WBB: Old Dominion Athletic Conference

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

And maybe you're right Matt, if this is the way it continues, then we should all write praise after praise of our own players to keep up with everyone else.  It's all good.

It certainly doesn't hurt.  I gave Silva her much deserved praise even though she continually defeated my Eagles.  Also, after I see a BC game, I try to compliment the opposing team (or particular players) instead of just going off on how well (or poor) my own team played.

But that's just my approach.  Somehow I think that intiates healthy conversation where we aren't bashing another player, team, or poster.  I have certainly had my fair share of posting that type of stuff, and it never seems to benefit the boards.

But you and "bum" keep doing what you're doing.  You seem to be keeping yourselves involved in the conversation with your approach.

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

On the topic of teams, I took a look at the last 10 years (from 1996-97 to 2005-06) and the top five total ODAC wins, ODAC regular season wins, and ODAC tournament wins:

	School	Total	Reg. Season	Tourney
1	Bridgewater	175-50	159-41	16-9
2	Randolph-Macon	167-55	152-48	15-7
3	Roanoke	149-73	134-66	15-7
4	Guilford	136-84	124-76	12-8
5	Emory & Henry	123-95	115-85	8-10

Those five aforementioned schools (BC, E&H, GC, R-MC, RC) that have made the ODAC tournament each of the last 10 seasons.

Washington & Lee has made it eight of the years, but has a 1-8 record. Virginia Wesleyan made it seven times, but is 0-7.  Eastern Mennonite made it six years (3-5 record), getting all of their tournament wins in 2004 when they won the title.

Randolph-Macon and Roanoke each have three titles, Guilford has two, and Bridgewater and EMU with one.  BC and R-MC have the most title game appearances with five each.

Hollins, Lynchburg, Randolph-Macon Woman's, and VWC are all winless in the ODAC tournament the last 10 years.  Their last postseason wins:

Hollins - 1991
Lynchburg - 1991
RMWC - never
VWC - 1994

[Old School Marlin]

Good info on the team stats.  It's always interesting to look at that stuff.   Maybe VWC can turn some things around in the near future and break that stinking tournament curse.  (Never could get past the first round as a player OR a coach!)  And if they keep their eyes on the prize maybe even a regular season first place finish - though the Eagles and others will make it a tough road.  I can always hope and cheer them on!  You must excuse me for not being able to comment first hand on games, player's performances, etc.  I'm all the way on the other side of the country and am eager to read other posters' take of the season.  If I get caught up in the "individual" discussion, it's only because I really want to hear about everything that's going on, more than the same "best player" rant.  I was there to see Silva and Herr Lovell so I know they are awesome.  Keep me informed of all the other great goings on.  Thanks!  ;

[odacbballfan]

J There that was all I really wanted to wake up some other people! See "kid", not everyone hates me. You might be surprised at what other opinions people have out side the wall of Nininger. There is a whole new world out there full of great basketball!

GO MARLINS Hollins, Lynchburg, Hollins who made that schedule? Tough game at Roanoke after that!

[Pray4Surf]

Yawn who cares about years past all that matters is here and now. The marlins are 10-3 and 7-1 in the odac. Looking at there coming schedule they have 6 home games and 6 away games I would have to say there schedule is very favorable. I see the marlins coming away with at least 15 wins in the odac if not more putting them in very good position to be in second place going into the tournament. I know it's still early but the marlins have put themselves in very good position and I see the Bridgewater game on Feb. 10th the deciding factor about who will be ranked first going into the tournament. I have faith in the marlins and see them coming away with at least 20 wins this season. Go marlins!!!

[hoopstermom]

Maybe with RMWC going co-ed next year, even they will soon join the ranks of teams to make the post season!!

Also, I remember reading in the ODAC championship brochure last year the history of the playoffs.  I recall if you go back even 10 years more, you'll find Roanoke at the top of the overall win list.

As with most things in life, everything that goes around comes around.

I know what I've learned in the years of playing in, and watching and listening to ODAC games, in the end I'm proud to cheer on which ever team(s) move(s) on to the NCAA tourney to represent our conference.   I certainly cheer for my alma mater during head to head match ups during the season, but it's just as good when ANY ODAC team gets a win outside the conference.  We will have many of these this year (and already have) as well as in future years.

[odacblogger]

Tonight's games:

January 12
E&H at BC (7:00 p.m.)
GC at EMU (7:00 p.m.)
RC at RMWC (7:00 p.m.)
W&L at LC (7:00 p.m.)

[waterlucy]

Bridgewater should easily defeat Emory & Henry - E & H will pay the price for the Roanoke fiasco.
EMU should beat Guilford - they are really a team effort - but if they falter, they will just collapse.
RMC over RMWC
Lynchburg will probably beat W & L - but it will be the battle of the upper cellar.
Sounds negative, but just a commentary.

[fairmont1113]

Bridgewater over E&H, I agree with waterlucy, Bridgewater should be ready to play after the Roanoke dissapointment

EMU over Guilford, I think Guilford's great ODAC start was in part due to their easy conference schedule at the beginning, and Guilford has the long road trip today which will help EMU get the W, although I think it will be a close game.

I think it is Roanoke playing RMWC, and so I will of course pick Roanoke, maybe the BC game means they are finally playing to their potential

I will go with W&L over Lynchburg, although I think which ever of the big gals (Caroline Wesley for LC or Jessica Hunsinger for W&L) has the better game will win.

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

Bridgewater 85
Emory & Henry 51

Recap / Box Score

BC jumped out to a 21-8 lead, but after an E&H timeout and under two minutes later, it was only 21-17.  The Eagles moved out to a 20-point lead (39-19) with just under three minutes left in the first half.  After the break, the Wasps got it to 41-28, but BC broke it open again and never looked back.

I liked Habel and Brown for E&H.  They could both create their own shots well.  For some reason Brown didn't play much.  One thing I did notice was that there wasn't much talking among the E&H players during the game, even when it was close.  I think they lack a vocal leader.  It might be because their head coach has a quiet approach to coaching.  All in all, E&H has a fiesty bunch, and I think they'll give some ODAC teams trouble this season.  They just couldn't hit any of their three-pointers (3-for-17).

In limited minutes (21), Herr Lovell had 12 points, 8 steals, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.  It was certainly a team effort.  It's nice to be able to bring someone like Timberlake off the bench.  She had 10 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals in only 14 minutes.

The Eagles (10-2, 7-1) will have a tough game tomorrow afternoon against the Quakers.  If they play the way they did in the second part of the first half, we should be OK.  Scales now has 991 career points, so she may top the 1,000-point mark in that contest.

Also of note, with Herr Lovell's five rebounds, she passes Coach Jean Willi on the all-time rebound list.  Herr Lovell is now No. 11 with 582.  Willi drops to No. 12 with 580.

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

Unbelievable.

Just days after Roanoke upset No. 18 Bridgewater, the Maroons lose to Randolph-Macon Woman's by three points.

Here's the box score if you don't believe me: http://wildcats.rmwc.edu/stats/BB_011207.htm

[odacbballfan]

Those crazy Wildcats. They usually get one of those a year (just ask the Marlins) Roanoke overlooking RMWC? Can't do that on ANY night in the ODAC.

[odacbballfan]

Now this is a TEAM effort....

## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF  TP  A  TO BLK S MIN
05 RECHNITZER, Sara.... *  4-9     4-8     8-8     0   6     6   1   20   4  5   0    3  36
10 SCHAFFSTALL, Sam.... * 6-10    0-1    1-2     3   4     7   2   13   2  2   1    4  36
21 RECHNITZER, Katie... *  5-19    2-6    4-4     2   2     4   0   16   0  0   0    1  39
30 CARRERA, Lianna..... *  5-12     0-0    2-2     2   3     5   2   12   4  1   0    2  36
40 WADE, Emily......... *      1-3      1-2    3-4     2   4     6   3    6    0  1   0    0  36

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

Now this is a TEAM effort....

## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF  TP  A  TO BLK S MIN
05 RECHNITZER, Sara.... *  4-9     4-8     8-8     0   6     6   1   20   4  5   0    3  36
10 SCHAFFSTALL, Sam.... * 6-10    0-1    1-2     3   4     7   2   13   2  2   1    4  36
21 RECHNITZER, Katie... *  5-19    2-6    4-4     2   2     4   0   16   0  0   0    1  39
30 CARRERA, Lianna..... *  5-12     0-0    2-2     2   3     5   2   12   4  1   0    2  36
40 WADE, Emily......... *      1-3      1-2    3-4     2   4     6   3    6    0  1   0    0  36

Even though it's probably out of necessity, it is amazing how conditioned those girls must be (I've never seen them play in person - so I'm assuming).

For all five starters to play 36+ minutes each, and still only turn it over a combined nine times.  That's impressive!  Rechnitzer could have shot better from the field, but they were still a combined 40% from the field, 41% from three, and 90% from the line.

[Ralph Turner]

Now this is a TEAM effort....

## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF  TP  A  TO BLK S MIN
05 RECHNITZER, Sara.... *  4-9     4-8     8-8     0   6     6   1   20   4  5   0    3  36
10 SCHAFFSTALL, Sam.... * 6-10    0-1    1-2     3   4     7   2   13   2  2   1    4  36
21 RECHNITZER, Katie... *  5-19    2-6    4-4     2   2     4   0   16   0  0   0    1  39
30 CARRERA, Lianna..... *  5-12     0-0    2-2     2   3     5   2   12   4  1   0    2  36
40 WADE, Emily......... *      1-3      1-2    3-4     2   4     6   3    6    0  1   0    0  36

Even though it's probably out of necessity, it is amazing how conditioned those girls must be (I've never seen them play in person - so I'm assuming).

For all five starters to play 36+ minutes each, and still only turn it over a combined nine times.  That's impressive!  Rechnitzer could have shot better from the field, but they were still a combined 40% from the field, 41% from three, and 90% from the line.

That is something!  RMWC (soon to be Randolph College    ) could use 3 more players to "really" challenge.