WBB: Landmark Conference

[ronk]

Congratulations to the Lady Royals on their win against Catholic. There are some rough edges to smooth out, but the team continues to impress. Sarah "Triple Double" Payonk is becoming a humble and mature leader. Noelle Alicea is vigorous!

I am tempted to talk about Landmark Rookie of the Year, but we will cross that Bridgette when we come to it.

So, you're going to Mann up and talk about it later in the season?

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Hurdles cleared - now we're set for the Scranton-Moravian match-up for top spot in the conference.

[San Juan]

The freshman scored 21points tonight with a bum knee.Triple double for Payonk never makes team of the week on d3hoops  and Roman dominated in side.Just a thought they need to brush up on rough edges where???

[redrhino]

The freshman scored 21points tonight with a bum knee.Triple double for Payonk never makes team of the week on d3hoops  and Roman dominated in side.Just a thought they need to brush up on rough edges where??????

I guess San Juan wants me to be specific about the "rough edges." First of all, I and probably half the known universe, love the players on this team; love the style of play; and love the intensity. The magical Lady Royals place tremendous talent on the floor, and it is much more enjoyable to point out meritorious play. But San Juan asks a fair question: where do the"rough edges" protrude on this apparently "smooth' team? 

I speak of the rough edges only because this team has shown that it can, at a minimum, make a deep run in the NCAA tournament this year; to help assure that eventuality: (1) the team has to keep working on its already-impressive transition game (this has been a real difference maker) but sometimes it seems we ease up a bit both in offensive and defensive transition, and (2) the team has a strong starting lineup, but needs to better incorporate 6 through 8 into the game (there is a lot of potential on the bench, especially if Katie is back to add another six-foot plus frame to the roster); this bench production will be needed in playoff scenarios, especially if, as the season goes on, the team kicks up its press and transition game.

The game on Wednesday against Moravian will offer a challenge to the Lady Royals' defense because the Greyhounds have both an inside and outside game. I am confident, however, that the spirit of the Jesuit Magis--that is, "the restless pursuit of excellence"--will be guiding the Lady Royals' endeavors.  I just wish more people would come out and watch this team; they are great kids and they deserve an admiring audience.

[saratoga]

Redrhino:

I think Trevor would be the first to agree that any team...especially one that he's coaching, that feels things are just about perfect, will end up getting a serious dose of reality.

There are always ways to improve both those areas that are currently working out pretty well as well as those aspects of their game that could be better.

With each victory the bullseye gets bigger & bigger & to keep the wins coming...even on off nights, other kids beyond the starters will need to elevate their games.

This team is way more enjoyable to watch than the mens team & it won't be long before the word is out & fans start flocking to the Long Center as they did when the Mellody & Matt duo were leading the Lady Royals to Elite 8's & Final Fours before packed houses.


If the ladies were to lose their remaining games, I would still feel this season was a huge success if for no other reason than to see the life, energy & passion that Trevor & the kids have brought back to this program.

As great as this ride has been this season, with all the players set to return next year plus the obvious choice of ROY and
Trevor's first opportunity to recruit, the future is extremely bright for Lady Royal basketball & the best is yet to come.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

The freshman scored 21points tonight with a bum knee.Triple double for Payonk never makes team of the week on d3hoops  and Roman dominated in side.Just a thought they need to brush up on rough edges where???

They have to be nominated by the SID to get Team of the Week, just FYI.  If she's not getting it, that might be the reason.

[saratoga]

Absolutely horrible news coming out of Upstate NY & SUNY Geneseo today.
Makes wins & losses pretty much irrelevant.
The worst possible call any parents could ever receive.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

They got the column up quick - Wed preview: http://www.d3hoops.com/columns/around-the-region/mid-atlantic/2015-16/landmark-scranton-moravian

[ronk]

They got the column up quick - Wed preview: http://www.d3hoops.com/columns/around-the-region/mid-atlantic/2015-16/landmark-scranton-moravian

Good job, Hoopsfan! Especially, getting action/reaction from both sides. Looking forward to the contest; little things(blocking out, overplaying passing lanes, etc.) are magnified under the stress of a game where every possession is meaningful.

[San Juan]

Question for Mr redrhino?Did Scranton smooth out those edges tonight?

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

That was an incredibly dominant performance.  That third quarter was lock-down.

[redrhino]

San Juan,

Those rough edges are getting smoother, aren't they?  The team is on a roll--but as the old adage goes:"you are either getting better (i.e., smoothing) or getting worse", so let's not turn off the  "smoothing machine" just yet.

But you gotta love this Lady Royals team!  An excellent win tonight against a very good Moravian side, especially considering the fact that Ms. Basketball rode the bench most of the first half due to early foul trouble. She still nearly posted a double-double.

Like many teams, Moravian had no answer whatsoever for Roman, and whenever they doubled her, Mann would go on a rampage.

Payonk, Roman, and Mann are the best starting threesome in the league--and Alicea and Gantz can also really play. Noelle took it to the hoop very effectively and Jackie hit some clutch shots and she rebounds the dickens out of the ball for a guard. So when I speak of rough edges, I am only trying to keep some perspective; as the wise Saratoga says: when you think "you are just about perfect" a large does of reality suddenly appears.

Moravian is very talented; McPherson is one heck of a darn player!!! Nevertheless,  all is well in Lady Royal land tonight.

[saratoga]

Sleep well Lady Royal fans...the kids are doing a fantastic job & Trevor has this team more prepaired than they've been in many, many years.

[sp0rtsfan]

I'm as ecstatic as any other Royal fan on or off this Board about the team's success !  Hold the line ! Stay the course !

[Royals81]

Very impressed with the Lady Royals play so far this season - how can you not be?
Trevor doesn't take any possessions off and he expects the same of his players. 
He really holds them accountable for their level of play.
Level of coaching is apparent when you take notice of his substitution patterns and how/when he utilizes his timeouts.
You can't help but notice how well the players respond and execute coming out of timeouts.  Clear direction given within 30 to 60 seconds.
Landmark opponents are now the one's having to make in-game adjustments rather than vice versa.