WBB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Just Bill]

Defections, not deflections.

[bulk19]

Great response, Just Bill...

I was fortunate to live in Point for 17 years, and, although I didn't attend as many games during the 01-02 championship season, I was at pert near every one for the 03-04 3rd place team (and both men's championships).

I have a soft spot in my heart for many of those 03-04 players - Heuer would make my team any day, just on her grit, determination and competitiveness...

Schultz? When she got the look in her eye, and took that first step? She left many a player in her wake. Quickest off the dribble I have perhaps ever seen, but wasn't the best FT shooter... Schmitt? Has there ever been any guard better with the ball in her hands at crunch time? She was automatic from the charity stripe... Nechuta, the only knock on her (and my apologies, because I'm sure she could take me in one on one, Ha.) was that she was sort of like a bull in a china shop at times; she had a lot of silly fouls... But she has a ring and some awards, right?  

Kraemer perhaps was my favorite... And the frosh, Lechault? Boy, did she really progress from frosh to senior year...

My favorite Blugold team is the 3rd place 2002-03 team, because of the grit it showed after losing a heart-breaker to go to the Finals... That team came back the next day and did win the consolation game, which also went into OT.

I'll skip any thoughts on Oshkosh, because there really doesn't seem to be any who frequent the women's side of the board here... But I have to agree with your thinking about how an undefeated team might get the nod as the best all-time...

[bulk19]

Defections, not deflections.

Nah... they be bouncing around from one gym to another...Er, deflections, right? Ha.

Good catch... That means time for beddy by for me...

[JMM]

Out on a limb - EC over UWW today. At Zorn; the defense is there; The big question is will the young EC team fold  to UWW defensive pressure and their own nerves and turn the ball over again and again. Also EC needs to defend the 3pt shot. If they do fold. it won't be pretty. EC needs to start the game out by shooting from the outside and make a few. Will be a fun game to watch and a real test for EC.

[The Champ]

There. I'm done.

I knew you we're lying....

[badgerwarhawk]

Some would argue that maintaining a dynasty is just as difficult, if not more so, than building one.  Not that I'd argue about the job Thomas has done. 

Actually, I would argue that maintaining a dynasty is much easier than rebuilding a program. EC has had some very nice players come in as freshman in recent years and then leave the program because they didn't get any PT and I truly believe that's why they find themselves 5-10 at the moment. If you throw those kids a bone every once in a while when you're up 25, maybe they'd stick around and help maintain a program. Last year EC had 2 scholarship type kids in Kaylee Cardinal and Brit Hoover that hardly got off the bench all year. Both kids were "high end" d3 recruits and had the ability to play at the scholarship level and Tonja never gave them a sniff so they moved on this year. If I were a HS senior looking to play in college I wouldn't go anywhere near that program, given its track record of letting solid freshman players rot on the bench.

That was my point exactly.  I was referring to Eau Claire maintaining the success they had with Stone coaching. 

[badgerwarhawk]

Good to see a new officiating face at the UWO/UWW game Wednesday. Mind you, he was still pretty bad, but good to see a new face within the crews. And kudos to the fan in back of the scorers table who TWICE called for a 10-second call as UWO was bringing the ball up. One day you'll get that call, man.

I know what you mean.  During the men's game an Oshkosh fan was calling for a three second violation when the players were setting up for an out of bounds play and the ball was still being held by the official.   Why does it always seem that the fans who know the least are the loudest? 

[Just Bill]

Great response, Just Bill...

I was fortunate to live in Point for 17 years, and, although I didn't attend as many games during the 01-02 championship season, I was at pert near every one for the 03-04 3rd place team (and both men's championships).

I have a soft spot in my heart for many of those 03-04 players - Heuer would make my team any day, just on her grit, determination and competitiveness...

Schultz? When she got the look in her eye, and took that first step? She left many a player in her wake. Quickest off the dribble I have perhaps ever seen, but wasn't the best FT shooter... Schmitt? Has there ever been any guard better with the ball in her hands at crunch time? She was automatic from the charity stripe... Nechuta, the only knock on her (and my apologies, because I'm sure she could take me in one on one, Ha.) was that she was sort of like a bull in a china shop at times; she had a lot of silly fouls... But she has a ring and some awards, right?  

Kraemer perhaps was my favorite... And the frosh, Lechault? Boy, did she really progress from frosh to senior year...

My favorite Blugold team is the 3rd place 2002-03 team, because of the grit it showed after losing a heart-breaker to go to the Finals... That team came back the next day and did win the consolation game, which also went into OT.

I'll skip any thoughts on Oshkosh, because there really doesn't seem to be any who frequent the women's side of the board here... But I have to agree with your thinking about how an undefeated team might get the nod as the best all-time...

The 2004 WIAC Tournament title game against UW-Oshkosh when Nechuta and Schultz combined for 60 of Point's 91 points was the most amazing two-person performance I have ever seen. At times the two of them appeared to be conducting their own personal lay-up drill.

http://www.wiacsports.com/wbasket/0304/OSHSTP2.HTM

[Voice of the Titans]

Good to see a new officiating face at the UWO/UWW game Wednesday. Mind you, he was still pretty bad, but good to see a new face within the crews. And kudos to the fan in back of the scorers table who TWICE called for a 10-second call as UWO was bringing the ball up. One day you'll get that call, man.

I know what you mean.  During the men's game an Oshkosh fan was calling for a three second violation when the players were setting up for an out of bounds play and the ball was still being held by the official.   Why does it always seem that the fans who know the least are the loudest? 

Agreed. But they were just trying to get any sort of call since the hand check was legal that game.

As far as the pissing match argument, I go back to the 94-95 season at UWO. The 95-96 team was darn good. And a few schools had some good teams that got derailed in tough brackets, mainly by the Wash U dynasty.

[Just Bill]

Nice call, JMM.  UWEC 57, UWW 53.

[buf]

Nice call, JMM.  UWEC 57, UWW 53.

Despite 29 turnovers and some poor FT shooting, EC gets a big win against UWW.  EC shoots 49% to UWW's 27%.  EC went to work underneath.  Both Mesick and Plendl with double-doubles and post sub Halama with 6pts/6rebs.  Hendrickson led UWW with 15pts.

EC hanging around the top of the league with a 5-2 record.  Now they have to get some road wins.


UWO defeats Stout, 80-68.  Hirrsig with 37pts, unreal!  Stout needs other players besides Hirrsig and Mas to step up.

[JMM]

UWW and EC was a good game. Hard to beleive EC had so many turnovers. The EC defense is the story, UWW could do nothing inside and many times the shoot clock all but ran down. Another positive for EC is they have learned how to get the ball down and inside to Messick - who usually delivers. Plendil is doing well and Luara Olsen is now a for real guard. EC needs another Guard desparately. Englund has really had to work hard this year - Tonja is delivering. The Plendil/Messick combo is pretty darn good and getting better both on the O and the D.
Will learn more at UWSP Wednesday. I really respect the senior UWW players. It was a delight when I thought how Ms. H and Ms. S will be gone and with the exception of Linder all EC will be back.

[hoop_junkie]

Out on a limb - EC over UWW today. At Zorn; the defense is there; The big question is will the young EC team fold  to UWW defensive pressure and their own nerves and turn the ball over again and again. Also EC needs to defend the 3pt shot. If they do fold. it won't be pretty. EC needs to start the game out by shooting from the outside and make a few. Will be a fun game to watch and a real test for EC.

Nice call!

[hoop_junkie]

Bad loss for Stout. They need to recruit some guards that can score. Hirrsig is a beast!!! This could be the end of the line for Stout if they don't go out and get some outstanding freshman for next year because outside of that good group of seniors they're VERY limited.

[badgerwarhawk]

Looks like free throws were the deciding factor in the WW/EC game.  Both teams made 17 baskets but EC goes 21 of 37 from the line to WW's 10 of 16, 29 to 14 fouls.  Of course it doesn't help much when you fail to score for the final 4:13 of the game.