WBB: Old Dominion Athletic Conference

[dukeofargyle]

True; apparently at at the time I checked the standings, they had not yet updated the ODAC website with the RMC win over VW.

Tremendous defensive game for RMC.... As we all know - it's defense that wins championships.

[Bammer]

Solid win for the Generals.  Just took care of business against a team they should beat and did.  Such a young team that keeps getting more consistent and improving.  The team chemistry is just improving game by game.  Herman and Bolton are so strong inside and Ingram is such an offensive threat.  They are playing off each other well.  Long is really contributing valuable minutes.  It should be interesting the second time through the league.  RMU will be tough and I suspect they do not really respect the Generals yet but the game at RMU should tell a lot.

[eaglejacket1421]

"BTW, Welcome to the bandwagon, eaglejacket."

It's a little crowded on the bandwagon, but I'll see if I can find a spot. My feet are still dangling off the side though - for whatever reason, I just can't seem to throw all of my eggs in the Generals' basket. Not this year at least. With their youth, I'd put my money on them in a couple of years - but then again, when you're young it's tough being intimidated by teams you haven't played, or don't have horror stories about. There is no such thing as a "big dog" when you're new to the ODAC. Coach King has done a great job shielding the young players from all the hype surrounding the marquee games. She's also done a great job molding young players to perform at a very high, veteran level. Many kudos her way.

This team could very well play the role that Bridgewater played last year - tournament sleeper surprise. Do I think this team has a chance at sliding into a NCAA tournament bid? Absolutely. Do I think that would be the best for the ODAC? Probably not. Last year is a prime example. BC made a humongous late season run- took home the ODAC Tournament trophy and then lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament to a sub-par team- at least at the national level. Not to take anything away from their run - I love Cinderella stories and Jean Willi has a knack of finding herself playing that role - most notably the Sweet 16 run when Katy Herr was floor general. But unless the "Cinderella" team goes deep into the tournament, it doesn't help the ODAC overall. Now say W&L seals the upset and goes two rounds deep in the Big Dance - I'd say it was an tremendous step in the right direction, and their youth turns into a positive because then we have many successful years to come. I realize that's a lot of "ifs & buts" - then again, what is this board for?

Many challenges lie directly ahead for W&L - Bammer, I wouldn't count VWC out just yet. You definitely don't want to look ahead too far to RMC. The Generals still have to steamroll their way through Southern Virginia, Guilford, Lynchburg, Randolph, Emory and Henry, AND VWC before making it into Ashland. Carrol LaHaye and her Yellow Jackets give respect when respect is due. Make it through that bee's nest with all W's rolling into Crenshaw, and the Generals will be welcomed with much earned respect.

[hasanova]

RMC tops VW 79-55 at their house; these 2 teams now tied for second place in the ODAC.

Actually, Roanoke and RMC are tied at 1st with 9-2 records. VWC drops to 2nd at 8-3.

Actually, then, VWC would be 3rd.

[Bammer]

To intimidate a team you need to have a pressure defense, an unstoppable offensive team or person or vastly superior talent in my opinion.  While there seems to be a pecking order in the ODAC, I have not seen the intimidation factor.  From a talent level, the Generals seem to be in the ball park with the rest of the league.  Injuries could really hurt this team as it could any team.  This has been a good year but I think this team has yet to come close to reaching its potential.

[whitecaylxx]

"BTW, Welcome to the bandwagon, eaglejacket."

I don't think anyone believes Emory and Henry is a bandwagon game.  With the exception of its stunning victory over VWC, E & H doesn't have much to show for the season.  The truth for Washington and Lee will be in the upcoming, tougher games.  The jury is still out, but things look brighter.

[dukeofargyle]

Wow; a lot to respond to since I last checked in.

Sorry the 'bandwagon' comment caused such a stir, but really- it was eaglejacket's phrase to start with regarding W&L - I just went with it. eaglejacket- with all due respect, I can agree with most of what you said in your last post regarding this these young'uns. So, keep your feet firmly on the ground, as you are correct also about the fact that the young Gennies apparently have plenty of supporters.

caylxx, though E&H may not be considered a 'bandwagon' game, there is no doubt that they can be a dangerous team which proves that no one team can really be overlooked this season. Still, it should be noted that no other ODAC team has kept E&H's offensive output to such low points this season.

Bammer- I agree. I really don't see a lot deal of fear or intimidation showing in this young team as of yet. With each and every game, the young'uns gain that dynamic that is essential on every competitive team- trust, chemistry and flow. And we still have the greater part of half a season left in conference play.

At this point, it can be argued with some authority that W&L is the 'best' 7-4 team in the ODAC.  All things being equal, and barring injuries, we all can anticipate the road ahead: This year, competitive- next year, a true title contender, the following year- (hopefully) dominating. 

We shall see.

[Bammer]

Great post Dukeofargyle.  No need to be patient, life is short so let's hope the Generals seize the moment and shock the ODAC THIS year.  They did beat RMU this year already.  I believe that Bolton is going to be the secret weapon the second time through the conference.  I have watched her play since she was in middle school.  She can go to the basket hard and create real match up problems.  She can get to the line often when her game is clicking.  Ingram will continue to provide the leadership and calming influence that a championship caliber team requires.  She also has a pretty sweet offensive game while also drawing the top guard on the opposing team as her defensive assignment.  I plan on sitting back an enjoying the ride.  Win or lose this is a fun team to follow and root for.  The party has been crashed and the Generals are here to stay.

[Jeremybozz]

Virginia Wesleyan 38,Bridgewater 26 Half

It was 26-26 before a 12-0 Marlins run. Burkholder has been a non factor with foul trouble.

[Jeremybozz]

Virginia Wesleyan 73  , Bridgewater 62   Final

Jones with 25 points. The Eagles showed flashes of what they are capable of in the 2nd half but only cut the margin from 12 to 11 in the 2nd half.

[emufan]

Does anyone know why Kristina Jameson didn't play for VWC tonight?  She has started for the majority of the season for the Marlins.

[Jeremybozz]

Does anyone know why Kristina Jameson didn't play for VWC tonight?  She has started for the majority of the season for the Marlins.

The Marlins Point Guard did not play due to a twisted ankle. Originally, it was thought the injury could have been torn ligaments and a season ender but they are now optimistic about her playing vs EMU this weekend.

[emufan]

Thanks.. I know she is only a soph. but she is a big part of what VWC does.  I hope she gets better.

[whitecaylxx]

This weekend's picks??

Jan. 30 
   7:00 PM  Lynchburg   Emory & Henry     
   7:00 PM  Washington & Lee   Guilford     
   7:00 PM  Roanoke   Randolph
     
Jan. 31   
   2:00 PM  Randolph-Macon   Bridgewater     
   4:00 PM  Randolph   Emory & Henry     
   4:00 PM  Hollins   Roanoke     
   4:00 PM  Eastern Mennonite   Virginia Wesleyan   

[bballmom4]

My picks are as follows:

Emory & Henry
Washington & Lee
Roanoke

Randolph-Macon
Emory & Henry
Roanoke
Virginia Wesleyan

Good Luck everybody!!!