WBB: NESCAC

[speedy]

I read this quote and I don't see what the problem is.

"I know I'm probably not taking the high road here, but I have to defend (Marble). Compare the numbers across the board -- points per game, rebounds per game -- and look at the supporting cast surrounding (Flaherty)."

Is that what you're so aghast about?  Seems pretty matter of fact. Is he not allowed to state the facts or defend his own player?

In this case, the idea that the USM coach is just "defend[ing]" is not realistic. The article in question appeared in the Portland Press Herald and was likely a USM plant since that's the local paper. I seriously doubt that the Portland Press Herald reporter would have thought of writing this article without some serious prodding by USM and the various coaching allies that were likely recruited by the USM coach to support his grievance. Newspaper articles about D3 women's basketball that appear in newspapers like the Portland Press Herald typically appear only after serious spadework is done by the school that is covered. So it's about a 95% certainty that this article appeared only as a result of proactive action by USM, making it therefore unlikely that this coach was simply defending his player.

And since the USM player apparently won many awards herself, it seems particularly ungracious of the USM coach has gone to so much trouble to complain in such a public way about the fact that Flaherty also received an award. After all, the USM coach admits that he is not acting properly when he acknowledges that he is "probably not taking the high road." He's got that right . . .

[Balder Eagle]

I read this quote and I don't see what the problem is.

"I know I'm probably not taking the high road here, but I have to defend (Marble). Compare the numbers across the board -- points per game, rebounds per game -- and look at the supporting cast surrounding (Flaherty)."

Is that what you're so aghast about?  Seems pretty matter of fact. Is he not allowed to state the facts or defend his own player?

Reader comments

ken farber of Portland, ME
Mar 17, 2007 9:12 AM
Coach Fifield was right about one thing--he is not taking the high road. That is disappointing. My nine year old daughter and I made it to just about every Bowdoin home game this year including Bowdoin's victory over USM and Ashley Marble. Besides her great numbers, Eileen Flaherty added tremendous poise and leadership on and off the court, which served to enhance the level of play by her teamates and made for a much more balanced and better team than USM. Eileen was a selfless team player, which doesn't necessarily show up in the statistics. It was quite observable if you followed the team, and Bowdoin's success was in large part because of her leadership. She is most deserving of the award and that doesn't take anything away from Ashley. How about a little good sportmanship Coach Fifield?!

Cooper Foster of Rockland, ME
Mar 17, 2007 9:11 AM
I can't believe I'm going to side with the pick of Flaherty on this as I played ball at USM. However when looking at who had the best season it's hard to argue against Flaherty. Yes Marble had the better season statistics. Flaherty played a tougher schedule and had a better supporting cast who took states (shots and rebounds) away from her. Also look at the head to head match-up. A 60 to 45 win for Bowdoin. Marble played 32 min and had 5 points on 1 for 11 shooting and 4 rebounds. Flaherty on the other hand played 36 min and finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds....enough said.

Fantastic

[Pat Coleman]

I read this quote and I don't see what the problem is.

"I know I'm probably not taking the high road here, but I have to defend (Marble). Compare the numbers across the board -- points per game, rebounds per game -- and look at the supporting cast surrounding (Flaherty)."

Is that what you're so aghast about?  Seems pretty matter of fact. Is he not allowed to state the facts or defend his own player?

In this case, the idea that the USM coach is just "defend[ing]" is not realistic. The article in question appeared in the Portland Press Herald and was likely a USM plant since that's the local paper. I seriously doubt that the Portland Press Herald reporter would have thought of writing this article without some serious prodding by USM and the various coaching allies that were likely recruited by the USM coach to support his grievance. Newspaper articles about D3 women's basketball that appear in newspapers like the Portland Press Herald typically appear only after serious spadework is done by the school that is covered. So it's about a 95% certainty that this article appeared only as a result of proactive action by USM, making it therefore unlikely that this coach was simply defending his player.

And since the USM player apparently won many awards herself, it seems particularly ungracious of the USM coach has gone to so much trouble to complain in such a public way about the fact that Flaherty also received an award. After all, the USM coach admits that he is not acting properly when he acknowledges that he is "probably not taking the high road." He's got that right . . .

D3hoops and DIII News came out after this story was written. At the time Kevin Thomas interviewed people it was a much different landscape. In fact, he approached me for comment on Friday via e-mail but since it was the day of the national semifinals, I didn't have time to get back to him.

And I have followed the Portland paper's coverage off and on all season. They don't seem to need prodding from anyone to do a story about D-III basketball. Unless you're willing to suggest also that Bowdoin prompted them to do the story in January about the battle for No. 1 in the two polls, talking to Bowdoin's coach who votes in both.

[speedy]

. . .
And I have followed the Portland paper's coverage off and on all season. They don't seem to need prodding from anyone to do a story about D-III basketball. Unless you're willing to suggest also that Bowdoin prompted them to do the story in January about the battle for No. 1 in the two polls, talking to Bowdoin's coach who votes in both.

Virtually all stories of any length that appear in the Portland Press Herald with regard to women's D3 basketball would be the product of spadework by the institution covered. And, yes, I can almost guarantee that the January story was produced in response to work by Bowdoin. I seriously doubt that a reporter sat in his office at the Portland Press Herald, dreamed up the idea that giving the award to Flaherty was "controversial," and then called a bunch of coaches who would confirm that theory. It happened the other way around . .   

[Pat Coleman]

If you say so. Seems rather insulting to the writer.

[nescac1]

Between Amherst's coaching change and returning almost all its key players from a solid team, and Williams getting decimated by graduation, next year could represent the best chance for the Herst to break Williams' long stretch of dominance (something like 14 victories in a row over around six years) in women's hoops.  Anyone have any idea where Williams will get scoring from next year, especially inside?  Hopefully the Ephs have some top-notch frosh coming in or some bench players ready to step up, because right now it looks like Amherst is significantly more talented, and Williams rarely beats teams that have a talent advantage (they aren't going to out-strategize anyone).  Great run for the graduating senior class, which has to be among the most talented and accomplished in Williams history. 

Tough luck for Bowdoin ... has to be frustrating to just barely miss the final four on so many occasions.  Still, Pemper is an amazing coach and, if interested, definitely deserves a chance to coach at an Ivy or someplace like that.  Without Flaherty, Bowdoin likely won't be the preseason NESCAC favorite (that would be Bates), but they'll likely win yet again anyway. 

[nescac hoops]

it's official. my sources were correct.

http://ncaa.thetask.com/market/view_full.php?id=43839

I would be somewhat shocked if Hersey (?), the female co-coach the past few seasons, is named the sole head coach if she wants the posistion. She is a young, female and I think it would be a real slap in the face if they didn't
hire/stick with her. That being said, I am sure there will be a ton of great canidates hoping to land a cushy coaching spot in the NESCAC.

[feces monkey]

Maybe Hixon could coach both since, from what I've read on the men's board, he invented the game.

[frank uible]

Created the Earth!

[nescac1]

Boston Globe article on Williams' Maggie Miller:

http://www.boston.com/sports/colleges/womens_basketball/articles/2007/03/25/miller_time_is_over/

[goubears89]

Any word on what admissions letters have arrived where and who might be joining NESCAC school rosters next season? (And could that sentence be one of the worst constructed ever?)

[atn alum]

we typically do this on daily dose off the front page, but the info trickles in slow, we don't like to deal in rumors, and most schools don't publicicze this much...

[feces monkey]

Congratulations to the NESCAC schools for not artifically inflating their attendance figure in order to gain ill-gotten attention.

I guess the highest academic standards and unmatched athletic excellence will have to suffice.

[Balder Eagle]

Good to hear from you Monkey, shall we plan to take in some games this coming season? 

[feces monkey]

BE,

Good to hear from you. I trust all is well in the border states.

Maybe I could sneak down for the CAC tournament, as that seems to be a very competitive bunch of games. Pencil me in for the Goucher-St. Mary's grudge match. Or is Catholic the team to beat this year?

Needless to say, there is an open invitation to come up to God's country during striper season. Merrymeeting Bay should be teeming with bass this August, and, appropriately enough, it also has a large population of Bald Eagles.