WBB: American Southwest Conference

[Ralph Turner]

now the d3hoops poll is out http://www.d3hoops.com/top25/

Definitely the highest HPU has ever started a season and McMurry is at #10.  No HSU in sight.

At least not to the national audience.

We ASC fans know exactly where to find the Cowgirls, and they aren't hiding in the ASC!   

[mcmfan]

I have the impression that the McM fans, at least, are a bit disappointed at this point.  I was at the midnight (actually, 10:30) unveiling of the teams, and some of the regulars who are more knowledgeable about basketball than I am had hoped to see some new, taller, bigger players, or more weight on the returning ones.  We were defeated last year by an HPU team that had a bunch of tall, fast players.  The fans worried that this would be another season where we would get the ball and then just pass it back and forth around the perimeter waiting for an opening and hoping the shot clock wouldn't run out, because we didn't have anyone who could take it in or because Tarra was so triple-teamed that nobody could get the ball to her.  If we McM fans wanted a bigger, meaner team this year, we don't have it.  But with any luck we will have an experienced, motivated team which can make up with smarts and heart what it lacks in sheer physical strength.  And we also have a coach who is not a new, untried entity but someone whose dedication and savvy helped get earlier McM teams into the playoffs.  Veronica will maximize the talent that this team has.

[fanstand]

I did not make it to Midnight Madness unfortunately, but I think having 10 returners will make us smarter.  I am anything but disappointed. I am excited for this season to begin.  I know we have been physically faster and in very good shape for the past several years.  Especially at the first of the season when we really seem to really beat everyone.  Its a new season, with an enthusiastic coach who knows ALOT about basketball.  The assistant coach is back.  This team lost to HPU 2 times, HSU once and a pretty good UW Stout team and then in the playoffs.  Yes Symbri left a big hole, but all great players eventually graduate, someone will slide into her spot and carry on.  And thank God for d3 hoops poll!  I believe in LIB. Knowing this team, I like the underdog role. Everyone thinks they have been lucky the past 3 years, I know better. ETBU was picked in the East...they lost their coach and two of their best players. Someone believes in them.  Only time will tell...........

[golden_dome]

Halftime score from Alabama, the Lady Choctaws trail the Crimson Tide 28-26 in an exhibition game.

[golden_dome]

The Lady Choctaws stayed with Bama for much of the game and trailed 53-40 with five minutes to play, but ended up losing 67-44. MC was able to play all 15 players who made the trip.

[Ralph Turner]

I understand that LIB had a great scrimmage last weekend.  The McMurry Ladies are tweaking their game in ways that Coach Snow sees that can improve upon their performances from 2006-07.

They are improving their conditioning, also.

This should be an excellent transition.

[thejungle]

Like many of us 'older' fans, I remember what Coach Snow did for us especially with those late 90's teams.  But, I've never seen her style as a head coach.  I too don't want to see us pass it around the perimeter for 25 seconds then force up a shot.  What kind of style of play can we expect with Coach Snow?  Will we see the maroon penetrate and drive to the basket more? 

Like many of you have already expressed...This is exciting.  New year, new records...Everybody's got a chance!

[Ralph Turner]

Hey Jungle!  Good to have you back on the boards.

I will appreciate your early analysis!

[dballa]

I went to the HPU scrimmage tonight against Tarleton State.  Daniels and Blalock are looking stronger than ever.  TSU won the first 20 mins by 7 then the Lady Jackets won the 2nd 20 mins by 1 pt but had an 8 pt lead late.  TSU has a really athletic, aggressive, and talented team.  HPU played with them the whole time and even wore them down in the 2nd 20 minutes. 

[dballa]

Congrats to Meia Daniels and Tarra Richardson for being on the D3Hoops 1st Team Pre-Season All-American team.

[golden_dome]

Mississippi College scrimmaged Jackson State Saturday in the Golden Dome and won the opening 20-minute half by 4 points with both teams playing what looked to be regular season rotations of players. MC lost the second half by 6 points with both teams going much deeper into the bench.

It was a scrimmage so you take it for what it's worth, but Jackson State is a DI member of the SWAC that went 22-10 last year and earned an invitation to the WNIT with a 22-10 record. They are picked second in the ten-member SWAC this year.

I'm looking forward to a much improved MC team based on that scrimmage and their impressive showing against Alabama.  We are playing a full DIII nonconference schedule and will host McMurry, Howard Payne and Hardin-Simmons. We play Millsaps twice, Rhodes, Piedmont and Hendrix as nonconference opponents so I should get a good luck at several teams around the South Region this year.

[Ralph Turner]

Chris, you have a great non-conference schedule.

Your non-conference (South in-region) games will help if you make the NCAA's.

A strong showing by Miss Coll will definitely help your opponents.

[golden_dome]

Chris, you have a great non-conference schedule.

Your non-conference (South in-region) games will help if you make the NCAA's.

A strong showing by Miss Coll will definitely help your opponents.

Ralph,
   I think so too, they will definitely get a boost to their OWP and will have an opportunity to make a name for themselves with a few wins. Hendrix (19-7, 9-5 SCAC) and Rhodes (16-10, 7-7 SCAC) both are coming off good seasons. Piedmont finished 18-8, 10-2 in the GSAC and lost in the 1st round of the NCAA Tourney at Randolph-Macon. Hopefully, Millsaps will have a better season (3-20, 1-12) since we play them twice.

[Ralph Turner]

Chris, you get the OOWP with Millsaps.

[WLCALUM83]

Hardin-Simmons' early match-up with Benedictine, IL (Northern Athletics Conference) could be interesting, especially if the Eagles' Tamika Curtis has a big game inside. It could come down to how well Benedictine's defense slows down the other players, IMHO.