I’ve reviewed the game and there are a couple of quick observations that I’ll make. A little bit different write-up since I wasn't able to attend. Some would think that being involved in a close game to a mid-pack pick Western Illinois team is a bad thing. I don’t think so. This early in the season it is giving some young players the confidence they need to win the tough ones down the road. They are finding their way and this game showed several aspects of toughness being developed.
Observation 1- we have more players capable of hitting the three this year than in any time in recent memory. Key word – capable. I’m not painting this team as the queens of the 3 point line, but look at the list of options that you wouldn’t be afraid to go to – Williamson, Kidd, Prins, Pop, Hal, and if needed Emiah and Hagedorn.
Observation 2 – 28 assists on 31 field goals. That is a great statistic showing this team will share the ball. Emiah had ELEVEN assists to 3 turnovers. How many of us would take a nearly 4:1 ratio in that area? Sign me up.
Observation 3 – I’m being picky here, but seeing Pop with 3 fouls is still worrisome. Its part of her style of play, but Coach F. has often said we have to keep her in the game. She played 36 minutes which is great, but she has to keep working at this.
Observation 3a – Pop. What can you say? She joined the 1000 point club Sunday. That is elite status in our program. In ANY program. If you remember what she was like when she arrived at ISU she was a work in progress. But you know what? She is the epitomy of a work ethic. Kudos to you Pop. 23 points, 15 boards, 4 assists and another 3 pointer. Biggest stat in my opinion? 4-5 from the free throw line.
Observation 4 – I’m loving what I’m seeing from our freshman guards. Emiah needs to find her shot, but she handles the ball fairly well and then there were those 11 assists. Exciting things to come from her. Kidd. Not afraid to shoot the three and what is really nice is that she moves. She’s not a static 3 point shooter.
Observation 5 – Post play in general. All three of our bigs scored the majority of our points inside and out. Was kind of surprised that Ellis only had 7 minutes of playing time after her last game. Your guess is as good as mine as to why.
Observation 6 – Defense. This team will only go as far as its defensive effort will take it. Our offense comes from the defense. We play good transition ball. The first and second halves were clinics on what not to do and what to do. Night and day difference. This is a hallmark of Bill Fennelly ball.
This was another step in the early development of this Cyclone team. The veterans are leading the way as expected and the young guard court is learning the ropes in the absence of Moody. While it hurts Moody right now, it will pay dividends for Emiah and Kidd. Biggest change that I see needing to happen is for this team to come out focused and with intensity from the opening whistle. Another game next weekend and in this case it’s a double header with the men playing at 6pm. Great chance to come out and see some great basketball.
Observation 1- we have more players capable of hitting the three this year than in any time in recent memory. Key word – capable. I’m not painting this team as the queens of the 3 point line, but look at the list of options that you wouldn’t be afraid to go to – Williamson, Kidd, Prins, Pop, Hal, and if needed Emiah and Hagedorn.
Observation 2 – 28 assists on 31 field goals. That is a great statistic showing this team will share the ball. Emiah had ELEVEN assists to 3 turnovers. How many of us would take a nearly 4:1 ratio in that area? Sign me up.
Observation 3 – I’m being picky here, but seeing Pop with 3 fouls is still worrisome. Its part of her style of play, but Coach F. has often said we have to keep her in the game. She played 36 minutes which is great, but she has to keep working at this.
Observation 3a – Pop. What can you say? She joined the 1000 point club Sunday. That is elite status in our program. In ANY program. If you remember what she was like when she arrived at ISU she was a work in progress. But you know what? She is the epitomy of a work ethic. Kudos to you Pop. 23 points, 15 boards, 4 assists and another 3 pointer. Biggest stat in my opinion? 4-5 from the free throw line.
Observation 4 – I’m loving what I’m seeing from our freshman guards. Emiah needs to find her shot, but she handles the ball fairly well and then there were those 11 assists. Exciting things to come from her. Kidd. Not afraid to shoot the three and what is really nice is that she moves. She’s not a static 3 point shooter.
Observation 5 – Post play in general. All three of our bigs scored the majority of our points inside and out. Was kind of surprised that Ellis only had 7 minutes of playing time after her last game. Your guess is as good as mine as to why.
Observation 6 – Defense. This team will only go as far as its defensive effort will take it. Our offense comes from the defense. We play good transition ball. The first and second halves were clinics on what not to do and what to do. Night and day difference. This is a hallmark of Bill Fennelly ball.
This was another step in the early development of this Cyclone team. The veterans are leading the way as expected and the young guard court is learning the ropes in the absence of Moody. While it hurts Moody right now, it will pay dividends for Emiah and Kidd. Biggest change that I see needing to happen is for this team to come out focused and with intensity from the opening whistle. Another game next weekend and in this case it’s a double header with the men playing at 6pm. Great chance to come out and see some great basketball.
