WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

Gregory Sager · February 12, 2018, 11:19:57 AM

I congratulate Lori Kerans on a highly successful coaching career, as she concludes it and starts a new chapter in her life. The mark that she's left upon CCIW women's basketball is indelible, and the mark that she's left upon Millikin athletics is patently obvious.

I'll miss seeing her when Millikin comes to town. She's one of my favorite coaches in the CCIW, regardless of sport. Always a smile for everybody, always a good word. Lori Kerans is good people.

lmitzel · February 12, 2018, 12:22:28 PM

I think my favorite interaction with her was my last one on Millikin's last trip to Naperville. When I went to go get pronunciations before the game, I'd expected to get the task delegated to one of her assistants. But she did it herself, introducing herself to me beforehand and making sure I had everything squared away. Couldn't have been nicer or more gracious.

I know the university is planning to hold off on a celebration of her career, but I hope they find some way to sneak an opportunity for an ovation for her in the finale (and I'd have to think they would).

RogK · February 12, 2018, 12:34:50 PM

Not sure if this was previously noted here : Lori Kerans will go into the IBCA Hall of Fame, along with Mia Smith, later this year :
https://app.box.com/s/07hdw7zzo4rv79pnjwck1fqr0t2dpb6w
Kerans's former assistant, Dick Marshall, was honored there several years ago, although mainly for high school coaching, I think.

lmitzel · February 12, 2018, 03:14:52 PM

Wheaton's Hannah Frazier picked up her third CCIW Player of the Week award this week after averaging 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in wins over Illinois Wesleyan and North Park.

RogK · February 12, 2018, 03:50:55 PM

Congrats to Ms Frazier!
Incidentally, lmitzel, your guy among the flames in reply 6370 looks as if he's about to shout "THEATER!" in a crowded fire.

GoPerry · February 12, 2018, 06:46:15 PM

Quote from: lmitzel on February 12, 2018, 03:14:52 PM
Wheaton's Hannah Frazier picked up her third CCIW Player of the Week award this week after averaging 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in wins over Illinois Wesleyan and North Park.

It's an understatement to say Hannah Frazier was an unbelievable pick up over the off season for the Thunder. It seems that she's gotten better as the season has progressed and as her team mates adjusted to what she could do as such a strong inside presence. Probably a Shoo-in for Newcomer of the Year I would imagine(unless that has to go to a freshman)?

iwu70 · February 12, 2018, 07:47:05 PM

Congrats to Coach Kerans on her long and distinguished career at MU. Many great years and great teams.

Congrats also to Ms. Frazier on POW honors. Wheaton coming on strong down the stretch.

I'm hoping both IWU and WC make the dance.

'70

iwu70 · February 12, 2018, 09:13:18 PM

With the loss to Wheaton, Titans slip down to #17 in the latest poll. WC in ORV with 20 votes.

Titans need to take care of business and win out . . . 3 games to go. No let down.

IWU'70

Mr. Ypsi · February 12, 2018, 09:16:58 PM

New poll is up. Wheaton's win over IWU drops the Titans from 14 to 17, but only raises Wheaton from 7 points to 20 - still well short of the top 25. IMO, Wheaton is being seriously under-valued by the voters.

iwu70 · February 12, 2018, 09:22:25 PM

WC and IWU likely getting bids, or AQ, so WC can then really prove its worth. IWU too. Key is winning out, having a good placement in the regional rankings, to get to the table for early consideration/comparison. 22-3 would be grand for the TITANS.

Keep going TITANS. No let down.

'70

lmitzel · February 13, 2018, 01:22:07 PM

Quote from: GoPerry on February 12, 2018, 06:46:15 PM
It's an understatement to say Hannah Frazier was an unbelievable pick up over the off season for the Thunder. It seems that she's gotten better as the season has progressed and as her team mates adjusted to what she could do as such a strong inside presence. Probably a Shoo-in for Newcomer of the Year I would imagine(unless that has to go to a freshman)?

Honestly, I'm not sure. I know over on the men's side the award is named "Freshman of the Year," but it's "Newcomer" on the women's side. Looking at the history of the award, it's only gone to freshmen in its five years of existence. If that's the restriction, I'd probably lean Jordan Hildebrand of Millikin, though there's a few IWU ladies who will probably be in the running as well (Raven Hughes probably foremost of them).

GoPerry · February 13, 2018, 03:13:53 PM

Quote from: lmitzel on February 13, 2018, 01:22:07 PM
Quote from: GoPerry on February 12, 2018, 06:46:15 PM
It's an understatement to say Hannah Frazier was an unbelievable pick up over the off season for the Thunder. It seems that she's gotten better as the season has progressed and as her team mates adjusted to what she could do as such a strong inside presence. Probably a Shoo-in for Newcomer of the Year I would imagine(unless that has to go to a freshman)?

Honestly, I'm not sure. I know over on the men's side the award is named "Freshman of the Year," but it's "Newcomer" on the women's side. Looking at the history of the award, it's only gone to freshmen in its five years of existence. If that's the restriction, I'd probably lean Jordan Hildebrand of Millikin, though there's a few IWU ladies who will probably be in the running as well (Raven Hughes probably foremost of them).

Perhaps given our previous discussion regarding the relatively shallower level of talent on the women's side, one can't assume that a significantly contributing freshman might annually emerge. Thus the use of "Newcomer" as an out? If so, then I wonder if the coaches still try to recognize a freshman if they can or simply go for any CCIW first year player.

wheels81 · February 13, 2018, 04:18:40 PM

GS, I just want to say that you are a fine if not great dual role (color/pbp) commentator on both the women's and men's games for your Chicago Vikings. I think you know more about Wheaton's teams than most Wheaton fans. I guess you read the "Art of War" and picked up on "know your enemy"

Your reference to family participation was perfectly timed when the younger Zeller entered the game for Wheaton. Good job. The "twenty seconds" you expounded on after the block of Jill Berg's lay-up was warranted. Don't know why "bigs" don't keep the ball up. Didn't mind your broadcast repeating itself at least it was shot better than others I've seen with bigger budgets and replays.

Dee43 · February 13, 2018, 08:12:35 PM

I would certainly think both IWU and Wheaton have great chances at a bid, the AQ and the team that loses in the championship is deserving of an at-large. The conference has been a two team race with these teams in front for the past 3 years, looking to be the same as we come down the stretch. Would have a hard time believing either team could lose to anyone other than each other.

Dealing with MOP, it has to go to Rebekah Ehresman from IWU. Anyone who has watched every team multiple times can clearly see she is the most dynamic player in the league. Not sure I have seen a guard her size rebound, pass, attack, and defend the way she does. Leads the conference in everything a PG should (Assists, Steals, A/TO Ratio). Her scoring is not as high as other top players, but if you look at IWU's season when playing against the top teams (Chicago, Whitewater, Wheaton, WashU), she has her highest scoring games, while many IWU games have been blowouts. Eppard and Frazier are great players as well, but I don't believe they are as versatile or do as much as Ehresman.

Gregory Sager · February 13, 2018, 08:34:39 PM

Quote from: wheels81 on February 13, 2018, 04:18:40 PM
GS, I just want to say that you are a fine if not great dual role (color/pbp) commentator on both the women's and men's games for your Chicago Vikings. I think you know more about Wheaton's teams than most Wheaton fans. I guess you read the "Art of War" and picked up on "know your enemy" Your reference to family participation was perfectly timed when the younger Zeller entered the game for Wheaton. Good job. The "twenty seconds" you expounded on after the block of Jill Berg's lay-up was warranted. Don't know why "bigs" don't keep the ball up. Didn't mind your broadcast repeating itself at least it was shot better than others I've seen with bigger budgets and replays.

Thanks, Bully! Much appreciated.