Unlike the last two games this one perplexed me. The team the sisters was facing was obviously below average. The way the ladies performed just didn't impress me in too many ways. Seeing the team get dominated on the offensive glass (thankfully few second chance points) in the first half was disheartening. The tried and true zone that Coach F. has employed seemingly forever wasn't being executed well. Ladies were out of position. Open looks were being afforded. It was just a bit of a mess. So here goes...
As expected, Carlton just competes. Ten boards means she's hustling. Unfortunately, 3-14 shooting isn't one of her premiere days. She's one of those people you have to like because they find ways to contribute. While Burkhall didn't have a scoring game like her last time out I thought she still worked hard. Her defense was hit and miss, but 8 points and 7 boards is an ok outing. There were two ladies that did catch my attention today. First was Wise. She plays like a freshman, but man you can see glimpses of stardom in her. She made several great hustle plays today and I was impressed with her presence all over the court. Kennedy-Hopoate was another I really liked. She still need to find a way to get some of those shots to fall, but she was getting hacked and got to the line repeatedly. Her biggest bugaboo right now is rebounding. She needs to keep working on position and use her frame to clear space. I can't let one thing slip as many of you know. Way too many missed free throws today... as in hitting only 73%. Keep working ladies. This will make the difference in a game down the road.
I'm still left wondering a few things as I watch this team. Is Durr still hurting? Her contributions and minutes are down and I wonder where she is health-wise. Its obvious that coach is still working on trying to find a lineup that clicks. On the up side, lots of ladies are getting minutes throughout the game. A question I'd love to ask coach is about the ongoing "standing around the three point line." This team scores when its moving. I see way too much standing like there was an X on the court with each person's name on it. Finally, (and many of you have commented on this) when will our players get more aggressive on the boards?
For whatever reason, this game seemed like a "ho hum"affair with not enough focus. I hope the next tune up game before Christmas shows a team that comes out of the gate ready to play. We've yet to see that this year. Time is running out before the big dogs arrive. Bottom line, a win is a win (89-66) and the team has evened its record at 5-5. Keep moving in the right direction.
As expected, Carlton just competes. Ten boards means she's hustling. Unfortunately, 3-14 shooting isn't one of her premiere days. She's one of those people you have to like because they find ways to contribute. While Burkhall didn't have a scoring game like her last time out I thought she still worked hard. Her defense was hit and miss, but 8 points and 7 boards is an ok outing. There were two ladies that did catch my attention today. First was Wise. She plays like a freshman, but man you can see glimpses of stardom in her. She made several great hustle plays today and I was impressed with her presence all over the court. Kennedy-Hopoate was another I really liked. She still need to find a way to get some of those shots to fall, but she was getting hacked and got to the line repeatedly. Her biggest bugaboo right now is rebounding. She needs to keep working on position and use her frame to clear space. I can't let one thing slip as many of you know. Way too many missed free throws today... as in hitting only 73%. Keep working ladies. This will make the difference in a game down the road.
I'm still left wondering a few things as I watch this team. Is Durr still hurting? Her contributions and minutes are down and I wonder where she is health-wise. Its obvious that coach is still working on trying to find a lineup that clicks. On the up side, lots of ladies are getting minutes throughout the game. A question I'd love to ask coach is about the ongoing "standing around the three point line." This team scores when its moving. I see way too much standing like there was an X on the court with each person's name on it. Finally, (and many of you have commented on this) when will our players get more aggressive on the boards?
For whatever reason, this game seemed like a "ho hum"affair with not enough focus. I hope the next tune up game before Christmas shows a team that comes out of the gate ready to play. We've yet to see that this year. Time is running out before the big dogs arrive. Bottom line, a win is a win (89-66) and the team has evened its record at 5-5. Keep moving in the right direction.
