WBB: NESCAC

[amh63]

Some positive news to end the fine season for Amherst.  The conference Winter All-Academic Team members have been announced for the winter sports.   Jasmine Hardy, Jackie Renner and Caroline Stedman made the team...representing WBB.  Congrats to them....it is not easy.

[RogK]

I saw only the last two games of Amherst's season, but would like to say that I hope they don't feel bad about how their season ended. They achieved excellence and were topped only by two other excellent teams.
One player that impressed me was Kim Fiorentino. I think it was in the GFox game when at least twice she got a held ball while quickly grabbing the ball while the opposing player was just holding it over her own head, looking to pass. I can't remember seeing that happen the way she did it even once previously.
Such a hard-working player, she must be a major reason why Amherst has done so well in the last four years.

[amh63]

Caroline Stedman of Amherst has been selected as the Player of the Year by the WBCA.  Story on the Amherst website nd the conference site.  Congrats to her.

[nescac1]

Article on future Eph:

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/high_school/basketball/baseline_duo_commit_to_high_level_Yu6PuxUzWHQz2W6v8nDQPK

[Pat Coleman]

I hear Caroline Stedman is going to be working at ESPN.

[amh63]

Pat C....based on an feature article in the College newspaper, Caroline Stedman will be working for ESPN in Bristol CT. as a "stats analyst" in the appropriate stats & info group.  Eventually she hopes to pursue a MBA in  couple years.

[Pat Coleman]

We have a good source.

[Pat Coleman]

The D3hoops.com women's basketball preseason Top 25 is out:

http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2012/10/womens-preseason-top-25

[sumfun]

Not that surprised by Amherst's rank at #15, as all teams above them probably have returning starters while Amherst lost 5 starters that had played in  four Final Fours.  BUT watch as the season progresses...if the current crop of players buy into the Gromacki system they will challenge for a top 5 spot.  The year after Gromacki took over and had lost most of his starting 5, he took a team made up of 3 sophomores and 2 freshmen starters to the Final Four.

The key will be if the current crop of players realizes how much work into that string of Final Fours, and do not take for granted that it just happens.  Can't wait for the first tip off!

[amh63]

Amherst's preview and roster is now posted on the Amherst website.  Roster if FY players are heavy on guards.  Lost one front court player from last year...a FY player that did get some minutes.  First game will be on Say.

[NH NESCAC Fan]

And so it begins.  Amherst beat Brooklyn College tonight in the first round of their tip off tournament.  Inside game was effective.  Three for 20 from beyond the arc needs much improvement.  The young kids struggled shooting in their first game.  They'll take the W.

[sumfun]

Hopefully the first game jitters will be behind the new players and they can start to rack up some points.  Loved seeing Bridget Crowley put up some points!

[NH NESCAC Fan]

So much for the jitters.  New kids scored 29 of the 88 points scored in the Amherst win over William Patterson.  Marley Giddens led the team with 18 points and 12 boards.  The downtown shooting was much improved.  Jasmine Hardy 4-5, Sally Marx 2-2.  The team was 8-15 from 3...much better than 3 for 20.  Megan Robertson had 17 and 15.  Coach should be pleased.

[sumfun]

After a nervous start (down 17-4) Amherst finds it feet and shot and plays very well.  Congrats to ALL!! 

[amh63]

Agree that the 2nd game against W. Patterson...a pre-season ranked team...showed  better Amherst team chemistry/play. 
Seems to me that Amherst is still looking for a PG and/or some backup PG options.....at least to help bring the ball up court under defensive pressure.  Seems the outside shooting is coming around....especially when the ball gets to open shooters like J. Hardy.  Expect the team will develop its chemistry as the season progresses.  The team seems to be working hard on defense.  The high number of turnovers is also a concern but expect it to decrease as the players get to play more with each other in game conditions.
Surprised not to see one of the listed front court players on the bench or even in the team pix on Sunday.  Anybody know the story?  With an already limited front court, I'm concerned.....though FY Giddins appear to be a player.  Just checked the roster and J. Weatherly is no longer listed.  That is another front court player gone.  Strange.
Am having a hard time telling the new players apart on the video feed.....all about the same size and light colored hair.   Just old eyes and small screen and no announcers, I guess.