WBB: Middle Atlantic Conference board archive

[Warren Thompson]

Yes, it's incorrect. The score is reversed. The Valley ladies did make a game of it, however.

[saratoga]

Something needs to give tomorrow as Scranton heads to FDU. The Lady Royals lead the conference in scoring with FDU right behind. The Lady Devils lead in defense allowing 1 less point than Scranton. Another typical battle shaping up with 6 teams looking for 4 playoff spots. At this point it appears only Wilkes & Lycoming are out of contention. From Florham N.J. it will be: Scranton:74/FDU:59.

[roy_a]

Saratoga,

Typically the Kings-Desales game is an interesting battle that can go either way. Over the last 4-5 years they have been battling for a top spot, thus far this year they both seem to be battling for a lesser spot. The matchup, however, appears to be just as intriging as in the past. I am curious as to your take on this game. Then, after tomorrow I'll be curious of next Weds' matchup of Scranton-Kings?

[saratoga]

Good question Roy...let's see, we have Desales AT Kings...Desales is 1-3 on the road & Kings is 3-1 @ home. Desales averages 64ppg & Kings averages 60. Desales gives up 63 & Kings 57. Pretty close so far...Desales hits 65% from the line, while Kings is at 69%...still close. Desales averages 36 rebounds (offensive & defensive), guess what...Kings does too! Desales hits 3 pointers at a 30% clip or about 4 per game...Kings is at 28% or 4 per game as well. Kind of close would'nt you say? Well, what are the other things that may play into the outcome? Crowd? No, chances are there will be no more than 200 at the game so no factor. Seniors that realize with their record there will be no "at large" bids so they better win it all...advantage Kings. The defensive stat is a bit misleading because Kings used virtually all 30 seconds each time they had the ball vs. Messiah so throw that out...call it even. Last year Desales went into Kings in the MAC semi's as a big underdog & took it right to Kings & won. Edge, Desales. The home vs. away factor...Desales must prove they can win on the road this season...Kings played Messiah tough for their only home loss...another tossup. Coaches...Fred is Fred...his kids will be prepared, execution is another thing. The coach for Kings is into it, he had his kids ready for Messiah but play has been very erratic before & after. One thing I noticed is that Kings gives up more points in the 2nd. half than their opponents so with Fred's adjustments that may be a deciding factor. In a close one, I've just got a feeling that Kings has a little more experience & if they don't find a way to win this one it may have a serious negitive effect...Desales is younger & will regroup...Kings 65/Desales:61.

[bziadie]

Saratoga, a very well thought out analysis......I am impressed.

King's 75-61

[kate]

Someone's gotta step up and start to give Scranton a bigger bang for the buck.  When and if they hit post-season play, they will have had to play through some real "wars".  Who's it gonna be?

[roy_a]

Kate--They have a battle every day in practice....Scrantons' second team plays so often you sometimes forget who the starters are...This Wed should be interesting though. I saw Kings play Desales and was impressed with Kings. They typically bring  their A game when they play Scranton and this time should be no different. Another big game this week is your Aggies against Desales, when was the last time DelVal was 4-1 in conference play. A win at Billera Hall on Tue and DelVal is looking good for the post-season.

Surprises?? Who and what are the surprises of the year so far??

Saratoga--Wed should be interesting...your thoughts?

[kate]

It looks like the DeSales - Del Val game has been moved from tomorrow night to Wednesday night.  DeSales does have a big game tonight with Stockton State.

[adkfan]

The other factors in the Kings Vs DeSalles game were:

height and arm span

Hence EJ and AH with double doubles etc
It was a sooo different DeSalles from 2002 til now

See you at the Long Center Wednesday

Go Monarchs

[kate]

A huge win for DeSales tonight, beating Stockton State.  It's always great to beat outside the league.  Especially since Stockton had been unbeaten until Saturday.

[saratoga]

Roy: Kings @ Scranton...should be another barn-burner(no offense to DVC Kate). This is a game the Lady Royals SHOULD win...it's also a game Kings COULD win. Let's face it, we are now at the point in the season where the bulls-eye on the Lady Royals grows larger each & every game. They seem to score when they need to & play defense with a purpose & pride. Kings has been somewhat inconsistant, but; they probably played their best all-around game on Sat. vs. Desales...which is just about right if you want your kids building some momentum heading down the stretch. I've seen Kings play 3 times so far & they've improved in each one of those games. Jordan is Jordan...she scores her points & seems more content this season to let the game come to her rather than forcing things. Hochstul has improved very much from last year & will be a force underneath Scranton will need to contain. Kendra has been running their offense & although not flashy, she gets the ball to teammates in good spots. The next two, Palumbo & Fiorino can NOT be left open or they will bury the 3's all night. Right now, Fiorino may be the best rookie in the league. Kings also gets quality minutes from Makowiec & she too can let it fly. Scranton must play serious D and avoid crazy fouls. Kings plays about 7 kids with 15 or more minutes & they are led by Jordan at 35/game, Fiorino @ 31, Hochstuhl & Kendra @ 30, Makowiek @ 18 & Palumbo @ 14. Kings will sub 1 perhaps 2 at a time based on fouls & the need for a break so their flow & continuity is not really broken. The Lady Royals are certainly known for subbing 5 at a time & although this has worked against some teams by sheer intimidation, I'm doubtful it will have any effect on Kings. Although Scranton has had the luxury of only having to play their starters slightly more than 20 min./ game, chances are players like Taryn, Allison & Tiffany will need to be on the floor considerable longer. The Lady Royals MUST rebound & block out because Kings will crash the boards & when the 3's are flying the rebounds will be deeper. I believe Jordan only needs 17 more pts. to reach 1,000 so she may be seriously pumped. If the Lady Royals play D, rebound, protect the ball, hit a few 3's & get the ball inside to make Hochstuhl really work as well as make their foul shots...they win. Also, Kings may pull the slow-down tactics they used vs. Messiah & Scranton must stay patient & not commit reach-in fouls. Kings can be pressed so if the need is there to change the tempo...go for it. Kings can win by going inside then out. If Hochstuhl & Jordan can get position in the paint...they score. Once they establish that part of their game the kickouts will be there & that's when Palumbo & Fiorino can burn the nets. Scranton needs to keep pressure on Kendra & not let her walk the ball up & easily set up their half court game. Someone on Scranton has to stick to Fiorino & not let her have open looks. Defense wins this one...but who wins??? Your thoughts Roy?

[roy_a]

Wow...After that assesment anyone within a 4 hour radius should try and make it to the John Long Center tomorrow evening as this one can be a dandy....can be...I agree with your entire assesment. In addition, I think that the Lady Royas have the ability to win by 20. However, this is Kings......Any other team coming into Scranton with an 8-7 record would be humbled, however, this is Kings.....I definetly agree that    Fiorini is without a doubt the best freshmen in the conference, and I have seen all the teams. Also, like you mention, Palumbo can be deadly as well. As for Beth Jordan, she needs 13 to reach 1000 pts and talk about being excited..she turns 22 tomorrow so scoring 1000 and beating Scranton would be a great birthday present.

HOWEVER.....We still have a young lady named TARYN MELLODY....Allison Matt is currently on fire with 39pts in the last 2 games. Throw in Julie Brophy who was the Freedom Conference player of the week 2 wks ago and the Lady Royals have great depth with the big girls to try and slow down the greatly improved Hochstuhl, Daly/Fabio/Williams/Lewandowski/Klusek and let's not forget Casey Thran...

Prediction:

Scranton  66
Kings        52          but.........

[hoopster]

Congratulations to Drew's Melissa Kraft!!! The Junior guard from Staten Island poured in 35 points to reach the 1000 point milestone against FDU at home last evening. With Coutney Cunningham and Maggie Marquis penetrating and kicking out to the Arc, Melissa hit 9 three's. Big win for Drew as they up their conference record to 4 - 1 and put some space between themselves and FDU. Both Cunningham and Marquis finished with 14 points and 6 assists to complement Krafts record setting performance.

Next up for Drew is Wilkes in Wilkes Barre on Saturday.

[saratoga]

Roy, digging up the birthday aspect of Beth Jordan ranks as the scoop of the season. You are right...between the rivalry itself, 13 pts. to reach 1,000 AND the B-day...she'll be ready...let's hope it's too ready & she tries to do far more than she has to. When I saw Kings on Sat. vs. Desales they did not play like a team with 7 losses, so my hope is for the Lady Royals to take it right to them...early & often. Kings will have some runs, what Scranton must do is make it difficult for them to sustain any deep runs. The longer Kings is able to hang around...the more confidence they play with. Keep Allison driving, Taryn shooting, Julie playing tough D, & Michelle & Tiffany clogging things up down low on D & looking to score in the paint to get Hochstuhl in foul trouble & Scranton will be fine. The Lady Royals kids off the bench have received valuable minutes all season...time to make them count. This game can go in two different directions as the Kings coach may decide to pull out the playbook used vs. Messiah, that is slow the game down, use 25/30 seconds each time, take the crowd out & look for the high % shot & hopefully get the lead & make Scranton try to play a way they have not really experienced yet. The goal is to frustrate the Lady Royals into some unnesessary fouls, catch them napping on some back-door passes & generally admit you can't match-up so what the heck, let's try this. In this scenario, Scranton: 47/Kings:38. In a straight up game, sometimes looking for the break...sometimes using 25 seconds prior to shooting, Scranton:68/Kings:55.

[bziadie]

Hey Roy:

Now how in God's name do you know it is Beth's B-day?  Am I gonna have to put campus security on alert?   

Beth is one of our student aides in the athletic department and you will have to go a long way to find a nicer, more complete person. Here is wishing her a great B-Day and hopefully two reasons to celebrate tonight.