WBB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

scorekeeper · February 28, 2006, 11:18:06 AM

WW- If you think the NCAA had any clue that CSB/SJU was on spring break this week you are giving them way too much credit. Somehow CSB ended up hosting Simpson last year when many people argued Simpson should have hosted. Maybe this will even things up for them. In last year's game, I remember Kim Johnson being a big factor (literally). She had 12 rebounds and 6 blocks along with 5 assists. The focus on her helped Heikenen score 25 on Simpson. CSB also went 10-20 from behind the 3 point line. I doubt that will happen again in Indianola. Simpson had two seniors starting on last year's team so they will also have a little different look. I am guessing that if the CSB backcourt can play under control, make good decisions and get by the Simpson press, it should be a very good ball game.

Nites · February 28, 2006, 11:45:19 AM

As the season dwindles down, any final thoughts on MVP? Mine - based purely on box scores and stats since I haven't seen any games - are that there are 6 candidates who had MVP type years: Heikenen, Vig, Hageman, Monahan, Opdahl and Vadnais (yes, Vadnais).

I think Opdahl gets dropped because of team performance. Vadnais gets excluded because her teammate had a better year. Vig gets eliminated because she and her team did not perform as well as last year. That leaves Heikenen, Hageman and Monahan, each very deserving of the award.

Of the three remaining, I think that Monahan had the better stats. I also think that she was more critical to the success of her team. It seemed that if she wasn't cooking on all cylinders, the Gusties had little chance of winning. Thus, I think she should be this year's MVP, although if I had to put money on it, I would bet that Heikenen wins because she had a great year, she's a senior and her team made it to the dance.

My MVP rankings, in order, are:

(1) Monahan;
(2) Heikenen;
(3) Hageman;
(4) Vig;
(5) Vadnais; and
(6) Opdahl.

LA RAMS · February 28, 2006, 01:50:35 PM

Definitely a couple of interesting matchups down in my home state at Indianola. I give a slight edge to Simpson only because it's their home floor. Can CSB overcome that? The Concordia - Stout matchup is intriguing as well as this is the kind of matchup you would like to see in a MIAC - WIAC and/or IIAC Challenge. That would really be cool if the powers that be could ever get something like that set up.

Nites, I more or less agree with your synopsis of the MVP race regardless of whether it's Vig, Heikenen, or Monahan who wins it. However, one name that should be on there that isn't on there IMHO is Jenna Martin of St. Kates. Without her the Kitties would have floundered but with her they were a legit MIAC playoff contender. I also think that her doing what she did coming off of knee surgery no less is pretty impressive.

Willy, good to know that the Gusties have got over their gut-wrenching loss to Concordia already. I mean, what better way to avenge a tough defeat than by going down to the local bowling alley to hone their bowling skills and tip back a few pints in the process? If this doesn't make them going-away favorites to win the conference next year I don't know what does.

Nites · February 28, 2006, 02:45:24 PM

Quote from: LA RAMS on February 28, 2006, 01:50:35 PM
However, one name that should be on there that isn't on there IMHO is Jenna Martin of St. Kates. Without her the Kitties would have floundered but with her they were a legit MIAC playoff contender. I also think that her doing what she did coming off of knee surgery no less is pretty impressive.

Rams, it certainly looks like Jenna was one of those that did all of the little things (e.g., rebounding and defense) that make the difference between winning and losing.

I think perhaps the Bennies may surprise a few folks in the tournament since they now have a second lease on life. Since 4 of their 5 losses were by 1 point (the other was a 9 point loss to the Cobbers), they could very easily be sitting at 25-1 and ranked in the top 5 in the country. The Bennies have a lot of talent; let's see if they can get the ball to bounce their way for a few games.

Collegeville Magic · February 28, 2006, 03:58:57 PM

I would hope the conference doesn't take too much time getting the post-season awards out. If I remember correctly from past years, it was probably a week or two after the conference tourney wraps up...

I'd love to see Anna Heikenen get the MVP nod. (big surprise there, considering the fact that I wear red-tinted glasses most of the time) I think the voters (whoever they are) will reward her for senior leadership on the regular season conference champs, as well as contributing big time in a number of statistical categories. She has played 3 and a half years of fantastic basketball for CSB, and the cumulative effect of her career so far can't hurt either.

Monahan and Hageman also obviously had great seasons, but being less than seniors probably hurts their chances a little bit. Vig played well, but didn't do enough for her team other than the tournament upset over my Blazers.

I don't know who this "Nites" person is, but I think I could get along with him/her...

Nites · February 28, 2006, 04:42:59 PM

CM, I suspect that Anna will be named MVP for just the reasons you articulated. In any event, the winner will likely be deserving.

Now put away those red-tinted glasses for just a second and answer this question: If you were starting a new team in the MIAC and could pick one current MIAC player to play 4 years for you, who would that be and why? Perhaps I'm wrong, but I think this a slightly different question than the one about current MVP. I can't answer it because I think you have to actually watch the person play so you can truly evaluate desire and skills.

Anyone else care to weigh in on who your MIAC franchise player would be and why?

blazerball · February 28, 2006, 06:57:00 PM

Nites,
I like you already...good comments and discussion. It would be fun to see CSB 25-1 and they could have been 26-0 because they were up by one at Concordia in the final three minutes and went bone dry and the Cobs went on a 10-0 run to end and the Blazers losing by nine. But, that's why they play the games to the end and here we are at 21-5 traveling to Simpson on Friday. And, that is probably how it should be since Simpson is deserving of the host.

As for the MVP race --- I tend to think it will be Heikenen but both Monahan and Hageman are worthy. The MIAC usually - if the past is any guide - gives it to the best player on the regular season conference champs. And, Heikenen is an absolutely fantastic candidate and would be quite deserving of it.

As for coach of the year - I would go with Rahman or Haller. I tend to think Rahman did the best job after losing Pearson - most thought they would not be where they are. But, Rahman won it last year so it will probably go to Haller since she did a lot with less than others. Monahan and Vadnais are tremendous but there was not much help from others for the Gusties. So, I will say it's Haller getting the nod but my vote would be for Rahman.

The "franchise" discussion is fun --- do you mean current or past MIAC players? Past players would probably be Laurie Trow from UST or Jessica Beachy (Rahman) from Concordia. If we are talking current athletes, I would say almost any of the MVP candidates would be a nice start but, of course, I would love to have Heikenen because I have seen her for four year - seen her leadership and personality - watched her score over 1500 points and lead her team to conference titles and tourney bids. But, I can see where others might choose Vig, Hageman, Monahan, or Opdahl.

blazerball · February 28, 2006, 06:59:41 PM

Nites,
Sorry...I see where you said "current MIAC player" in your "franchise" discussion. So, please disregard the Trow and Beachy comments - but they would have been great franchise players!

Nites · February 28, 2006, 07:30:33 PM

Blazer,

Do you choose Sam Bowie as the number 1 pick or that Jordan guy?

What strengths as a player does Heikenen have that elevate her game? From some of the things I've read, it sounds like Vig may be the most versatile. What are her strengths versus the other possible candidates?

Good thoughts on Coach of the Year. I think I'd go with Rahman. After all, she lost "All Everything" Mandy who ran the show for 4 years and the team never missed a beat. I am not sure many picked the Cobbers to do as well as they did.

blazerguy · February 28, 2006, 09:23:45 PM

My unbiased opinion

would give coach of the year to Durbin, lost two key players from last yr, still managed to win the MIAC championship. Who would I pick to start a team, surprise pick is Ariel Tauer, I think by the end of her career she will be an all american and one of the top players to ever play at CSB. Yes even better than AH, Vig, etc..etc..

blazerball · February 28, 2006, 11:33:12 PM

Nites,
Who is this Jordan person you are referring to? I'm not familiar with that name. Bowie - now that was a ball player!

As for Heikenen, she is tremendously creative around the basket and elevates quicker than any player I've seen. She leads the conference in offensive rebounds and gets to the free throw line a ton. She is certainly capable of hitting the outside shot but has not been asked to do that at CSB - they have not had a huge need for her to step out and hit the threes. She draws defenses to her and that opens up other players for shots. I think she has loads of other personal and leadership attributes to lead a team but I'm sure some of the other players that people choose might be similar in that department but I can only say that about Heikenen since I have more closely observed her than other candidates in the last three and a half years.

Blazerguy - I like the creativity of your pick with Tauer. She is loads of fun to watch and has improved tremendously over the course of the year. She might already be one of the best athletes in the conference. She will be very fun to watch the next three years - and this weekend in Iowa!

Nites · March 01, 2006, 08:50:42 AM

Quote from: blazerguy on February 28, 2006, 09:23:45 PM
Who would I pick to start a team, surprise pick is Ariel Tauer, I think by the end of her career she will be an all american and one of the top players to ever play at CSB. Yes even better than AH, Vig, etc..etc..

That is a surprise, although I've seen her name mentioned a few times on this board as someone who grabs your attention with her athletic skills. We'll see how her career pans out and you can say that you said it first!

Nites · March 01, 2006, 12:09:49 PM

All-Conference Team

Name School Year Pos. Hometown

Jen Ahlberg Bethel Sr. Guard Milaca, Minn.
Laurisa Ewert Hamline Sr. Forward Andover, Minn.
Melanie Hageman Concordia So. Post Fargo, N.D.
Anna Heikenen St. Benedict Sr. Forward Edina, Minn.
Anne Keeley Concordia Jr. Guard Grafton, N.D.
Katie Kempe St. Benedict Jr. Guard St. Paul
Ashley Luehmann St. Mary's Sr. Guard Lewiston, Minn.
Jenna Martin St. Catherine Sr. Forward Grove City, Minn.
Bri Monahan Gustavus Jr. Post Hutchinson, Minn.
Darby Noreen St. Benedict Jr. Wing Avon, Minn.
Hannah Oken-Berg Carleton Fy. Post Portland, Ore.
Erica Opdahl St. Thomas Sr. Center Mound, Minn.
Rosinta Stromquist Augsburg Sr. Guard Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Jess Vadnais Gustavus So. Guard Hudson, Wis.
Megan Vig Carleton Sr. Forward Northfield, Minn.

Player of the Year
Anna Heikenen St. Benedict Sr. Forward Edina, Minn.

Sixth Player of the Year
Annegret Nautsch Bethel Fy. Center Sioux Falls, S.D.

Coach of the Year
Mickey Haller Gustavus

All-Defensive Team
Erin Boese Gustavus Jr. Post Rochester, Minn.
Jen Dalhed St. Benedict Jr. Wing Apple Valley, Minn.
Anne Keeley Concordia Jr. Guard Grafton, N.D.
C. Schwichtenberg St. Olaf Sr. Guard Hopkins, Minn.
Megan Vig Carleton Sr. Forward Northfield, Minn.

All-First Year Team
Jessica Katch St. Thomas Fy. Guard Urbandale, Iowa
Sarah Lincoln Carleton Fy. Forward Rockford, Minn.
Annegret Nautsch Bethel Fy. Center Sioux Falls, S.D.
Hannah Oken-Berg Carleton Fy. Post Portland, Ore.
Ariel Tauer St. Benedict Fy. Wing Edina, Minn.
Chelsea Wirtz St. Thomas Fy. Guard Waukee, Iowa

Honorable Mention
Tori Ehlert Concordia Sr. Post Battle Lake, Minn.
Carolyn Korchik Hamline Sr. Guard Bloomington, Minn.
Katie LaGrave Augsburg So. Guard Okinawa, Japan
Kelly Lines Hamline Jr. Guard North Branch, Minn.
Erin Petrich St. Catherine Jr. Guard White Bear Lake, Minn.
Christina Sampson St. Olaf Jr. Wing North Branch, Minn.
Sarah Schneider St. Catherine Jr. Forward Shakopee, Minn.
C. Schwitchtenberg St. Olaf Sr. Guard Hopkins, Minn.
JoLynn Thielke Bethel Jr. Guard Holoway, Minn.

Maroon&Gold · March 01, 2006, 12:17:03 PM

I can't say that I have much problem with the All-Conference team. Anna H. deserves the MVP award. The only thing that bothers me (there has to be something right) is how can Rahman not be Coach of the Year?

2 time MIAC MVP graduates, she has 1 senior, and what happens?? Cobbers win MIAC tourney and go to the NCAAs for the first time in 10 years. This is not to discount what GAC has done this year, but the choice seems pretty evident to me.

Cager · March 01, 2006, 12:25:24 PM

Congrats to all the winners! Although biases based upon school loyalties, choices appear to be legit.

Blazerguy; Durbin for coach of the year? I think not! His success is his downfall. He has a perpetual contender and doesn't miss a beat from year-to-year. Also, having Anna back made CSB a shoo-in for the conference and a team-to-watch in the tourney. Deserves credit for sure, but not worthy of Coach of the Year.

Congrats to Mickey but Rahman's losing Pearson and the 3-point sniper (Visness) and putting together the year the Cobbers had is more impressive. Tough choice for the committee.

2006-2007 should be quite a year!!