WBB: NESCAC

[Maine 1]

I was almost ready to be much more positive on Colby, but I did watch their Game with Conn College.  I thought Colby had more talent, but Conn College played them smart.  Really challenged every three (Colby is still highly dependent on 3s).  As long as Colby relies on the three as their primary offense, they will be challenged against better teams.

On another matter, I noticed some posts on the end of the Men and Women playing at the same location.  The current arrangement (with Men and Women playing different schedules) is what the NESCAC had done about 6 years ago and prior, so they are back to the old way.  Not exactly sure what is driving this, as certainly having the teams travel together had to be much more cost efficient. And in many of the schools, particularly when the Women played first, it made for a bigger crowd at the end of the Women's games

[d3wbbfan]

Middlebury (8-5, 1-1 NESCAC) managed to stay even with Tufts for a half (23-all), but an 18-2 Jumbo run over the last 10 minutes resulted in a 57-37 victory over the Panthers Sunday in Vermont. SR Hayley Kanner scored 19 on 8-16 shooting, and to her credit, really put the team on her back during the big 2nd half run. JR Emma Roberson added a season-high 13 for Tufts (12-1, 1-0 NESCAC), while SO Michela North chipped in with 10. SR F Rachel Crews was the lone Panther in double-digits, posting 14.

I absolutely love the job first-year Middlebury coach KJ Krasco is doing. This team is on the rise on the NESCAC - mark my words. The Panthers play physical (in a good way), they get on the floor/compete for every rebound and loose ball, they take good shots, pass the ball well, run good stuff on offense, and they have a couple of kids who can skillfully drive to the goal and convert. It was pretty clear this afternoon that they simply ran out of gas late. FR PG Sarah Kaufman (who's gonna be really good) played the full 40, had 7 assists and 7 rebounds, but struggled with her shot, going 3-17. A lot of those misses were surely just fatigue. Crews played 39, SO F Elizabeth Knox (whose game I also like a lot) played 38, while SR G Alexis Coolidge logged 33. Krasco can absolutely build around Knox and Kaufman, and once she gets a recruiting class or two under her belt and is able to go at least 7 deep, I see Middlebury as a Top 5 NESCAC team. It all depends on how quickly she can get that done. I'm betting on quickly. Middlebury is not afraid, they play tough defense, and they are extremely well coached. That combo will be winning them lots of NESCAC games, much sooner than later.

I finally had a chance to see Bates on-line. Friday at Middlebury. I was very unimpressed with the Bobcats. Yes, they do have some talent. But are a total finesse team - in a bad way. I'm sure they are a wonderful group of young ladies. Yes, they were trying hard, and appeared to be doing exactly what they were being told to do. But they have a very methodical, almost lumbering way about the way they play. And they always play at that same pace. I just saw no fire, no emotion, and no getting on the floor for loose balls. As a result, Middlebury won every 50/50 ball/rebound. They wanted it much more than Bates. Not meaning to offend anyone - just stating what I saw. Also saw a bit of Colby vs Wesleyan (not their narrow home loss to Conn College Sat, as I was watching Amherst/Williams.) As Maine1 said, Colby is clearly a better team than Bates. But Coach Veilleux didn't seem to be very happy with her club's play in a 22-pt Friday home win vs Wesleyan. Which surprised me a bit, as she has a veteran group. Shouldn't they all be on the same page by now? I'll defer to the Maine board regulars as to specifics, however. Maybe that's just Julie's normal bench demeanor, and I'm totally mis-reading it.

Williams continues to be up and down. There's obviously no shame in losing at Amherst. Coach Manning did make one statement in the Eph postgame story that left me utterly confounded. She said that the 77-51 final score did not reflect the way the game was played. Well I watched the entire game, and I thought that the LJs *were* 26 points better than Williams on this day. If someone else out there knows what Coach Pat meant by that, I'd appreciate the help, as her point went *way* over my head!     

[nescac1]

I feel like in the Gromacki era, when the teams are close in talent, it's very, very difficult for Williams to win, and almost impossible to win at Amherst.  From 2010-12, Amherst was just far more talented in addition to the Gromacki edge.  In 2013, I believe that Williams clearly had a better team, and while they blew Amherst out at Chandler, they lost handily at Amherst, before eeking out a neutral-court victory in the Final Four. It was a testament to Gromacki (who is easily the best coach in D3 women's hoops) that Amherst could win even one of those three games against a loaded Eph team.   In 2014, when the teams were, I thought, roughly even in talent, Williams also lost handily at Amherst, despite winning a close game in Chandler.  This year, I think, with Robertson back and a really strong sophomore class blossoming, Amherst is a bit more talented than Williams, but just a bit ... in Williamstown, I think the game will be far more even and the Ephs could conceivably pull out a win if they play well ... Amherst is just so consistently prepared and motivated, especially at home.  Williams this year, as others have said, is capable of very high highs, but has yet to find that consistent second gear in every game -- which is true of almost every college hoops team.  Which is why Amherst's run under Gromacki is so remarkable.  They basically NEVER lose to a team with lesser or roughly equal talent. 

By the way, I'm surprised amh63 wasn't all over this article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/12/sports/ncaabasketball/at-amherst-division-iii-team-with-no-1-ambition.html 

[Roundball999]

I feel like in the Gromacki era, when the teams are close in talent, it's very, very difficult for Williams to win, and almost impossible to win at Amherst.  From 2010-12, Amherst was just far more talented in addition to the Gromacki edge.  In 2013, I believe that Williams clearly had a better team, and while they blew Amherst out at Chandler, they lost handily at Amherst, before eeking out a neutral-court victory in the Final Four. It was a testament to Gromacki (who is easily the best coach in D3 women's hoops) that Amherst could win even one of those three games against a loaded Eph team.   In 2014, when the teams were, I thought, roughly even in talent, Williams also lost handily at Amherst, despite winning a close game in Chandler.  This year, I think, with Robertson back and a really strong sophomore class blossoming, Amherst is a bit more talented than Williams, but just a bit ... in Williamstown, I think the game will be far more even and the Ephs could conceivably pull out a win if they play well ... Amherst is just so consistently prepared and motivated, especially at home.  Williams this year, as others have said, is capable of very high highs, but has yet to find that consistent second gear in every game -- which is true of almost every college hoops team.  Which is why Amherst's run under Gromacki is so remarkable.  They basically NEVER lose to a team with lesser or roughly equal talent. 

By the way, I'm surprised amh63 wasn't all over this article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/12/sports/ncaabasketball/at-amherst-division-iii-team-with-no-1-ambition.html 

Just have to take issue with the "easily the best coach in D3 women's hoops" comment.  No doubt Gromacki is a fabulous D3 coach but there are others in that top echelon too.  One example would be Hope's Brian Morehouse, winning percentage over 19 seasons very similar to Gromacki while typically playing a tougher SoS.  Really hard to compare D3 coaches playing in different leagues and regions, but the "easily" portion of the comment doesn't hold water imo.

Not to say that I don't admire Gromacki greatly.  He does a great coaching job and is a smart recruiter, among other things going after girls who may be Ivy candidates athletically and academically but who may not want the time commitment involved in even non-scholarship D1 athletics.  Very smart recruiting niche.

[nescac1]

The thing with Gromacki, though, is wherever he has gone, he has immediately made the program a contender in an incredibly short time span (he elevated two other nondescript D3 programs into elite programs once he arrived, and they quickly fell off after he left).  He inherited an Amherst team that was mediocre at best, hadn't beaten Williams in years and never contended for even a NESCAC title, and with the talent on hand plus one recruiting class, almost immediately made them a national championship contender.  I've never seen anything like it, in any sport, in NESCAC.  Hope hasn't been in a Final Four since 2010; since that time, Gromacki has led Amherst to three final fours and a national title.  Gromacki, regardless of who graduates, has his team in Salem [edit, whatever the women's equivalent is] basically every year.  He is the Geno of D3 hoops.  As a Williams fan, I wish it weren't so, but no one is even close in terms of his ability to get immediate results, no matter who the players are, and no matter where he coaches. 

[amh63]

Nescac1.....thanks for putting up the link on this board.  Actually just finished reading the article online via an Amherst Twitter.  A late riser and NOT a NYT reader for decades.....was alerted of the article via a phone call from my oldest Amherst son who resides in Brooklyn.
Suggest Roundball read the article for info and why many consider Coach G  a top D3 WBB coach.  For others, it gives some history of the Williams - Amherst rivalry, Coach G, and in particular Megan Robertson.  It should be noted that Williams won in Willytown last season without Meg, IMO.  Meg went down early in the Tufts game last season in Medford...losing Amherst's chance to host the conf. Tourny.  Her lost was also a reason that Amherst missed another final four trip.   Considering that last season, the sophs leading the  team this year were FYs and Amherst brought in another big talented FY class...the present team's goal is a possibility.
Oh yes, Williams HBC is quoted several times in the article. 
D3wbbfan....can not help you with P. Manning's quotes.

[Pat Coleman]

I feel like in the Gromacki era, when the teams are close in talent, it's very, very difficult for Williams to win, and almost impossible to win at Amherst.  From 2010-12, Amherst was just far more talented in addition to the Gromacki edge.  In 2013, I believe that Williams clearly had a better team, and while they blew Amherst out at Chandler, they lost handily at Amherst, before eeking out a neutral-court victory in the Final Four. It was a testament to Gromacki (who is easily the best coach in D3 women's hoops) that Amherst could win even one of those three games against a loaded Eph team.   In 2014, when the teams were, I thought, roughly even in talent, Williams also lost handily at Amherst, despite winning a close game in Chandler.  This year, I think, with Robertson back and a really strong sophomore class blossoming, Amherst is a bit more talented than Williams, but just a bit ... in Williamstown, I think the game will be far more even and the Ephs could conceivably pull out a win if they play well ... Amherst is just so consistently prepared and motivated, especially at home.  Williams this year, as others have said, is capable of very high highs, but has yet to find that consistent second gear in every game -- which is true of almost every college hoops team.  Which is why Amherst's run under Gromacki is so remarkable.  They basically NEVER lose to a team with lesser or roughly equal talent. 

By the way, I'm surprised amh63 wasn't all over this article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/12/sports/ncaabasketball/at-amherst-division-iii-team-with-no-1-ambition.html 

Just have to take issue with the "easily the best coach in D3 women's hoops" comment.  No doubt Gromacki is a fabulous D3 coach but there are others in that top echelon too.  One example would be Hope's Brian Morehouse, winning percentage over 19 seasons very similar to Gromacki while typically playing a tougher SoS.  Really hard to compare D3 coaches playing in different leagues and regions, but the "easily" portion of the comment doesn't hold water imo.

I don't think the numbers bear out Hope having a stronger schedule, FWIW.

[Roundball999]

I feel like in the Gromacki era, when the teams are close in talent, it's very, very difficult for Williams to win, and almost impossible to win at Amherst.  From 2010-12, Amherst was just far more talented in addition to the Gromacki edge.  In 2013, I believe that Williams clearly had a better team, and while they blew Amherst out at Chandler, they lost handily at Amherst, before eeking out a neutral-court victory in the Final Four. It was a testament to Gromacki (who is easily the best coach in D3 women's hoops) that Amherst could win even one of those three games against a loaded Eph team.   In 2014, when the teams were, I thought, roughly even in talent, Williams also lost handily at Amherst, despite winning a close game in Chandler.  This year, I think, with Robertson back and a really strong sophomore class blossoming, Amherst is a bit more talented than Williams, but just a bit ... in Williamstown, I think the game will be far more even and the Ephs could conceivably pull out a win if they play well ... Amherst is just so consistently prepared and motivated, especially at home.  Williams this year, as others have said, is capable of very high highs, but has yet to find that consistent second gear in every game -- which is true of almost every college hoops team.  Which is why Amherst's run under Gromacki is so remarkable.  They basically NEVER lose to a team with lesser or roughly equal talent. 

By the way, I'm surprised amh63 wasn't all over this article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/12/sports/ncaabasketball/at-amherst-division-iii-team-with-no-1-ambition.html 

Just have to take issue with the "easily the best coach in D3 women's hoops" comment.  No doubt Gromacki is a fabulous D3 coach but there are others in that top echelon too.  One example would be Hope's Brian Morehouse, winning percentage over 19 seasons very similar to Gromacki while typically playing a tougher SoS.  Really hard to compare D3 coaches playing in different leagues and regions, but the "easily" portion of the comment doesn't hold water imo.

I don't think the numbers bear out Hope having a stronger schedule, FWIW.

According to Massey, at least this year the numbers do.

Amh63, as I said, no one disputes Gromacki is a great coach.  I did read the article; similar articles can and have been written about other coaches.  I just think the whole "no one is close, he's easily the best"  thinking is just hyperbole and maybe regional narrow thinking.     With respect to Hope, Morehouse has been able to build an even longer string of sustained excellence with a recruiting base which is much smaller.  Last year TWO starters went down with ACL's and the team still went undefeated and made it to the NCAA 2nd round.

Who knows who the best women's D3 coach is?  I wouldn't pretend to know but I'm quite sure there there is more than one near the top.

[d3wbbfan]

Amherst HC GP Gromacki and his team made the 5+ hour bus trek back to his former place of employment, St. Lawrence, for a Monday matinee just 20 minutes from the Canadian border up in Canton, NY, and came away with the 68-55 road victory. Amherst led 39-27 at the break, while the two teams played a fairly even 2nd half. Overall, the Jeffs shot a sizzling 55% from the field (26-48), with frequent dribble-drives for points today's preferred offensive option. Fellow sophs and twin sisters Meredith and Ali Doswell each led Amherst (14-0; 2-0 NESCAC) with 15 points each, while Megan Robertson had her most efficient offensive effort since her recent return from an ACL injury, with 14 points on 6-8 shooting, in just 18 minutes. FY Hannah Hackley added 9 off the bench, in a season-high 21 minutes of PT. JR G Lauren Quattrocchi led the Saints (8-4; 3-1 Liberty League) with 12 points, while SR G Allison Cady scored 11.

[amh63]

On a night of college football, Amherst starts with a Monday game...the first of many road trip games...at St Lawrence Un.  Coach G was the head coach at the NY university a while back  In any case, Amherst wins in a workman manner 68-55, I believe.  The lead was 21 plus in the 2nd half and was close the first part of the first half.  Meg Robertson was the difference maker.  When she entered in the first half, she jump started the Lady Jeffs with inside play.  In the 2nd half she did the same.  Amherst was playing good defense against a solid St. Lawrence team...3-0 in the Liberity League.
Good game in that if Amherst got lazy on the defensive side, the Saints made you pay. H. Hackley was impressive.  A big player that has a outside shot and can handle the ball on the run.  Often sets up outside and will drive and score inside over often shorter defenders.  Amherst is too tall and quick for St. Lawrence basically.  Reflected in the announcer's comments who often stated that the home team needs to score if they want to Stay in touch with Amherst. 

[Pat Coleman]

I feel like in the Gromacki era, when the teams are close in talent, it's very, very difficult for Williams to win, and almost impossible to win at Amherst.  From 2010-12, Amherst was just far more talented in addition to the Gromacki edge.  In 2013, I believe that Williams clearly had a better team, and while they blew Amherst out at Chandler, they lost handily at Amherst, before eeking out a neutral-court victory in the Final Four. It was a testament to Gromacki (who is easily the best coach in D3 women's hoops) that Amherst could win even one of those three games against a loaded Eph team.   In 2014, when the teams were, I thought, roughly even in talent, Williams also lost handily at Amherst, despite winning a close game in Chandler.  This year, I think, with Robertson back and a really strong sophomore class blossoming, Amherst is a bit more talented than Williams, but just a bit ... in Williamstown, I think the game will be far more even and the Ephs could conceivably pull out a win if they play well ... Amherst is just so consistently prepared and motivated, especially at home.  Williams this year, as others have said, is capable of very high highs, but has yet to find that consistent second gear in every game -- which is true of almost every college hoops team.  Which is why Amherst's run under Gromacki is so remarkable.  They basically NEVER lose to a team with lesser or roughly equal talent. 

By the way, I'm surprised amh63 wasn't all over this article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/12/sports/ncaabasketball/at-amherst-division-iii-team-with-no-1-ambition.html 

Just have to take issue with the "easily the best coach in D3 women's hoops" comment.  No doubt Gromacki is a fabulous D3 coach but there are others in that top echelon too.  One example would be Hope's Brian Morehouse, winning percentage over 19 seasons very similar to Gromacki while typically playing a tougher SoS.  Really hard to compare D3 coaches playing in different leagues and regions, but the "easily" portion of the comment doesn't hold water imo.

I don't think the numbers bear out Hope having a stronger schedule, FWIW.

According to Massey, at least this year the numbers do.

Only through half of the season. Here's the season-ending SOS for Amherst and Hope over the past five years, using your preferred Massey:

2014 Amherst 46 Hope 69
2013 Hope 13 Amherst 18
2012 Amherst 26 Hope 62
2011 Amherst 21 Hope 52
2010 Amherst 20 Hope 34

[Roundball999]

I feel like in the Gromacki era, when the teams are close in talent, it's very, very difficult for Williams to win, and almost impossible to win at Amherst.  From 2010-12, Amherst was just far more talented in addition to the Gromacki edge.  In 2013, I believe that Williams clearly had a better team, and while they blew Amherst out at Chandler, they lost handily at Amherst, before eeking out a neutral-court victory in the Final Four. It was a testament to Gromacki (who is easily the best coach in D3 women's hoops) that Amherst could win even one of those three games against a loaded Eph team.   In 2014, when the teams were, I thought, roughly even in talent, Williams also lost handily at Amherst, despite winning a close game in Chandler.  This year, I think, with Robertson back and a really strong sophomore class blossoming, Amherst is a bit more talented than Williams, but just a bit ... in Williamstown, I think the game will be far more even and the Ephs could conceivably pull out a win if they play well ... Amherst is just so consistently prepared and motivated, especially at home.  Williams this year, as others have said, is capable of very high highs, but has yet to find that consistent second gear in every game -- which is true of almost every college hoops team.  Which is why Amherst's run under Gromacki is so remarkable.  They basically NEVER lose to a team with lesser or roughly equal talent. 

By the way, I'm surprised amh63 wasn't all over this article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/12/sports/ncaabasketball/at-amherst-division-iii-team-with-no-1-ambition.html 

Just have to take issue with the "easily the best coach in D3 women's hoops" comment.  No doubt Gromacki is a fabulous D3 coach but there are others in that top echelon too.  One example would be Hope's Brian Morehouse, winning percentage over 19 seasons very similar to Gromacki while typically playing a tougher SoS.  Really hard to compare D3 coaches playing in different leagues and regions, but the "easily" portion of the comment doesn't hold water imo.

I don't think the numbers bear out Hope having a stronger schedule, FWIW.

According to Massey, at least this year the numbers do.

Only through half of the season. Here's the season-ending SOS for Amherst and Hope over the past five years, using your preferred Massey:

2014 Amherst 46 Hope 69
2013 Hope 13 Amherst 18
2012 Amherst 26 Hope 62
2011 Amherst 21 Hope 52
2010 Amherst 20 Hope 34

Yes, making a deep run into the tournament definitely boosts the season ending SoS, doesn't it?  It will take another deep Amherst run and a flop by Hope for Amherst to finish with a better SoS this year.  Massey has Amherst with a 120/50 SoS current/forward and Hope at 61/41.  But I really didn't intend this to be a Amherst vs. Hope or anybody else conversation; I just took issue with a statement that puts Gromacki far above every other coach in D3.  Great coach.  There are others too.

So, are you in the "Gromacki is the best coach by far" camp?  Or did Sac get you po'ed so this is pick on MIAA week? 

[Pat Coleman]

I feel like in the Gromacki era, when the teams are close in talent, it's very, very difficult for Williams to win, and almost impossible to win at Amherst.  From 2010-12, Amherst was just far more talented in addition to the Gromacki edge.  In 2013, I believe that Williams clearly had a better team, and while they blew Amherst out at Chandler, they lost handily at Amherst, before eeking out a neutral-court victory in the Final Four. It was a testament to Gromacki (who is easily the best coach in D3 women's hoops) that Amherst could win even one of those three games against a loaded Eph team.   In 2014, when the teams were, I thought, roughly even in talent, Williams also lost handily at Amherst, despite winning a close game in Chandler.  This year, I think, with Robertson back and a really strong sophomore class blossoming, Amherst is a bit more talented than Williams, but just a bit ... in Williamstown, I think the game will be far more even and the Ephs could conceivably pull out a win if they play well ... Amherst is just so consistently prepared and motivated, especially at home.  Williams this year, as others have said, is capable of very high highs, but has yet to find that consistent second gear in every game -- which is true of almost every college hoops team.  Which is why Amherst's run under Gromacki is so remarkable.  They basically NEVER lose to a team with lesser or roughly equal talent. 

By the way, I'm surprised amh63 wasn't all over this article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/12/sports/ncaabasketball/at-amherst-division-iii-team-with-no-1-ambition.html 

Just have to take issue with the "easily the best coach in D3 women's hoops" comment.  No doubt Gromacki is a fabulous D3 coach but there are others in that top echelon too.  One example would be Hope's Brian Morehouse, winning percentage over 19 seasons very similar to Gromacki while typically playing a tougher SoS.  Really hard to compare D3 coaches playing in different leagues and regions, but the "easily" portion of the comment doesn't hold water imo.

I don't think the numbers bear out Hope having a stronger schedule, FWIW.

According to Massey, at least this year the numbers do.

Only through half of the season. Here's the season-ending SOS for Amherst and Hope over the past five years, using your preferred Massey:

2014 Amherst 46 Hope 69
2013 Hope 13 Amherst 18
2012 Amherst 26 Hope 62
2011 Amherst 21 Hope 52
2010 Amherst 20 Hope 34

Yes, making a deep run into the tournament definitely boosts the season ending SoS, doesn't it?  It will take another deep Amherst run and a flop by Hope for Amherst to finish with a better SoS this year.  Massey has Amherst with a 120/50 SoS current/forward and Hope at 61/41.  But I really didn't intend this to be a Amherst vs. Hope or anybody else conversation; I just took issue with a statement that puts Gromacki far above every other coach in D3.  Great coach.  There are others too.

So, are you in the "Gromacki is the best coach by far" camp? 

Nope, just pointing out that your assumption might not be borne out by the facts. Also, if you look at the SOS numbers the NCAA uses that have kept some MIAA runners-up on the sidelines, those don't bear out either.

[BruinFan]

I feel like in the Gromacki era, when the teams are close in talent, it's very, very difficult for Williams to win, and almost impossible to win at Amherst.  From 2010-12, Amherst was just far more talented in addition to the Gromacki edge.  In 2013, I believe that Williams clearly had a better team, and while they blew Amherst out at Chandler, they lost handily at Amherst, before eeking out a neutral-court victory in the Final Four. It was a testament to Gromacki (who is easily the best coach in D3 women's hoops) that Amherst could win even one of those three games against a loaded Eph team.   In 2014, when the teams were, I thought, roughly even in talent, Williams also lost handily at Amherst, despite winning a close game in Chandler.  This year, I think, with Robertson back and a really strong sophomore class blossoming, Amherst is a bit more talented than Williams, but just a bit ... in Williamstown, I think the game will be far more even and the Ephs could conceivably pull out a win if they play well ... Amherst is just so consistently prepared and motivated, especially at home.  Williams this year, as others have said, is capable of very high highs, but has yet to find that consistent second gear in every game -- which is true of almost every college hoops team.  Which is why Amherst's run under Gromacki is so remarkable.  They basically NEVER lose to a team with lesser or roughly equal talent. 

By the way, I'm surprised amh63 wasn't all over this article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/12/sports/ncaabasketball/at-amherst-division-iii-team-with-no-1-ambition.html 

Just have to take issue with the "easily the best coach in D3 women's hoops" comment.  No doubt Gromacki is a fabulous D3 coach but there are others in that top echelon too.  One example would be Hope's Brian Morehouse, winning percentage over 19 seasons very similar to Gromacki while typically playing a tougher SoS.  Really hard to compare D3 coaches playing in different leagues and regions, but the "easily" portion of the comment doesn't hold water imo.

I don't think the numbers bear out Hope having a stronger schedule, FWIW.

According to Massey, at least this year the numbers do.

Only through half of the season. Here's the season-ending SOS for Amherst and Hope over the past five years, using your preferred Massey:

2014 Amherst 46 Hope 69
2013 Hope 13 Amherst 18
2012 Amherst 26 Hope 62
2011 Amherst 21 Hope 52
2010 Amherst 20 Hope 34

Yes, making a deep run into the tournament definitely boosts the season ending SoS, doesn't it?  It will take another deep Amherst run and a flop by Hope for Amherst to finish with a better SoS this year.  Massey has Amherst with a 120/50 SoS current/forward and Hope at 61/41.  But I really didn't intend this to be a Amherst vs. Hope or anybody else conversation; I just took issue with a statement that puts Gromacki far above every other coach in D3.  Great coach.  There are others too.

So, are you in the "Gromacki is the best coach by far" camp? 

Nope, just pointing out that your assumption might not be borne out by the facts. Also, if you look at the SOS numbers the NCAA uses that have kept some MIAA runners-up on the sidelines, those don't bear out either.

Here are some facts:

Amherst road to the Final 4 during their run of five consecutive Final 4 appearances (2008-09 through 2013-14)

Tournament Home Games:  20
Neutral/Away Games:  0

Final Four Record:  3-5
Semi-Final Record: 1-4

Last year Amherst did not get to host.
The Northwest Conference is 3-0 in semi-final games over the last six seasons.
Amherst is a regional powerhouse, no question - and represents the best the Northeast has to offer. Not sure they can be considered a national powerhouse when you factor in the home court advantage.

[d3wbbfan]

BruinFan, for those here in the Northeast not aware, is a George Fox loyalist/Northwest Conference fan. I follow both the NESCAC and the NWC very closely, and have come to respect BruinFan's viewpoints and his quality posts over in the West region.

To me, Amherst is that highly unusual program where you can't accurately draw the "just a regional power" conclusions that you have from the numbers you cite. Here's why:

Coach Gromacki took a long-stagnant, around .500 W-L program in an already-elite DIII league, and somehow started off 17-0 in his very first season (2007-08), with a team he 100% inherited, won both the NESCAC regular-season/tournament titles (both firsts for the Amherst women), and advanced to the Sweet 16 in their very first NCAA tourney, before losing a close, 68-63 contest to defending champion DePauw, finishing with an incredible 27-3 record, as well as going undefeated at home in his initial campaign. (He's only lost one home game *ever* at Amherst, and that was when a Bowdoin desperation 3-ptr at the buzzer went in!) All this while being hired extremely late in the off-season. Who ever does that? Then, each of the next three seasons, they run into the same, legendary Wash U team: they get killed the first year ('09), they lose narrowly the second year ('10), and then finally beat the Bears the third time, as Amherst won the 2011 DIII title. Which is the exact same # of titles that Fox has so far. (By coincidence, your Bruins also beat Wash U., to win in all in 2009.)

Yes, BruinFan, George Fox/NWC teams being located out in OR/WA has absolutely hurt its NCAA hosting chances, for years now. I hate that. I don't expect many NE readers to empathize, but I do still feel your now years-old pain. Your Bruins went undefeated twice in two different regular seasons, and only got a *total* of three hosted NCAA home games, That was an absolute travesty. When Fox won it all in '09, they got a first-round bye and then only got a single home game, before the NCAA sent you guys out to Thomas More (KY) for the rounds of 16 & 8. And when Fox again ran the table in 2012 (27-0), you then only got to host the opening weekend, before being forced to fly all the way out to Virginia, for the rounds of 16 & 8. Totally unfair to both your team and your league. Again. And to the Bruins credit, they again advanced. Your road to both the 2009 title and the 2012 final was clearly harder than any of Amherst's FF journeys. I cede you that point, although I don't expect much residual sympathy from NESCAC partisans here in the Northeast.      One thing Fox and Amherst do have in common is that both teams are at the absolute mercy of wherever the NCAA tells you to go play. And yes, NESCAC teams' location have clearly benefitted them, travel-wise/home game-wise, vs. the NWC. It's as obvious as night and day. Hopefully, Whitman getting to host 4 NCAA games in Walla Walla last year is finally a step in the right direction, should Fox manage to run the table for a 3rd time (or come close) in 14-15. The NCAA surely "owes you one", there's no doubt about that. Good luck. 

But when I think of GP Gromacki's astounding coaching results, which included yet another DIII FF while coaching St. Lawrence (NY), I think of the old sports phrase, "He can beat you playing with his guys, and he can beat you playing with your guys."

Just know that it is not the fault of Amherst that the team is always selected to be an NCAA host. The NESCAC is always deep and talented, and both the overall SOS numbers and other criteria that the DIII Selection Committee uses to build the brackets always grades this league's elite at/near the very top. (I will admit that even I thought the NCAA went a bit overboard on the amount of NESCAC respect last year, however.) But to assert that the Lord Jeffs suddenly become mortal once they hit the road is extremely faulty. That's like saying UConn's won 9 DI titles because they always host NCAA games. Really? Amherst has won countless NESCAC road games, at perennial powers like Tufts, Bowdoin, and Williams. But most (not all) of these games are not NCAA games, so these key road wins don't show up in your stats, as reflected. Do you know how hard it is for Amherst to book non-conference road games? Few teams want to play Amherst, even at their own gym. And when it comes to Elite Eight/Final Four game results, you'd be hard pressed to find *any* single team anywhere with a record over .500, because it requires an unusually successful season to even participate in games this late in a postseason. And these games are always against "the best of the best."   

And while I've just written a West Region post lamenting this week's Top 25, and why the NWC elite is so low, your pro-NWC, 3-0 national semifinal NCAA post 1) Involves both Whitman and two of your George Fox teams, and 2) Happens to cite/focuses the light on the *one* specific NCAA round where the NWC is superior to the NESCAC. When your George Fox team beat Amherst in the FF semi in 2012, did your 6"5" Hannah Munger *ever* have a better day shooting from the FT line in her 4 years at GFU? She shot around 50% her whole career. But she shot a very-much-not-like-her 14-16 at the FT line that day, and your Bruins won by 7. I equate it to Wilt Chamberlain during his 100-point game in 1962. He also had an unusually great day at the FT line that day. Hey, it happens. All anybody can do is tip your cap, and say that it was Hannah's day, which it was. Amherst also hasn't been too successful in FF consolation games, which I don't think should even be played, to be honest with you. But when Amherst lost two years ago in the FF, it was to *another* NESCAC team - Williams. Your stats should somehow reflect that fact. That was the best Williams team I've ever seen. And was the very same team who knocked out Whitman (of the NWC) a round or two earlier.

Finally, you said "Amherst didn't host last year." I assume you meant when the Lord Jeffs lost vs Ithaca in OT, in the 2013-14 regional semi at Tufts. (FYI, Tufts had their best year ever last year, and made their first FF.) Because the Lord Jeffs did host and win their first two rounds. But no one, I repeat no one, can do anything else but shake your head in utter amazement at what Coach Gromacki managed to accomplish with last year's team. First, he started 4 freshmen. Then his only returning starter (6'2" C Megan Robertson) tore her ACL early in the very first truly *big* game that the FYs had ever played - at Tufts. They lost. GP had to then start/play his 6th man, 5'10" SO Marley Giddins, at the 5 spot. I still don't believe what I saw Amherst achieve last season. Gromacki somehow got all of his raw frosh and his top sub to finish 26-4 in the always tough NESCAC, where 4 teams got NCAA bids, and three teams were hosts. Any other coach I know would've done cartwheels, if they'd managed even a .500 season with such youth.

I just had to provide some background to your Amherst numbers. And to express my sympathy to you for getting *far* too few NCAA home games during March 2009 and 2012, my friend. That's indisputable to me. I hope you found my Amherst background helpful.