WBB: American Southwest Conference

[Ralph Turner]

dsc, I was quite specific in my use of that term.

With the exception of the 2000 McMurry team that defeated a #10 Simpson and Hendrix on their way to the Sweet 16 against HSU, HSU is the only ASC team to win a NCAA Playoff game since then.  Part of the problem is that we are a 16-team conference that funnels down to one Pool A bid.  The other is that HSU was so dominant over that 6-year period from 1999-2004.

The one trick that the "ASC Pony" can do is an HSU NCAA Playoff win.

We need to learn a few more tricks!

[sethhpu]

I woud like to hear some opinions for ASC player of the year. I know its still early and a lot of basketball is left but who sticks out. Even being a HPU fan I see Tara Richardson in the West as the front runner. As much as I don't like saying it. She is the front runner with her team being undefeated and putting up 19 agaisnt HPU opened my eyes, not sure about her other numbers. I think one player who might get it if Tara falters is Meia Daniels. I am partial, I'll admit it, but she scored 19 and 20 agaisnt McMurry and HSU. Sorry I don't have other names to throw out, but other views are welcomed.

[Ralph Turner]

I will recommend co-players of the year, both from McMurry.  Post Tarra Richardson and point guard Symbri Tuttle.

Post- Tarra Richardson - sophomore.  Excellent player who can dominate a game.  Tarra actually benefits from the presence of another post, senior Carli Engelke.  As a tandem, they are stronger than the "sum of the parts".

McMurry has six strong players who can play inside.

Junior Dee Dee Burton gets my vote for "Most Improved".  She has made great strides this year.  Her minutes for either Tarra or Carli have been crucial.

Three freshmen Coach Nichols has brought in have also made great strides on a team that has done so well.

Post Jabri Butler (Mansfileld) can mix it up inside.  She is a tough player that I think will make her presence felt if McMurry plays some really large northern or northwestern schools.  Most Texas women's high school basketball players are relatively "dainty" compared to the players we see in the Northwest, the Midwest/Great Lakes and the Mid-Atlantic.  Jabri will help there.

Post Allison Nelson (Winnsboro) has made great strides.  Her game against SRSU was a beauty.  McMury never missed a stride when Allison came in for Tarra and Carli.  She is especially important when either Tarra or Carli get some fouls and need to be "sat down".

Wing Ashley Stephens (Dayton) actually looks good when she goes inside.  Maybe not a natural post, at 5'10", she is tall enough to help on defense if and when we see the taller/bigger players in the NCAA playoffs.

Point Guard - Symbri Tuttle.  If asked to choose only one, then IMHO, Symbri is the player of the year.  She is the hardest to replace.  She makes the offense run smooothly.  She is among the 3-4 best point guards in the country and definitely my choice.  I have not seen Randolph-Macon College's Megan Silva whom Pat Coleman likes a little better.  (Pat Coleman saw Symbri play against Hardin-Simmons when he visitied in Jan 2005.)  I am pleased with the minutes that we have gotten from Amber Horton from Mansfield and Amanda McEwen from San Antonio, who have also played point guard.

I like the unselfish nature of this team.  They know the contributions that each can make when called.  They actually need to get tougher and harder for the hopeful playoff run.  I have not mentioned the wings and off-guards, but this is a wonderful team!  They just have to believe the coaches about what it will take from this point onward.

[moseshightower]

'Most Texas women's high school basketball players are relatively "dainty" compared to the players we see in the Northwest, the Midwest/Great Lakes and the Mid-Atlantic.'

I couldn't disagree more with this statement.  You can maybe say the Midwest has some tougher kids but Texas basketball and especially if they are playing in the ASC is some of the most physical in the country.  Trinity has played teams from across the country in recent years.  They have struggled against the ASC and some of the Wisconsin schools but pretty much manhandled teams from everywhere else.

[Ralph Turner]

Moses, thanks for the input, and welcome again, to the ASC board.

I think that we have a genuine difference of opinion.  I thought that the very talented Trinity 2003 National Champion team embodied the physical attributes that it takes to win the National Championship, tall, smart, big and talented.

Deep in my heart, I have wondered if HSU has not had that challenge from the strong physical teams in the conference and have not been able to get past the Sectionals for that fact. (Obligatory kudos for the job that HSU has done in the playoffs!  )

I know that every time I have mentioned the importance of strength training to a coach or national observer, they have agreed with the need for the ASC to be physically stronger.

(Women players, physiologically, the bulk goes away when you decrease the activity.  In 20 years of observing D-1 Women's players as they have moved on in life, the weight training effects have dissipated when they stopped working on weights.)

This should be an area for active discussion!

[inthepaint]

'Most Texas women's high school basketball players are relatively "dainty" compared to the players we see in the Northwest, the Midwest/Great Lakes and the Mid-Atlantic.'

I couldn't disagree more with this statement. 

Like Ralph, I must disagree with your disagreement, Mo!  I have not seen this year's teams take the floor but in previous years the players our ASC champ has faced are bigger, tougher and far more aggressive.  I watched a Sweet 16 game that HSU played a few years back and they got "man-handled."  The simply could not hold position or box out on those bigger, stronger (and quicker) players.  I think one of the best things our ASC teams could do is spend a considerable amount of time in the weight rooms.  An assistant coach who has a great understanding of weight training would be a valuable asset to any ASC squad.

[dballa]

Well I was hoping to listen to the HPU/TLU women's game but obviously the school's don't care enough about their teams to broadcast the games.  HPU's radio isn't going to either game and judging by the TLU website they are only broadcasting the men's game.  it's pretty sad we're this far into the conference race and fans who can't make the trip to the game can't enjoy listening to them.

[Ralph Turner]

I want to the McMurry Athletic Department for the broadcast schedule that they have for the Women's and the Men's Basketball Teams.

McMurry is braodcasting all 22 conference games for both teams.

[dballa]

Well definitely must be nice I think HPU is doing the rest of the home games and only a couple more road games, like at UMHB and the two Abilene games.  Not sure about the Sul Ross trip.

How's the McMurry game going?

[cp1123]

Early in Clarksville:

ETBU trails Ozarks 37-32 with 6:00 left in the first half. 

[dsc]

Half:

HSU and UMHB

Tied up at 42...each!

[dballa]

McM 41 Concordia 31 at the half.

[cp1123]

ETBU now leads 51-50 in Arkansas with 17:00 left in the ballgame. 

[cp1123]

The Lady Tiger's lead has swelled to 8 (70-62) with about 11 minutes to go. 

[dsc]

Final:

HSU   88
UMHB 67

Go Cowgirls!!!