WBB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletics Association

[Dark Knight]

Wow, I think that was the most exciting women's game with the best atmosphere I've been to. It had everything -- great defense, a 20-point lead overcome, lots of lead changes, a three-pointer at the buzzer to win the game. There were many points when you couldn't hear the announcer or the game buzzer for the crowd noise.

Jill Thomas!  A half-court three pointer was a key part of Calvin's victory in the first matchup, and today it was a trey at the buzzer, three for four on the game.

The matchup of two of the best centers in D-III -- maybe the two best -- was really fun to watch. Verkaik mostly handled Snikkers' post game -- she had only three 2-point buckets for the game -- but Snikkers hit some threes and drew some fouls, ending with 22 points. Verkaik never ceases to amaze. A 6'2" center who can dribble-drive through the defense and make the layup? With either hand? She ended up with 29 points on 10/14 shooting, with 8 rebounds and 5 blocks. Definitely MVP.

[realist]

Wow, is right 

[bballfan13]

Great game today at VNA.  One of the best games I've ever seen.  It had it all - tight start, big lead, good comeback, great finish.  Congratulations to the Lady Knights!  I can see both of these teams making a big impact on the NCAA tournament.

Too bad Hope's team didn't have enough class to stick around for the award ceremony.  It looked a bit awkward when only their coach decided he better come back and watch after he had gone in also.  I guess they don't know how to handle themselves when they are on the other side of a championship game.

[pointlem]

Great game today at VNA.  One of the best games I've ever seen.  It had it all - tight start, big lead, good comeback, great finish.  Congratulations to the Lady Knights!  I can see both of these teams making a big impact on the NCAA tournament.

Too bad Hope's team didn't have enough class to stick around for the award ceremony.  It looked a bit awkward when only their coach decided he better come back and watch after he had gone in also.  I guess they don't know how to handle themselves when they are on the other side of a championship game.

I agree that this was a great women's game--for me, second only to Hope's first national championship game (also coming from 20 points behind) as the most exciting women's game I've ever played.  A great comeback for Hope (a 24 to 12 turnover advantage almost offset shooting only 30% to Calvin's 49%, not to mention 60% on 3's).  Moreover, with Hope fans seeming to be 60% or more of the crowd, it almost felt like a home game for Hope.  (Way to go, Hope supporters.)

Kudos to Calvin and to Carissa Verkaik--an awesome player, whose blocks and intimidation helped account for Hope's low shooting percentage, though Hope seemed to feel more comfortable in the second half . . . and would surely welcome a rematch.

I have to wonder what the outcome would have been if the Calvin timer hadn't forgotten to stop the clock after Hope's basket with 9 seconds left.  Calvin was out of time outs, and stuck in the back court with 7 seconds left when the ref stopped play, reset the clock to 9 seconds, and gave Calvin a chance to reset their offense (after a Hope timeout allowed both teams to set their strategy).  Even so, kudos also to Jill Thomas for a buzzer-beater, heart-stabber from behind what would have been an NBA line.  I would have put better odds on Carrie's last second shot from the top of the ky back in January.

For the record, the Hope women did come back out for the Calvin trophy presentation.  When the Hope men received their trophy, the Calvin men were in the locker room . . . but that seemed fine.

[almcguirejr]

Great game today at VNA.  One of the best games I've ever seen.  It had it all - tight start, big lead, good comeback, great finish.  Congratulations to the Lady Knights!  I can see both of these teams making a big impact on the NCAA tournament.

Too bad Hope's team didn't have enough class to stick around for the award ceremony.  It looked a bit awkward when only their coach decided he better come back and watch after he had gone in also.  I guess they don't know how to handle themselves when they are on the other side of a championship game.

Hope lost a tough game.  I have no problem with them leaving the floor. 

[bballfan13]

Great game today at VNA.  One of the best games I've ever seen.  It had it all - tight start, big lead, good comeback, great finish.  Congratulations to the Lady Knights!  I can see both of these teams making a big impact on the NCAA tournament.

Too bad Hope's team didn't have enough class to stick around for the award ceremony.  It looked a bit awkward when only their coach decided he better come back and watch after he had gone in also.  I guess they don't know how to handle themselves when they are on the other side of a championship game.

I agree that this was a great women's game--for me, second only to Hope's first national championship game (also coming from 20 points behind) as the most exciting women's game I've ever played.  A great comeback for Hope (a 24 to 12 turnover advantage almost offset shooting only 30% to Calvin's 49%, not to mention 60% on 3's).  Moreover, with Hope fans seeming to be 60% or more of the crowd, it almost felt like a home game for Hope.  (Way to go, Hope supporters.)

Kudos to Calvin and to Carissa Verkaik--an awesome player, whose blocks and intimidation helped account for Hope's low shooting percentage, though Hope seemed to feel more comfortable in the second half . . . and would surely welcome a rematch.

I have to wonder what the outcome would have been if the Calvin timer hadn't forgotten to stop the clock after Hope's basket with 9 seconds left.  Calvin was out of time outs, and stuck in the back court with 7 seconds left when the ref stopped play, reset the clock to 9 seconds, and gave Calvin a chance to reset their offense (after a Hope timeout allowed both teams to set their strategy).  Even so, kudos also to Jill Thomas for a buzzer-beater, heart-stabber from behind what would have been an NBA line.  I would have put better odds on Carrie's last second shot from the top of the ky back in January.

For the record, the Hope women did come back out for the Calvin trophy presentation.  When the Hope men received their trophy, the Calvin men were in the locker room . . . but that seemed fine.

I feel that this is an irrelevant point considering Morehouse decided to take a timeout right then.  If he didn't, then yes this could have changed things.  Why would you call a timeout to give Calvin a chance to draw something up?

I stand corrected, there were about 5 of them who did.  Disappointing to hear the Calvin men did that.  I may be old school but I think it's important to show respect, win or lose.

[Erm Schmigget]

Great game today at VNA.  One of the best games I've ever seen.  It had it all - tight start, big lead, good comeback, great finish.  Congratulations to the Lady Knights!  I can see both of these teams making a big impact on the NCAA tournament.

Too bad Hope's team didn't have enough class to stick around for the award ceremony.  It looked a bit awkward when only their coach decided he better come back and watch after he had gone in also.  I guess they don't know how to handle themselves when they are on the other side of a championship game.

This is a ridiculous comment.  Show me the game when Calvin stays out for Hope to receive accolades.  You want to talk about how the Hope women handle themselves after being on the "other side" of a championship game, look at the video of last year's national tournament championship and the interviews afterward.  Besides, the Calvin men's and KVS's conspicuous absence after their loss nullifies what you have to say here.  Your uninformed opinion and snide remarks only make the Lady Knights' well-earned victory seem a bit less than what it should be. 

I say congratulations to the Calvin women today for their hard-fought win; congratulations to the Hope women for an excellent season and keep your chins up, you are and always have been graceful both in victory and defeat; congratulations to the Hope men on securing the MIAA bid for the national tournament; and congratulations to the Calvin men, especially the seniors, for another winning season.

[Erm Schmigget]

I feel that this is an irrelevant point considering Morehouse decided to take a timeout right then.  If he didn't, then yes this could have changed things.  Why would you call a timeout to give Calvin a chance to draw something up?

I stand corrected, there were about 5 of them who did.  Disappointing to hear the Calvin men did that.  I may be old school but I think it's important to show respect, win or lose.

Get a grip.  Morehouse only called a timeout because the officials gave Calvin plenty of time to set up their play with the amount of time they took to have the clock reset to 9.  The Hope defensive plan kept the ball out of Calvin's leading scorer when a 2 would have won it.  As was correctly pointed out to me, forcing a long 3 at the buzzer more often than not, would have given Hope the win.  Also, only 5 players?  You need to learn to count.  Take your own advice and show some respect.

[HopeConvert]

Great game today at VNA.  One of the best games I've ever seen.  It had it all - tight start, big lead, good comeback, great finish.  Congratulations to the Lady Knights!  I can see both of these teams making a big impact on the NCAA tournament.

Too bad Hope's team didn't have enough class to stick around for the award ceremony.  It looked a bit awkward when only their coach decided he better come back and watch after he had gone in also.  I guess they don't know how to handle themselves when they are on the other side of a championship game.

I agree that this was a great women's game--for me, second only to Hope's first national championship game (also coming from 20 points behind) as the most exciting women's game I've ever played.  A great comeback for Hope (a 24 to 12 turnover advantage almost offset shooting only 30% to Calvin's 49%, not to mention 60% on 3's).  Moreover, with Hope fans seeming to be 60% or more of the crowd, it almost felt like a home game for Hope.  (Way to go, Hope supporters.)

Kudos to Calvin and to Carissa Verkaik--an awesome player, whose blocks and intimidation helped account for Hope's low shooting percentage, though Hope seemed to feel more comfortable in the second half . . . and would surely welcome a rematch.

I have to wonder what the outcome would have been if the Calvin timer hadn't forgotten to stop the clock after Hope's basket with 9 seconds left.  Calvin was out of time outs, and stuck in the back court with 7 seconds left when the ref stopped play, reset the clock to 9 seconds, and gave Calvin a chance to reset their offense (after a Hope timeout allowed both teams to set their strategy).  Even so, kudos also to Jill Thomas for a buzzer-beater, heart-stabber from behind what would have been an NBA line.  I would have put better odds on Carrie's last second shot from the top of the ky back in January.

For the record, the Hope women did come back out for the Calvin trophy presentation.  When the Hope men received their trophy, the Calvin men were in the locker room . . . but that seemed fine.

The NCAA has gotten very loose with its eligibility requirements.  

[HopeConvert]

For a video of Calvin's winning play, see:

http://www.mlive.com/smallcolleges/grandrapids/index.ssf/2011/02/video_shows_calvins_buzzer_bea.html

It's a well-designed play, I must say. Not sure how often she makes a shot like that, but kudos to her for doing so.

[NW Hope Fan]

We all know Mo recruits well and will, I'm sure, be ready to reload next year after losing his all-American and her four fellow senior teammates, but...

I wondered out-loud last night if Calvin might benefit from the "home court/home town" advantage the next two years at DeVos for the NCAA tournament.

This is obviously WAY early for any speculation, but wonder if this has come up in conversation outside this board?

[realist]

We all know Mo recruits well and will, I'm sure, be ready to reload next year after losing his all-American and her four fellow senior teammates, but...

I wondered out-loud last night if Calvin might benefit from the "home court/home town" advantage the next two years at DeVos for the NCAA tournament.This is obviously WAY early for any speculation, but wonder if this has come up in conversation outside this board?

I sure would like it to come to pass next year that Calvin makes it to Holland for the finals.  However, we have lots of ball to play yet this year.
Frankly I see Calvin having an advantagee next year, but have been around too long not to knowe Hope will be a major player.

[pointlem]

Great game today at VNA.  One of the best games I've ever seen.  It had it all - tight start, big lead, good comeback, great finish.  Congratulations to the Lady Knights!  I can see both of these teams making a big impact on the NCAA tournament.

Too bad Hope's team didn't have enough class to stick around for the award ceremony.  It looked a bit awkward when only their coach decided he better come back and watch after he had gone in also.  I guess they don't know how to handle themselves when they are on the other side of a championship game.

I agree that this was a great women's game--for me, second only to Hope's first national championship game (also coming from 20 points behind) as the most exciting women's game I've ever played.  A great comeback for Hope (a 24 to 12 turnover advantage almost offset shooting only 30% to Calvin's 49%, not to mention 60% on 3's).  Moreover, with Hope fans seeming to be 60% or more of the crowd, it almost felt like a home game for Hope.  (Way to go, Hope supporters.)

Kudos to Calvin and to Carissa Verkaik--an awesome player, whose blocks and intimidation helped account for Hope's low shooting percentage, though Hope seemed to feel more comfortable in the second half . . . and would surely welcome a rematch.

I have to wonder what the outcome would have been if the Calvin timer hadn't forgotten to stop the clock after Hope's basket with 9 seconds left.  Calvin was out of time outs, and stuck in the back court with 7 seconds left when the ref stopped play, reset the clock to 9 seconds, and gave Calvin a chance to reset their offense (after a Hope timeout allowed both teams to set their strategy).  Even so, kudos also to Jill Thomas for a buzzer-beater, heart-stabber from behind what would have been an NBA line.  I would have put better odds on Carrie's last second shot from the top of the ky back in January.

For the record, the Hope women did come back out for the Calvin trophy presentation.  When the Hope men received their trophy, the Calvin men were in the locker room . . . but that seemed fine.

The NCAA has gotten very loose with its eligibility requirements.  

Woops! . . . though, on second thought, research on the brain's "mirror neurons" (which fire when we observe others performing actions, as if we were performing them) suggests that, neurologically, I probably was playing as well as watching these games.   

[oldknight]

I wondered out-loud last night if Calvin might benefit from the "home court/home town" advantage the next two years at DeVos for the NCAA tournament.

We can only Hope.

We all know Mo recruits well and will, I'm sure, be ready to reload next year after losing his all-American and her four fellow senior teammates, but...

Our friends in Holland shouldn't be surprised how much different things will be without Snikkers, three other starters, and an important sub--but especially without Snikkers. Carrie is a one-in-a-generation kind of talent, much like Mark Veenstra and Steve Honderd were on the men's side when they played for Calvin. You just don't reload those kinds of players. Hope will be a good team, but not a dominant team next year while Calvin should be the clear favorite in the conference.

[realist]

I wondered out-loud last night if Calvin might benefit from the "home court/home town" advantage the next two years at DeVos for the NCAA tournament.

We can only Hope.

We all know Mo recruits well and will, I'm sure, be ready to reload next year after losing his all-American and her four fellow senior teammates, but...

Our friends in Holland shouldn't be surprised how much different things will be without Snikkers, three other starters, and an important sub--but especially without Snikkers. Carrie is a one-in-a-generation kind of talent, much like Mark Veenstra and Steve Honderd were on the men's side when they played for Calvin. You just don't reload those kinds of players. Hope will be a good team, but not a dominant team next year while Calvin should be the clear favorite in the conference.

Considering the already great program that CS joined I am afraid we will never really know how good a player she might have been.  Unlike you I think Hope is going to miss her 4 teammates more than CS.  Take any one of the 5 away, and Hope is still great.