WBB: Old Dominion Athletic Conference

Brookland · February 20, 2012, 04:27:27 PM

Bammer,
I agree on both counts. I think the ODAC is becoming more competitive, with strong coaching almost across the board, with these talented newer coaches joining the veterans. The other aspect of coaching, of course, is recruiting the right players. Coach Phillips has added numbers of quality players, and Coach Pyzik, in her first recruiting class, has added this year's starting point guard as well as a strong candidate for POY at the 4 position. I think both teams will be even stronger next year (if Coach Pyzik's great recruiting continues). I also think we may see a bit more "changing of the guard" next season. With RMC losing 4 starters and W&L losing 3 starters (two all-conference) to graduation, it is hard to see how either team will challenge for the top spot next year. Roanoke may also be challenged to resume its past glories by next season. On the other hand, with Guilford and EMU losing very little, it doesn't look like they will be one-time-wonders.
With apologies to all those fans of the traditional ODAC powers, I think this is great. It made for a much more interesting season this year than "which of the usual powers will win it?" And l think that will continue in Salem.
I honestly don't know who to pick as the eventual champion. Let the games begin!

Brookland · February 20, 2012, 04:44:03 PM

78RMC,
A good question but at this point it's moot. I think a better question is what they will do next year with 12 teams. And I suspect the answer may be different if they also go to a two-division format.
I am hoping for the two-division format if for no other reason than that without it our teams will have 22 in-conference games and only 3 out of conference games. With those numbers it is less likley that any ODAC team will play enough games against quality non-ODAC opponents to get much consideration for national rankings.

2RMCFans · February 22, 2012, 05:07:40 PM

Just want to wish all the teams well for the upcoming tournament!

GO JACKETS!!!!

Brookland · February 23, 2012, 11:11:33 AM

Congratulations to this year's winners:
ODAC Player of the Year: Gabby Oglesby, So., Forward, Guilford
ODAC Coach of the Year: Stephany Dunmyer, Virginia Wesleyan
ODAC Rookie of the Year: Sarah Seipp, Fr., Guard, Virginia Wesleyan
ODAC/Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete: Becca Bolton, Sr., Forward, Washington and Lee

And all of the rest of the All Conference selections!
Looking forward to a great Tournament! Good luck to all, but especially my Hornets at 1:00 today!

BH2OFan · February 23, 2012, 03:54:49 PM

Quote from: Brookland on February 23, 2012, 11:11:33 AM
Congratulations to this year's winners:
ODAC Player of the Year: Gabby Oglesby, So., Forward, Guilford
ODAC Coach of the Year: Stephany Dunmyer, Virginia Wesleyan
ODAC Rookie of the Year: Sarah Seipp, Fr., Guard, Virginia Wesleyan
ODAC/Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete: Becca Bolton, Sr., Forward, Washington and Lee

And all of the rest of the All Conference selections!
Looking forward to a great Tournament! Good luck to all, but especially my Hornets at 1:00 today!

I second congrats to all- well deserved.
A little surprised to not see Greene on the first team, but I don't have an issue with any of the ladies ahead of her.

jknezek · February 23, 2012, 04:55:27 PM

W&L continues their recent hot streak, knocking off RMC in round 1 of the ODAC tournament. They have now won 7 of their last 8. W&L gets Va Wesleyan next, a team they played to a 9pt loss at home and an 18pt loss on the road. Nice win today ladies and good luck on Saturday!

2RMCFans · February 24, 2012, 08:38:17 AM

Congrats to the Generals on a great win. They never took their eyes off the ball.

For our seniors, you will really be MISSED. You've each given us 4 great years & we wish you all the best for the future.

GO JACKETS!!!

jknezek · February 25, 2012, 02:29:34 PM

Shaping up for a great finish in the second round right now. Just under 2:30 to go, W&L 55, Va Wes 54. The Generals are riding their hot streak for all it is worth. Expect an awesome finish to this game.

Brookland · February 25, 2012, 02:53:41 PM

And awesome it was! All I can say is, "WOW!" A great game by both teams.
At the beginning of the season I predicted that lack of depth would hurt W&L, and indeed it did. But that squad almost proved me wrong in a big way. A great display of heart, hustle and smarts. In the end the relentlessness of VWC won out, but a tremendous example of what's best about the ODAC from both squads. It was so fitting that it came down to a blocked shot at the buzzer. Truly two teams that deserve the title "Winners."
Congratulationsto the Marlins and good luck in the final!
Hats off to the Gennies and their outgoing seniors for an unforgettable finish!

jknezek · February 25, 2012, 02:56:55 PM

The Generals' seniors will be missed. Great game ladies and congrats on the year. We lose a lot of senior leadership this year. Hopefully our next attempt at recruiting will bring in the quality of players that have given their all over the last 4 years. Shame they couldn't pull it out, but the end of this season is nothing to be ashamed of.

Congrats Marlins. Good luck in the final and way to stay after it all game long.

Brookland · February 25, 2012, 05:14:41 PM

Another outstanding game sends Guilford to the final in overtime. A bit rougher-around-the-edges than the first game - more fouls, more mistakes - but excellent efforts and persistence by both squads and an unbelievable clutch 3 from EMU's Stephanie Reinheimer that went through with 0.1 seconds on the clock to send it into OT. What a good day to be an ODAC fan!

hasanova · February 26, 2012, 11:52:59 AM

Go Quakers!

Brookland · February 26, 2012, 02:45:44 PM

Congratulations to the Guilford Quakers on their ODAC Championship, and good luck in the NCAA Tournament!
A very disappointing game for the Marlins. Starters were 3-32 (9.4%) from the field; overall the team was just 18% from the field. Not to take anything away from the Quakers, but that was more than tough defense. Even when open, they couldn't seem to buy a basket. Their determined defense and energetic bench kept it from being worse, but I have to wonder if their emotional win yesterday left them a bit drained.
Guilford played hard and well and had numerous hustle plays that put the game away. They will represent the ODAC well.

hasanova · February 26, 2012, 06:33:44 PM

Congratulations, Quakers! Hope you get a home game in the NCAA's and go all the way. The Guilford College family's proud of you!

On another positive note, I hope both EMU and VWC get bids. The ODAC was very strong at the top this year - I personally think all three deserve a bid! Go ODAC!

Bammer · February 27, 2012, 07:28:13 AM

Good job by GC. At last year's tournament I thought that they would be the team to beat this year. They are athletic, have depth and size. I do feel a little sorry for VWC for getting so close so often but not getting that last tournament win. Great run by the Generals. The last 4 years have been really fun to follow. The seniors really led the way and the juniors were so strong this year. What heart and finish by Meg Ingram. She gave it her all and was so close to getting back to the finals. I will miss those assists and big shots that she made. Next year so course Guilford will be the favorite but watch out for Lynchburg. Also I expect the Generals to surprise the league with their 3 strong juniors, just need a good recruiting class. Best of luck to the ODAC.