ISU

[pdxfan]

61-45. Not bad - if you disregard the first half. Katy Wade pulled down a spectacular ten rebounds and Nicole Jackson played a great defensive game. If we could play defense and rebound the way we did tonight for a full game, we could beat anyone in the BSC. It wouldn't matter if the threes weren't falling. They didn't tonight. Be interesting to see how we do against EWU.

 

[chrisweeks]

I don't know how spectacular the rebounds were, but Wade had her 9 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals in a mere 15 minutes. When someone is having that good a night, the coaches may want to play them more.

 

[pdxfan]

Wade played 15 minutes, Yankus 30. They both played well. You think it should have been more like an even split in time? Hard to say. Games aren't determined by making sure the minutes are even. Player combinations change from moment to moment. There are opposition match-ups to consider. Who's tired and who's not? Who's hitting free throws and who's not? And so on. I don't think I'd fault the coach on this.

 

[chrisweeks]

In the last three games, Wade has 22 rebounds, 21 points on 9 of 18 shooting, 7 blocks and played great defense in a total of 46 minutes. Yankus is also playing extremely well and leads the conference in shooting percentage. My major point is that they should be playing together more than they do. I would love to see a line-up of Faucher, Marchant, Yankus, Valentine and Wade for significant minutes. I think that would solve the rebounding problem. As Coach Frank Layden of the Utah Jazz once said," You can't coach height".

In addition, Murrell hit the nail on the head when she noted that PSU has a tendency to hoist up a 3 without working the ball and, often times, before the bigs even get down court. This took place at the beginning of both halves of the ISU game. PSU has some outstanding offensive rebounders and the last time I looked there is no 8 second clock. Nichole Jackson's contribution was, I think, that she played as a point guard and not as a two. The ISU coach noted that the major differences in the halves was that PSU started going inside and dominated rebounding. Although Jackson's stats were not impressive (with the exception of her 6 boards), she played a large roll in improving ball movement and team participation.

 

[freja]

I think you forgot Jones and her contribution....she is steady as a rock and sets a calm tone, never makes poor decisions with the ball, rarely turns it over and distributes as a PG; check her stats for the season. Additionally I am glad Murrell finally figured out that yacking up 3's is a habit this team has had for a long time, think I've said that a few times on this board! Jackson brings great energy but has some pretty errant passes...

 

[chrisweeks]

U are absolutely right...Jones is one of my favorite players. ..she struggles a little at times on defense but is a very important cog in the machine. One of her traits is that she doesn't ever seem to panic and plays with a confidence and calmness. She is beginning to drive to the basket more and more and will really come into her own next year with Clair leaving. I consider her the teams second best pure shooter and may be the best "true point guard". With the addition of VanBrocklin next year, I think PSU's guards are set for the next few years.

Losing Kate D. and Yankus is going to leave a few holes on the frontline. Unless PSU's freshman post can contribute immediately, the front line will be made up of Valentine, Wade, Creamer and Stephanie E. One or both of the latter two need to contribute in a significant way or the former had better be ready to play major minutes.

With respect to errant passes, I consider this a virus that concerns the entire team. Fortunately, it also affects psu's opponents.

 

[freja]

yes along with missed shots !! Well we have a lot to look forward to!

I am concerned about all the back to back games coming esp the 2 montana's. We will have a very hard time winning on the road when msu will only be playing one game (us)...they are a tough match up and I think out best bet is to do something college coaches are very reluctant to do and that is to "rest" the legs. Take a break from running a day or two before travelling on back to backs. Shoot, walk through, watch tape but SAVE THE LEGS. The evidence was there with Jackson last night...she has played the least minutes and had the legs to show for it (not to mention her natural quickness).

It is physiologically impossible to run run run day in and day out and do it effectively. Think overtrainning in running....try a new strategy, it will save your players and boost their confidence to get those wins on the road and not fail because of fatigue. It seems to be a common mistake made by many at this level, muscle fatigue, strain, micro tears and the ensuing inflammation will eventually catch up to players. my 2 cents. Just like you can't coach height, you can't get blood out of a turnip. I think it's just a smarter way to take care of your players, they won't lose muscle memory or forget how to play or how to run or how to defend by resting their bodies..I believe if the focus is maintained with mental work and easy shooting, they will surprise and benefit.