WBB: NESCAC

nescac1 · October 31, 2013, 10:20:32 AM

Glad to see Williams ranked but, honestly, they are a BIG stretch for the top 10. The Ephs are a very young, rebuilding team, returning only one senior who is not a rotation player, and lost four of their top five scorers, including all-American Claire Baecher. And they don't have Gromacki, who has proven he can win with virtually any group of players, at the helm. The Ephs do return two very good players to build around in Cook and Macdonald, but they will be counting on major leaps forward from last year's talented group of frosh, three of whom are likely to go from little-used reserves to starters (most likely Litman, Uwanaka, and O'Brien, who combined to average fewer than six ppg). If the the Ephs make it to the NCAA tourney, it would be a VERY successful year for them, and they are probably a year away from again seriously contending for a NESCAC title, as Cook and Macdonald learn to be go-to players, and the rest of the team gains experience in the rotation. The team does have talent, but loses a ton of leadership and experience.

amh63 · October 31, 2013, 07:00:41 PM

Went over quickly the returning players of the upper tier teams from last year...and knowing little of the new FY players on those teams..though having said hi to some on the Amherst squad...it could be an interesting season this year. I believe Amherst and Tufts will become contenders again for the title.
Colby and Williams will be more of a wait and see situation. The next few weeks should be revealing as rosters appear and one can then get a little more info about the talent level of the FYs.
Actually, my look at the Williams squad returning players was a big question mark wrt to experience, etc. ..will soon find out with Babson on the schedule twice early in the season.
Agreed with your candid assessment...NESCAC1!
Have to consider The Polar Bear squad...as they return a large squad. Bases my earlier comments on the teams that gave Amherst the toughest games. Colby was a better match than Bowdoin...yet Bowdoin beat Colby handily.

Maine 1 · November 03, 2013, 04:53:55 PM

Nice to see a few posts with the new season coming up. Very hard to form opinions on where some of the teams will be. I think Tufts has some good players returning, and will give Amherst a run for the title. I expect Williams will not be as strong, as they had some very strong seniors. Even without know what Amherst has, Gromacki will have them in position to compete for the title. Of the Maine teams, look for Bowdoin to be the top of that group. Colby lost their top scorer and best all around table, and they just have not recruited the depth of talent that they had three of four years ago when McBride was there. Bates always gets its share of good players, so they could surprise. And Conn College, Trinity and Wesleyan were improving last year. As always, will be fun to watch the games. Good luck to all the teams.

magicman · November 10, 2013, 04:58:27 AM

Bowdoin has a solid new recruit this year in 5'8" guard Marle Curle. I think she could contribute to the Polar Bears right away. The daughter of a coach, she has a good feel for the game, can shoot the 3, and also drive to the hoop. Was often called upon to guard the other team's best and biggest player. She's the type of player that will only get better each year. Bowdoin will be happy she elected to go there.

ronk · November 10, 2013, 05:20:43 PM

I understand that Bowdoin has received a verbal from Katie Kerrigan(2014), someone I've seen be an impact player in an AAU game with D1 recruits. Looks like the Polar Bears will be back next year as a factor at the top 25 level.

nescac1 · November 12, 2013, 09:46:37 AM

Williams has its season preview and roster posted. The Ephs have a very small roster (11 players) which is particularly light on veterans (no seniors, and only two juniors, as two upperclassmen who played little last season opted not to return to the team). So it does look like a rebuilding year for the Ephs. Williams does have excellent depth on the perimeter, adding three highly-regarded local perimeter recruits, plus a transfer who was a walk-on at the University of Minnesota, who will play behind a strong starting perimeter trio. But up front the Ephs are perilously thin -- only three interior players on the roster, all of whom are only sophomores. Sounds like the Ephs will be far more perimeter-oriented this season. How quickly the three sophomores up front adapt to leading roles will be the biggest question for Williams to answer early in the season. Finishing in the top three in NESCAC and/or making it into the NCAA tournament would be a hugely successful year for the Ephs this season.

amh63 · November 12, 2013, 06:31:37 PM

Amherst has just posted its roster and preview for the season. Five new players which gives them a squad of 12. Have added some depth to the front court. Will be interesting to see how Coach G...like Coach K.. At Duke...can get the FY players to contribute. See some talent, IMO, among the newcomers. First game on the 19th and tough tournament opponents follow.

Maine 1 · November 17, 2013, 07:26:12 AM

very nice win for Colby over Brandeis at Brandeis. Colby has a guard oriented team (they effectively play with five guards). They have a nice seven-eight person rotation (I believe one of their good players may have been hurt). They are small, so teams with size and talent inside will give them trouble. Brandeis had size, but there big players could not convert in the post. Colby will live and die by the three point shot (took 43 in two games this weekend), but all their players will take the three and all can hit the three. They should improve from their bottom finish in the NESCAC last year.

nescac1 · November 17, 2013, 03:16:02 PM

Williams looks better than I expected winning their first two games with ease. McDonald and Cook have transitioned from very good supporting starters to starring roles, as expected based on their play in last year's NCAA tourney. But what is surprising for the Ephs is how good the newcomers look. Soph transfer Jane Thompson is starting, she is tall, athletic and has a nice three point shot. Two frosh look very good in addition and made big contributions off the bench in both of the first two games, McCall in particular is a good scorer off the bench. Williams is playing a VERY small line-up starting no one over 6'0, so could have trouble vs. teams with strong post play, but they are extremely athletic and quick and space the floor well. Still a very young team but with a promising future as the young players mature.

magicman · November 17, 2013, 07:52:33 PM

Bowdoin opens up with 2 wins in the Salem State Tip Off Tournament. Freshman Marle Curle scores 19 points in the Championship game and is chosen MVP. Nice start to her career.

Here's the link to the Bowdoin article:

http://athletics.bowdoin.edu/sports/wbkb/2013-14/releases/20131116d91u0s

amh63 · November 19, 2013, 11:53:26 AM

Amherst has a busy week. First game is today and another one on Thursday, followed by its tournament on the weekend. The later start of the season is a little surprising, but maybe a schedule quick. One learns not to question Coach G.

Am excited to see the team play, but only stats listed for the early home games...another thing that is strange to me.
At homecoming, met the Florida FY player and noticed that she " lost" an inch on the roster chart...but that is the Amherst way it seems. In any case, will like to see her on the floor...her height is needed to replace Bridget from last season,IMO. Meg Robertson, a presence since her first year....ROY..will need a backup and rest at times...which Bridget C. did last year. Also interested in who will be the primary ball handling guard and the outside shooting guards.
One of the returnees did tell me that she felt that that Amherst would " be strong" up front this year.
Another FY player of interest is Renner of Newton. I had posted earlier that she maybe related to another player of the same name and town who had transferred from a Div.1 school...Jackie Renner.
In any case, based on my inquiry, the FY Renner is a three sport athlete of note..fine student of course... coach G is proud of his players achievements in the classroom. A trademark of his recruits, IMO.

amh63 · November 20, 2013, 01:10:28 PM

Amherst won its season opener over Keene last night...67-52. Defense was fine, but Amherst had trouble with the zone defense of Keene. Outside shots not dropping, and difficult to get the ball inside. Shooting was not good overall...even left too many points on the foul line.
Number of FYs played and impressed with hustle and defense. Leave judgement for another day and after more games...of Amherst defending its conference title with this young, but talented team.

ronk · November 20, 2013, 11:09:33 PM

Amherst should get a test this weekend if they meet Ithaca in their tourney.

ronk · November 20, 2013, 11:14:26 PM

Just saw that Farmingdale St(Ithaca's 1st round opponent) took #18 Wm Paterson into 2 OT, so Amherst should get a test no matter which 2nd round opponent.

amh63 · November 21, 2013, 08:49:38 AM

Good to have solid opponents early to welcome the FYs to college play. Saw that One front court player of note was not dressed..SH. Spoke to her father at homecoming...dad stated that they were awaiting a doctor clearance at the time. There is a game tonight!
Last season, Ithaca college had a former player as an assistant coach. See that she has left.