WBB: NESCAC

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

ronk....taking the opportunities to thank you the scouting rpt of talented players....the ones that Amherst HC "used" to get his FY players.  Almost all are contributing and one made ROY.

Yes, I've kept my list under tighter control this year  , although Williams and Middlebury have PGs committed from it already.

ronk - while they aren't going to your beloved school, you have to appreciate that they at least are going to Division III programs and not elsewhere. That should at least be a satisfactory consolation prize.

[ronk]

ronk....taking the opportunities to thank you the scouting rpt of talented players....the ones that Amherst HC "used" to get his FY players.  Almost all are contributing and one made ROY.

Yes, I've kept my list under tighter control this year  , although Williams and Middlebury have PGs committed from it already.

ronk - while they aren't going to your beloved school, you have to appreciate that they at least are going to Division III programs and not elsewhere. That should at least be a satisfactory consolation prize.

Yes, I could have thrown a dart blindfolded at the Women's bracket and hit some team with a former prospect - in  addition to Amherst/Tufts/ Williams/ Bowdoin/Middlebury, they were Babson, Messiah,Montclair,Ithaca,Roch Tech,SUNY-New Paltz,Geneseo, Muhlenberg,CNU,Marymount,DeSales,Catholic(generally, east of Ohio and north of Carolina) although it's easier to rationalize them choosing D!/D2 scholarship-level schools or instate state schools(lower tuition). It does give me more boxscores to follow each season. 

[jaybird44]

We are going to talk about a little basketball here.  Interesting in looking at the four regional groups, that there are no ranked teams in Amhersts group.  Amherst has clear sailing to the final four, and should have no problem with Mass Dartmouth tonight.  Babson was competitive and had the game down to a 3 point game in the third quarter, and then Amherst clamped down their defense and Ali Doswell started making key baskets and it was over.  I think Tufts has a very good chance to win at Wash U tonight--if somehow they can bet Baptista to stop committing fouls.  She is so good and is such a force, but every game I watch she makes two-three very bad fouls, and is always on the bench in foul trouble.  Would love to see two NESCAC teams in the final four.

[Maine 1]

Great job by Tufts at Wash U this weekend.  Coming out of that section with solid wins over top ranked teams.  On Friday they did it with offense. Last night it was the Tufts blueprint--incredibly tenacious defense and enough offense to win the game.  North had a huge game, dominating inside on both offense and defense.  The Tufts guards were all over on defense, creating havoc with the Wash U offense. And Barutti managed the bench expertly, effectively keeping Batista out most of the first half with two fouls, and then having her for the entire second half, when Batista came out firing and broke open what was a very close game. 
Amherst easily made it to the final four--as they had the easiest route to the finals.
We could see a rematch of Amherst and Tufts for the championship, which would be great for the NESCAC

[amh63]

The bubble burst for UMass-Dartmouth early after a 20-2 first period by Amherst.  In the second half, the subs started to enter and 11 players scored for Amherst.  It was a nice ride for UMD, their first trip to the NCAA post season.  In contrast, it was Amherst's 7th to the Final 4. 
It was nice to see four FY players on the floor at the same time and playing well...they are not really "freshmen" at this time of the year playing the tough defense and team offense insisted on by Coach GP. 
Amherst's opponent CNU in the tidewater area of Va also hosted and played well through their bracket.  Gametime on Friday will be announced this afternoon.

[amh63]

The two CAC final 4 teams maybe impacted wrt travel to Michigan due to winter storms arriving late tonight.  Heavy snowfall and winds in western Ma and Boston area. 

[NE Jeffs Fan]

Hopefully they'll be able to get out later on Wednesday or early Thursday.  Good luck to both teams!!!

Nice interview with Hannah Hackley on D3 Hoops podcast!

[amh63]

NE Jeff Fans ....agree!  On the Hannah interview.  Listen to the interview with the Tufts HC.  A former UConn player, she concentrated on the defensive aspects of her team. 
While watching the D1 WBB selection show, I was struck by former players/commentators remarks that the key to top teams is the play of the PG.  In the wins over Babson and UMass-Dartmouth, Amherst's defense over the opponents PGs was the key.  Hannah Hackley...all 6'1" of her...is often the defensive player on the PG...to stop any outside shot, deflect any passes inside and to block the PG view.  HHackley offensive numbers may be down this year...but she is more valuable to her team on the defensive side.

[NE Jeffs Fan]

Amh63 - Agree on all points.  Liked Tufts Coach interview.  Hackley reminds me of the role Fiorentino (sp?) had on the 2011 team.  I think she was the one that GP asked to shut down the PG or outside scoring threat of other team.  Fun to watch the strategy of great basketball minds!!!

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

The show is called Hoopsville... just sayin. ROFL

Glad you guys enjoyed the segments. We strive to have those on every show from all of our guests.

[amh63]

NE Jeffs Fan.....yes your spelling is correct.  That 2011 team has brought back a number of good memories.  Went back to check the roster and schedule.  Some very interesting "connections" to this year's team.  Of course, that team won the National Title in The Midwest!
First, Amherst's present SR PG, J. Renner, older sister was on the 2011 team playing as a forward at 6".
The opponent in the semi-final game was CNU.  The title win was over Wash. Un.
In the Sectionals in 2011, Amherst won over Babson to get to the Final 4.
Hoping for an uneventful trip to Calvin for the Amherst Team.   Also hoping for the team to return with another title .

[Maine 1]

Great comeback win for Tufts--they looked like there were done, down 9 with about 5 minutes to go, but some huge steals and baskets by Baptista brought them back, including a three followed by a steal and layup to tie the game at 55, and then a huge 3 by one of the guards. Great finish and congratulations to Tufts. Lets see if Amherst can meet them in the final

[ronk]

 It's amazing how Baptista can disappear for minutes at a time, then reappear with great plays, offensively and defensively.
This was a great game. Langer was very impressive for St. Thomas.

[Maine 1]

Amherst was very impressive in their win over CN.  Shooting was off, but great defense.  One more time with Tufts and Amherst--I still think it comes down to whether Baptista can make some plays and stay in the game.  She is the most talented player on the floor.  Expect another very tight game.  Great that there are two NESCAC teams in the finals.  Tufts has really had to win some games against top opponents to get to this point. Amherst has had a bit of a cake-walk.

[OldCardinal]

Great showing by Amherst.  Amazing comeback by Tufts.  Here we go again.  Baptiste is a key for sure but Tufts will need someone else to hit a few outside shots too.  Should be another great match up.