WBB: Old Dominion Athletic Conference

odac fan 4 life · January 17, 2007, 10:03:06 AM

I was down in Lexington yesterday and so I was able to make it to the RMC vs. W&L game (didn't go see my two local teams, BC vs. EMU, slug it out) and I was quite impressed with Lindsay Riesbeck and Molly Ariail! I think their overall play carried the Jackets past a tough W&L team.

W&L pulled down 17 offensive rebounds to only 9 by RMC, but W&L couldn't find the bucket shooting only 36% while RMC shot 48% from the field.

I tell you who I was not impressed with, and I guess like you said vwcbeachbum, my karma might go down now also, I was not impressed with the play of Kristen Morgan or Salem Shaffer. Earlier this year on the board people talked about Morgan being the ODAC's best defensive player, and I've heard how Shaffer was going to step up during the post-Silva era, but neither of them impressed me. Shaffer I know has made all-conference honors in the past, but she sure didn't look like it to me.

I think for the RMC to go deep in the post season this year, which they are capable to doing, they will have to have their two returning starters, Morgan and Shaffer, step it up a notch to compliment the outstanding play of their youngsters.

odac fan 4 life · January 17, 2007, 10:11:14 AM

Matt, did you ever figure out where Katy Herr Lovell ranks at BC in the steal category? I noticed she had 9 steals last night and on Friday she had 8, but they don't show it on the website. I was listening to Coach Bill and Scott Lowe on the radio last night while I was at the W&L game, and they mentioned something about Katy being only a few points and a few rebounds away from being in the top 10 all-time for both rebounds and points at BC, and she's #4 all-time in assists, but where in steals?

Sorry everyone for mentioning an individual on this board, I was just curious about that little fact. Hope no one gets too worked up.

Matt Barnhart (kid) · January 17, 2007, 11:30:41 AM

Quote from: odac fan 4 life on January 17, 2007, 10:11:14 AM
Matt, did you ever figure out where Katy Herr Lovell ranks at BC in the steal category? I noticed she had 9 steals last night and on Friday she had 8, but they don't show it on the website. I was listening to Coach Bill and Scott Lowe on the radio last night while I was at the W&L game, and they mentioned something about Katy being only a few points and a few rebounds away from being in the top 10 all-time for both rebounds and points at BC, and she's #4 all-time in assists, but where in steals?

Sorry everyone for mentioning an individual on this board, I was just curious about that little fact. Hope no one gets too worked up.

Still not sure about where she ranks in steals, sorry.

As far as points, rebounds, and assists, the BC website is actually updating the "Career Leaders" page during the season:

http://www.bridgewater.edu/index.php?id=1214

She is currently No. 12 in points, No. 11 in rebounds, and No. 4 in assists.

She is 17 points and 11 rebounds from breaking into the top 10s in those categories.

Jeremybozz · January 17, 2007, 11:37:29 AM

Lovell did miss some free throws early but she hit them down the stretch. Katie and Shannon were very good at both ends of the floor.

GAVA · January 17, 2007, 12:33:53 PM

Quote from: odac fan 4 life on January 17, 2007, 10:03:06 AM

I tell you who I was not impressed with, and I guess like you said vwcbeachbum, my karma might go down now also, I was not impressed with the play of Kristen Morgan or Salem Shaffer. Earlier this year on the board people talked about Morgan being the ODAC's best defensive player, and I've heard how Shaffer was going to step up during the post-Silva era, but neither of them impressed me. Shaffer I know has made all-conference honors in the past, but she sure didn't look like it to me.

I think for the RMC to go deep in the post season this year, which they are capable to doing, they will have to have their two returning starters, Morgan and Shaffer, step it up a notch to compliment the outstanding play of their youngsters.

Morgan is in at point guard as she is the best ball handler on the team. She averages the most time played but she is not a big scorer ( like Silva ). Morgan and Shaffer only average 7 points each, which I think is what Morgan scored last night.

whitecaylxx · January 17, 2007, 01:38:34 PM

Randolph Macon is certainly not the team of last year. However, their coaching seems to get them through the rough spots. When RMC broke down a little last night against W & L, they were able to easily get back in the game with some adjustments from both the coaches and players.

upper90 · January 17, 2007, 02:03:07 PM

Once again, the game isn't just about the stats players put up. Has anyone actually looked at the players Morgan guards. Typically the best player/highest scorer on the team, often times these players are quite a few inches taller. Just ask those players how they feel going into the game knowing they are going to have Morgan on them.

valleybballfan · January 17, 2007, 02:19:26 PM

Quote from: upper90 on January 17, 2007, 02:03:07 PM
Once again, the game isn't just about the stats players put up. Has anyone actually looked at the players Morgan guards. Typically the best player/highest scorer on the team, often times these players are quite a few inches taller. Just ask those players how they feel going into the game knowing they are going to have Morgan on them.

Who's a good defender is really all subjective, because you are right, stats don't always tell the whole story. I think Kristen Morgan is a good defender, but I am not sure I would say she is one of the best in the ODAC. She's also not a big scorer, but she does have solid fundamentals on all aspects of the game. It's nice to have a steady player like that on your team. Not a super star in any part of the game, just steady.

odacblogger · January 17, 2007, 05:50:03 PM

Good defenders are not "subjective" just because there isn't a stat line for the category. A good defender puts out effort all the time - is relentless - doesn't slack off. A good defender doesn't give too much room and is always looking for the steal or the rebound. Many of the "scorers" in the stats are lousy defenders - they don't think it is their job to play defense. Who does everyone think is a good defender in the ODAC?

baller116 · January 17, 2007, 06:48:04 PM

I think there are some very good defenders on RMC in Morgan, Merkel, and Hiltunen. I agree with you in that many of the leading scorers in the ODAC aren't the best defenders because that really isn't what they are on the floor to do. But I have always thought defense wins ball games and without these players, the stars on the teams wouldnt have the opportunity to score those points.

And on another note- Shaffer and Morgan may not come off as stars and being impressive to some but they are what keeps this team glued together. They have been starters since the national championship year (04'-05') and have more experience in close games(referring to the final four, elite eight) than any other players in the ODAC easily. Sometimes just being present on the court, getting a few key rebounds, giving a few good passes and demonstrate some team leadership is all it takes to be a significant role player on a team, which those players most certainly are.

Matt Barnhart (kid) · January 17, 2007, 07:07:43 PM

Quote from: odacblogger on January 17, 2007, 05:50:03 PM
Who does everyone think is a good defender in the ODAC?

My subjective view is that it takes quickness as well as hand eye coordination to be a good defender.

Of the ODAC teams I've seen in person (and not going by stats), I think VWC's Tonia Jones, Guilford's Dionne Graham, and Bridgewater's Jessica Timberlake, are three of the better ones I've seen. I haven't seen R-MC play yet, so I'll reserve judgment until then.

odacblogger · January 18, 2007, 08:49:04 AM

Baller116:
I have a huge problem with the statement that the scorers aren't on the floor the play defense. That mentality is what makes the difference between a poor or average team and an excellent team.

Matt Barnhart (kid) · January 18, 2007, 11:32:58 AM

QuoteMatt, did you ever figure out where Katy Herr Lovell ranks at BC in the steal category?

Your wishes will soon come true! Career leaders for steals and blocks will be posted on the web in the coming weeks.

So far Katy is No. 1 all-time in steals. I'll let you know once it is posted.

Matt Barnhart (kid) · January 18, 2007, 12:11:02 PM

Through yesterday's games ... Bridgewater is ranked No. 1 in the nation in free throw percentage (79.4%).

No. 2 is Hartwick (78.9%) and No. 3 is UW-Eau Claire (77.7%).

Congrats to the Eagles!

baller116 · January 18, 2007, 01:27:32 PM

Baller116:
I have a huge problem with the statement that the scorers aren't on the floor the play defense. That mentality is what makes the difference between a poor or average team and an excellent team

I never said that was my own mentaility towards the game at all. I said it because unfortunately its just the way it is. I do agree with you in that it is the difference between a good team and a great one.