WBB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletics Association

[pointlem]

Yes, Hope's returning seniors are having an amazing year, with Olivia Voskuil's total game--her mobility, defense, and shooting--all noticeably advanced even on last year. All in all, the team is amazing to watch, and especially so for its trapping, turnover-causing defense and resulting fast breaks. A credit to the coaching as well.

Next Saturday is their best regular season chance to see their win streak end, playing at Massey rated #3 Trine, with Massey predicting a close outcome (Hope 70, Trine 65). The Hope women haven't faced many tough games, but hopefully is readied by the level of daily competition in practice, with a second five that could itself be a ranked team.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

For some programs, the start to the 2021-22 season has been better than expected. For others, it has been recording breaking.

On Sunday's edition of Hoopsville, we chat with coaches of programs whose teams are off to strong starts. Some of those starts might have been expected, but not all of them.

We chat with Heidelberg and RPI men's basketball program plus York (Pa.) and No. 7 Trine women's programs.

You can watch the show LIVE (or on demand) here: https://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2021-22/dec9

We are also simulcasting on our Facebook Live page (www.facebook.com/Hoopsville)

Guests List (order subject to change):
- Heidelberg men's coach Andy Bucheit
- York (Pa.) women's coach Betsy Witman
- #7 Trine women's coach Andy Rang
- RPI men's coach Mark Gilbride

Hoopsville is hosted by Dave McHugh from the NABC Studios. It is presented by D3hoops.com and thanks to our partners at the WBCA and BlueFrame Technology.

If you have questions, ideas, or want to interact with the show, feel free to send them to hoopsville@d3sports.com or use any of the social media options available.

If you enjoy the show via the podcasts, choose your favorite avenue to listen and/or subscribe via the the following four avenues (click on the images when necessary):
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[HOPEful]

Next Saturday is their best regular season chance to see their win streak end, playing at Massey rated #3 Trine, with Massey predicting a close outcome (Hope 70, Trine 65). The Hope women haven't faced many tough games, but hopefully is readied by the level of daily competition in practice, with a second five that could itself be a ranked team.

I am very interested to see how Trine approaches this game. I assume Hope will look to absolutely shut down Kelsy and take away Trine's inside game entirely while swarming to Tara and attempting to trap her every time she touches the ball. With effective ball movement, there could be some open looks for Kayla, Makayla, Rachel, and the Argyle sisters.

So far this season, Hope's opponents have been completely lost on offense after Hope has taken away their best player(s)... I expect Trine to respond better. That being said, Olivia's game has improved to the point where I haven't seen as dominant a D3 player since Sydney Moss. But that's clearly the statement of someone who prioritized defense over offense.

[TUAngola]

Next Saturday is their best regular season chance to see their win streak end, playing at Massey rated #3 Trine, with Massey predicting a close outcome (Hope 70, Trine 65). The Hope women haven't faced many tough games, but hopefully is readied by the level of daily competition in practice, with a second five that could itself be a ranked team.

I am very interested to see how Trine approaches this game. I assume Hope will look to absolutely shut down Kelsy and take away Trine's inside game entirely while swarming to Tara and attempting to trap her every time she touches the ball. With effective ball movement, there could be some open looks for Kayla, Makayla, Rachel, and the Argyle sisters.

So far this season, Hope's opponents have been completely lost on offense after Hope has taken away their best player(s)... I expect Trine to respond better. That being said, Olivia's game has improved to the point where I haven't seen as dominant a D3 player since Sydney Moss. But that's clearly the statement of someone who prioritized defense over offense.

Few days away from the Hope game this Saturday.  I wish the MIAA schedule makers would have scheduled this one with students on campus.  With finals finishing up the next couple of days most of our students will be on their way home for Christmas break.  The atmosphere won't be the same without the Blue Crew and Pep Band.  Hope fans always travel well so I am certain that they will have a large contingent at the game, which is great.  Coach Andy Rang was on the Hoopsville podcast this week and he talked about what it would take to make a game of it against Hope.  #1, limit turnovers.  There is no other D3 team that plays defense like Hope, it's hard to simulate their pressure in practice.  He said he'd rather we turn the ball over with a 5 second count or a pass out of bounds then to let Hope steal and go uncontested down the court for a layup.  That way we'd have time to set up our defense.  We're a good defensive team too, but not like Hope.  #2, defensive rebounding.  Again, no other D3 team crashes the offensive boards like Hope.  We'll need to limit extra shot attempts on the defensive end.  Honestly I don't see a close game, I've watched enough Hope games on the internet this year to say that they won't lose a game.  They go 15 deep and don't have much drop off in production.  They are that good!  In fact I think they'd probably win or at least be competitive in games against Mid-Major D1 teams.  If we keep it to a 15-20 point game that would be an accomplishment.  I'll be there cheering the Thunder on no matter what.     

[Flying Dutch Fan]

Next Saturday is their best regular season chance to see their win streak end, playing at Massey rated #3 Trine, with Massey predicting a close outcome (Hope 70, Trine 65). The Hope women haven't faced many tough games, but hopefully is readied by the level of daily competition in practice, with a second five that could itself be a ranked team.

I am very interested to see how Trine approaches this game. I assume Hope will look to absolutely shut down Kelsy and take away Trine's inside game entirely while swarming to Tara and attempting to trap her every time she touches the ball. With effective ball movement, there could be some open looks for Kayla, Makayla, Rachel, and the Argyle sisters.

So far this season, Hope's opponents have been completely lost on offense after Hope has taken away their best player(s)... I expect Trine to respond better. That being said, Olivia's game has improved to the point where I haven't seen as dominant a D3 player since Sydney Moss. But that's clearly the statement of someone who prioritized defense over offense.

Few days away from the Hope game this Saturday.  I wish the MIAA schedule makers would have scheduled this one with students on campus.  With finals finishing up the next couple of days most of our students will be on their way home for Christmas break.  The atmosphere won't be the same without the Blue Crew and Pep Band.  Hope fans always travel well so I am certain that they will have a large contingent at the game, which is great.  Coach Andy Rang was on the Hoopsville podcast this week and he talked about what it would take to make a game of it against Hope.  #1, limit turnovers.  There is no other D3 team that plays defense like Hope, it's hard to simulate their pressure in practice.  He said he'd rather we turn the ball over with a 5 second count or a pass out of bounds then to let Hope steal and go uncontested down the court for a layup.  That way we'd have time to set up our defense.  We're a good defensive team too, but not like Hope.  #2, defensive rebounding.  Again, no other D3 team crashes the offensive boards like Hope.  We'll need to limit extra shot attempts on the defensive end.  Honestly I don't see a close game, I've watched enough Hope games on the internet this year to say that they won't lose a game.  They go 15 deep and don't have much drop off in production.  They are that good!  In fact I think they'd probably win or at least be competitive in games against Mid-Major D1 teams.  If we keep it to a 15-20 point game that would be an accomplishment.  I'll be there cheering the Thunder on no matter what.   

An "empty" campus is really a shame for a game like this, but I also believe there will still be a good sized, loud crowd supporting both teams.  One concern I have for Hope is that this is their first road game this season.  Not that they aren't familiar with playing at Trine, but it is a different place to play, shooting backgrounds, etc.  I doubt it will make a big impact, but after 9 straight dominant home games it could be something they have to manage. 

That being said, Hope's depth is just phenomenal and allows them to play at a pace that most other teams simply cannot match.  Constant, high energy defense that never relents is extremely hard to face.  Most of Hope's opponents are simply worn out in the 1st half.  Added to that the offensive ability of the first 10 players is really good.  I saw someone suggest that Hope's second 5 (known as the "chaos crew" by their teammates) could be a top 10 team on their own.  That might be a stretch, but as Coach Mo said on the 1st Hoopsville of the year, some of the hardest games his team will face this year will be in practice.

Massey now predicts a 70-64 Hope win, but I'm more aligned with TUAngola on thinking it being 15-20.  I also will not be suprised at a very close game, because Trine is also a top notch team.

[HOPEful]

I don't believe Hope will allow Tara to put the team on her shoulders like she did against Benedictine. I think it would need to be a player like Rachel in the almost comeback to Eau Claire.


Biased prediction... I think Trine's defense can play with just about anyone. But I think their offense is really going to struggle, just like every other offense Hope has played this year. Kelsy might be in for a very long day (or short if she gets into foul trouble) if she's not able to kick it out to open players on the perimeter, a skill set she hasn't really shown . She struggled last time these teams met, and I think the lack of Shay inside is really going to show in this game.

[Flying Dutch Fan]

I don't believe Hope will allow Tara to put the team on her shoulders like she did against Benedictine. I think it would need to be a player like Rachel in the almost comeback to Eau Claire.


Biased prediction... I think Trine's defense can play with just about anyone. But I think their offense is really going to struggle, just like every other offense Hope has played this year. Kelsy might be in for a very long day (or short if she gets into foul trouble) if she's not able to kick it out to open players on the perimeter, a skill set she hasn't really shown . She struggled last time these teams met, and I think the lack of Shay inside is really going to show in this game.

Solid points.  The part I bolded I think is really key; specifically, can they play that level of defense for 40 minutes given the energy that Hope's 2 teams of 5 bring to the floor.

[Jester1390]

you might be  not off on the strength of defense here is the list from massey on defense

Amherst
Trine
WI Whitewater
Wi Oskosh
Wi Lacrosse
Hope

[HOPEful]

Solid points.  The part I bolded I think is really key; specifically, can they play that level of defense for 40 minutes given the energy that Hope's 2 teams of 5 bring to the floor.

I just think the game will be won in the paint. Trine is deep at guard and I believe Tara, Kayla, and Rachel can play right there with Hope's starters. I don't, however, think Sam and Kelcy can play with Olivia, Kate, Savannah, and Hannah. And if either gets in foul trouble and we see significant minutes going to Brooke or the Slonekers, I think it could get ugly. Like I said in my last post, we're going to find out on Saturday just how much Trine misses Shay. And my bet is the answer is more than Massey or the stats show.

[Flying Dutch Fan]

Solid points.  The part I bolded I think is really key; specifically, can they play that level of defense for 40 minutes given the energy that Hope's 2 teams of 5 bring to the floor.

I just think the game will be won in the paint. Trine is deep at guard and I believe Tara, Kayla, and Rachel can play right there with Hope's starters. I don't, however, think Sam and Kelcy can play with Olivia, Kate, Savannah, and Hannah. And if either gets in foul trouble and we see significant minutes going to Brooke or the Slonekers, I think it could get ugly. Like I said in my last post, we're going to find out on Saturday just how much Trine misses Shay. And my bet is the answer is more than Massey or the stats show.

Points in the paint will be big for sure and Hope holds an advantage there (Hope scores 54% of their points in the paint, Trine 40%).  Against common opponents (Benedictine and Calvin) the points in the paint were a bit more of a Hope advantage (Hope - 51% and Trine - 25%).  From outside, Hope is 2nd in the nation in 3PT FG% (.393) while Trine is 60th (.320).  Both teams are top 10 in the nation in multiple categories, as you would expect for top ranked teams. 

One difference I noted is pace of play.  Hope is averaging 78 posessions per game, while Trine is averaging 66.  I suspect that whichever team controls the pace of play will go a along way towards the victory.

Really ready for this game to be played!!

[TUAngola]

Solid points.  The part I bolded I think is really key; specifically, can they play that level of defense for 40 minutes given the energy that Hope's 2 teams of 5 bring to the floor.

I just think the game will be won in the paint. Trine is deep at guard and I believe Tara, Kayla, and Rachel can play right there with Hope's starters. I don't, however, think Sam and Kelcy can play with Olivia, Kate, Savannah, and Hannah. And if either gets in foul trouble and we see significant minutes going to Brooke or the Slonekers, I think it could get ugly. Like I said in my last post, we're going to find out on Saturday just how much Trine misses Shay. And my bet is the answer is more than Massey or the stats show.

Points in the paint will be big for sure and Hope holds an advantage there (Hope scores 54% of their points in the paint, Trine 40%).  Against common opponents (Benedictine and Calvin) the points in the paint were a bit more of a Hope advantage (Hope - 51% and Trine - 25%).  From outside, Hope is 2nd in the nation in 3PT FG% (.393) while Trine is 60th (.320).  Both teams are top 10 in the nation in multiple categories, as you would expect for top ranked teams. 

One difference I noted is pace of play.  Hope is averaging 78 posessions per game, while Trine is averaging 66.  I suspect that whichever team controls the pace of play will go a along way towards the victory.

Really ready for this game to be played!!

I have enjoyed reading everyone's scouting reports on both teams.  Can't wait for the game tomorrow. 

Here are side by side comparions of the 1st 5 and 2nd 5 points per game.  As mentioned your earlier posts, the Hope 2nd 5 is more than likely a top 25 team by itself.  Trine also prides itself in depth too and will go at least 10 deep in the game tomorrow.

G  Kaylee Argyle         3.3                                            G  Kasey DeSmit                  7.1
G  Kayla Wildman        7.1                                           G  Sydney Muller                  8.0
G  Tara Bieniewicz      11.1                                           G  Kenedy Schoonveld          9.2
F  Katie Sloneker         3.7                                            F  Kate Majerus                   8.7
F  Kelsy Taylor           10.1      Total  35.3                       F  Olivia Voskuil                 11.8               Total 44.8

G  Makayla Ardis         5.2                                            G  Meg Morehouse                4.2
G  Alyssa Argyle          5.9                                            G  Ella McKinney                  6.8
G  Rachel Stewart        9.6                                            F  Claire Baguley                 8.1
F  Sophie Sloneker       3.4                                            F  Savannah Feenstra         11.4
F  Sam Underhill          8.0     Total  32.1                        F  Hannah Smith                 6.8              Total 37.3

As you can see there isn't much difference between 1st 5's and 2nd 5's in scoring.  Hope's top 10 outscoring Trine 82.1 to 67.4.  Hope is outstanding on both sides of the ball, whereas in the games I've watched Trine so far this year they will struggle offensively at times.  I don't like that we're too in love with shooting the 3 ball.  We don't shoot a great percentage as a team from behind the arc.  Tara can be a sniper, but she can also go stone cold too.  Same with Kayla.  With their size I'd love to see them drive to the hoop more often.  But they aren't as quick as most of our other players.  Our second 5 in my opionion plays better team defense.  Rachel, to me, has been our most valuable player so far this year.  She can create her own shot and is a pest on defense.  At 5'7 she is not afraid of going inside and is our 3rd leading rebounder.  Keys for Trine to keep the game close tomorrow:  have to shoot at least in the low to mid 40% range, tall order against Hope's defense though.  We need to keep our turnovers to maybe 20 or less as Hope forces teams into an average of about 28 TO's per game.  Tara has to be "on" with her outside shot.  Kelsy has to not be intimidated by Hope's size, as Hope has pretty much neutralized her in most of the head to head games with Trine.  Rachel has to have a great game and perhaps be more 'selfish' and look for her own shot more.  She's such a team player that it isn't in her nature, but she has the 'prettiest' shot of any girl on our team, the rotation of the basketball when she shoots is sweet.  Other key is defense, we need to hold Hope below 40%, and we need to block out and rebound.  Hope averages 15 offensive rebounds a game.  I am hopeful the game will be close, but it could be a runaway. 

[Jester1390]

Man will someone play some perimeter defense in the trine-hope game. So open on both teams shooting ducks in a barrel

[Jester1390]

Trine does have a terrific fieldhouse just like Rose  the window background is excellent

[Jester1390]

fun first half to watch  Hope missing 6 free throws. enjoy rest of game off to see Spiderman

[HOPEful]

Really really impressed by Trine today. Hope did a great job containing Tara and Kelsy, but Kayla, Makayla, and Rachel stepped up big. Trine played much better and kept this much closer than I was expecting.

On the other side, Kenedy reminded everyone why she's a first team All-American and why Hope is the top ranked team in the country.

I think it's very possible we see 3 more Hope v. Trine games this season.