed free throw.
As season gets underway think you will see line up as follows:
Mansfield
Harris
Bolte
Poppens
Prins
Cole - backing up Mansfield and Harris (depending on matchups)
**** - backing up Harris
Schroll - backing up Harris & Bolte
Zimmerman - backing up Pop & Prins
Christopherson - backing up Prins
I think it's still a toss-up between Harris and Schroll for the starting 2G spot, but whichever one doesn't start will see plenty of playing time off the bench.
Regarding short players, Tegan Stuart (04-05 season) and Sarah Robson (97-01) were also listed at 5'6". Cris Shelton (96-97 season) was the last ISU player listed shorter than that at 5'4". I don't remember a lot about Stuart, but I think Robson appeared to be a legit 5'6". She was a walk-on (until she got a scholarship her senior season) and was a fan favorite, so Arganbright might be the second coming of Robson.
IIRC, Robson was fond of shouting "Ball! Ball! Ball! Ball!" over and over when the player she was guarding had the ball. I don't know if she was just trying to get into the head of her opponent or just being a vocal teammate on defense.
Regarding short players, Tegan Stuart (04-05 season) and Sarah Robson (97-01) were also listed at 5'6". Cris Shelton (96-97 season) was the last ISU player listed shorter than that at 5'4". I don't remember a lot about Stuart, but I think Robson appeared to be a legit 5'6". She was a walk-on (until she got a scholarship her senior season) and was a fan favorite, so Arganbright might be the second coming of Robson.
IIRC, Robson was fond of shouting "Ball! Ball! Ball! Ball!" over and over when the player she was guarding had the ball. I don't know if she was just trying to get into the head of her opponent or just being a vocal teammate on defense.
I too was very pleased with Harris. If she continues to shoot/play like she did last night - Jess will not be starting. Harris has a quick release and shoots with confidence. When we get to the B12, everyone will be switching all screens to keep KH and KB from shooting in rhythm.
I am a little concerned about the overall size of the guard court - we may have the most diminutive group I have seen in the B12. We may end up playing more zone to compensate.
A big part of what makes the press viable is Hallie's length and quickness. She plays almost as hard as Pop - but obviously not as physical.
We are NOT as athletic as we looked against a DII school, but the coaches will have, as usual, game plans to account for our strengths and weaknesses.
Some of our post player's weaknesses continue to show and don't need to be elaborated upon here - the coaches will continue to work on them.
I was very pleased with Mansfield's overall play, but am concerned that B12 coaches will guard her with longer players who will limit her passing angles.
I am a little concerned about the overall size of the guard court - we may have the most diminutive group I have seen in the B12. We may end up playing more zone to compensate.
A big part of what makes the press viable is Hallie's length and quickness. She plays almost as hard as Pop - but obviously not as physical.
We are NOT as athletic as we looked against a DII school, but the coaches will have, as usual, game plans to account for our strengths and weaknesses.
Some of our post player's weaknesses continue to show and don't need to be elaborated upon here - the coaches will continue to work on them.
I was very pleased with Mansfield's overall play, but am concerned that B12 coaches will guard her with longer players who will limit her passing angles.
Tegan was lucky to be 5'3". What a great 3 sport athlete though.
I must have been watching a different game at times last nite.
I thought that my 3 stars would have been Aus2, Kelsey Harris and then Z. (I have to admit that I am not a Z fan. CPop is the #1 for me) I thought Z worked her way out of the doghouse and played a very good all around 2nd half with rebounding and shooting. Anna got long minutes to try and get her back in shape and she was just ok.
Cole I thought could really improve. She does look bigger and when she did drive it was much better than her shooting. Her outside shot was horrible. Lauren really shot the ball well and even playing the 2 she looked good. Her energy is really going to help.
Hallie will be fun. I know the game speeded up for her in the second half and she didn't make good decisions a couple times in the lane but her length and her motor will be just like CPop and Jess. Jess will really be a slasher by next year as she keeps working on her jumpshot.
I think, unless it is the new floor, that our spacing on offense is just a couple steps bigger from the perimeter players into the post which seemed to open up some better entry looks and then stepping back from the elbow for some 3's.
Like BF says, they have not stars or great players but gals that have the effort and the heart!
I enjoyed last nights game. Minn. St. was much tougher than your usual exhibition opponent. My players of the game were Mans, Harris, and Pop. I liked the way that Mans. directed the offense and controlled the speed and tempo. I was surprised that she has a good 3 pt shot. Other teams will not be able to sag in on our posts this year. I had seen Harris play last summer in a tournament and knew what she would bring to the table. I agree with another post that I don't think that the net moved on her first three 3 pt. shots. Her speed and defense has improved a little over the summer and I think she is our #2 starter without a doubt. Pop played her game but with a little more aggressiveness if that is possible. If and when Anna gets back to full strength they are going to be a force inside for us this season.
This team seems to be more well balanced than last years squad in the fact that we have more scorers and more speed. I will miss Denae's in your face D but I think that Jess can be the stopper off the bench like D. was in her first couple years with us. All in all it was a good first game and I will be there Sunday to see what new tweets that BF has in store for us.
By the way, about the crowd, Stanford would kill for 9,000 people at a home conference game. This was an exhibition on a school night. Other than they were a little quiet... I thought it was a good turnout.
This team seems to be more well balanced than last years squad in the fact that we have more scorers and more speed. I will miss Denae's in your face D but I think that Jess can be the stopper off the bench like D. was in her first couple years with us. All in all it was a good first game and I will be there Sunday to see what new tweets that BF has in store for us.
By the way, about the crowd, Stanford would kill for 9,000 people at a home conference game. This was an exhibition on a school night. Other than they were a little quiet... I thought it was a good turnout.
I have read all the posts on this thread with great interest, and here is what I think I have learned. First, we have a lot of depth, usable depth and not just bench warmers. I am a bit surprised, although happily so, because we only have eleven players. Second, we may have more overall speed/quickness than we have had in a while, which may allow us, as a couple of posts noted, to employ a press effectively when needed.
I think Jess will start over Harris, but Harris, Hallie and Z will get almost starters minutes. Harris should ably take over Bolte's spot next year. This team could be as versatile as any BF has had, the newcomers all seem to have quickness, athleticism and intelligence. Should be interesting to hear his comments at Monday lunch. He always is a bit more forthcoming than on the radio
My impression on the game last night:
First of Mansfield and Hallie really, really, impressed me!
Hallie with her quick release on her 3pt shot! Wow.
Mansfield with her 7 assist! I think once she gets use to playing in D1 level she'll be great.
I think our starters will be..
Mansfield
Harris/Schroll
Bolte
Pop
Prins
I am not sure about G2 spot yet. I think Kelsey is definitely shower potential of being a starter, but Schroll is good. It will be fun to see who gets it.
I was happy with Z's performance in the second half.
I think our bench depth is quite amazing! Even when Elly got out there, she showed potential for only being a walk on to start out with. Glad to see her getting the full scholarship and making points.
I think with Mansfield and Cole blended together we get an Aus. With Cole being able to drive to the basket, and Mansfield with her assist. I think when the season progresses we might have a few really good point guards.
I am excited for this season. I think the big 12 will be surprised.
First of Mansfield and Hallie really, really, impressed me!
Hallie with her quick release on her 3pt shot! Wow.
Mansfield with her 7 assist! I think once she gets use to playing in D1 level she'll be great.
I think our starters will be..
Mansfield
Harris/Schroll
Bolte
Pop
Prins
I am not sure about G2 spot yet. I think Kelsey is definitely shower potential of being a starter, but Schroll is good. It will be fun to see who gets it.
I was happy with Z's performance in the second half.
I think our bench depth is quite amazing!
Even when Elly got out there, she showed potential for only being a walk on to start out with. Glad to see her getting the full scholarship and making points. I think with Mansfield and Cole blended together we get an Aus. With Cole being able to drive to the basket, and Mansfield with her assist. I think when the season progresses we might have a few really good point guards.
I am excited for this season. I think the big 12 will be surprised.
- Mar 23, 2006
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Just finished watching the game replay on CloneZone, I really liked what I saw out of Mansfield and Harris. Harris was touted as being a great shooter and she showed that she has a nice touch and release.
And I agree with JCloned, little Elly Arganbright will most likely become a fan favorite off the end of the bench.
Glad to see the Sisters hitting their threes and running the court. Should be another fun season.
And I agree with JCloned, little Elly Arganbright will most likely become a fan favorite off the end of the bench.
Glad to see the Sisters hitting their threes and running the court. Should be another fun season.