WBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[RogK]

I dug back and found a post from January 2007 which tells you what I think about coach Kerans :
During the opening introductions, I noticed that Millikin coach Lori Kerans came well forward and warmly greeted the Wheaton starters. Rather than treating it as an obligatory ritual, she appeared to use the opportunity to say, more or less, "thanks, girls, for coming to the gym and playing ball with us." Not a major thing or a criticism of any other coach, but it was a sign of a kindhearted person.

[RogK]

Congrats to Christina Solari, CCIW player of the week.

[RogK]

In last night's games, Elmhurst sped to a 53-25 halftime lead and won at Aurora, 83-54. A variety of players scored well and ten different Bluejays had a steal.
North Central lost at Benedictine, 70-60. Jessica Davis led the Cardinals with 16 points.

[Hoosier Titan]

Illinois Wesleyan rolled over MacMurray at Jacksonville, 84-40.  Both teams started sluggishly; the Titans, at least, looked to be working off their Thanksgiving dinners.  According to the running commentary, with five minutes to go in the first half, the score was 17-14 in favor of MacMurray.  This doesn't seem quite right (the scoreboard was often behind), but it's fairly indicative.  The Titans then pulled away to a 44-24 halftime lead, which they were able to extend a bit in the second half. 

The Titans were led in scoring by first year player Kylie Castens with 15 points in 22 minutes. She moved well and shot with confidence from all over the court.  Mallory Heydorn had 13 points, Claire Sheehan 12, and Christina Solari 10 with 13 rebounds.  For MacMurray, Abby Lowe was the most consistent player, contributing 17 points on 13/16 free throw shooting.  Taylor Vollmer was their most successful ball handler against the press and made a couple of nice end-to-end moves. She had 13 points.

This should not be taken as undue criticism of the officials or the job they did, but it was quite clear that one of the three was a novice.  This became most apparent when a player went to the floor with the ball and sat there, rolling around on her backside--traveling, obviously.  The new official was right there and blew the whistle.  Somehow, her team ended up with the ball out of bounds.  If we ever knew what the call was, we've forgotten, but the call wasn't traveling, nor was it a foul.  A timeout was called and the officials conferred; from their hand gestures the others were clearly explaining to the young ref what had happened.  No harm was done and it made no difference in the outcome.  Probably a good game for everyone on both teams, the scoring table, and the refs to sort things out.

[RogK]

Carthage topped Johns Hopkins, 68-50. Katie Jarger hit 9/12, 3/4 FT, leading the Reds with 21 pts.
With Carthage playing moderately-paced games, we might not see a lot of big individual statistical outputs in any one game. But a lot of players contribute, of course.
Aurora beat North Central, 80-76. NC had 26 turnovers, more than they can be happy with.
I saw Elmhurst fly past Benedictine, 95-77. Anna Randazzo was an early factor, revving up the Jays' offense. She finished with 4 assists and 4 steals in 18:00. Their major veteran players all did well.
Some newcomers who are providing immediate help include : 6'3" Laurel Benson, who has a soft shooting touch around the basket, 6' Megan Ney, an athletic and strong power forward and 5'11" Meghan Merklein, who has small forward skills and agility. There are other new kids, but these three are getting the opportunity now and are making good use of it.

[Old Hoosier Baller]

I, too, watched both Elmhurst games over the weekend.  I agree with Rog K's comments about the three freshmen (Ney, Merklein, and Benson) offering significant early contributions to compliment the veteran core group.  The Jays certainly have the ability to wear teams down due to the way they consistently run the floor coupled with a deeper bench than last season.  I also look for them to have a better balance with respect to the inside-outside game which will challenge the opponents on the defensive end.  Expect these newcomers to become more comfortable with each game.

[petemcb]

I spend most of my board time on the CCIW men's site, but am curious if anyone knows whether or not the Merklein you are mentioning has a brother who spent time at Lake Fores, Harper, and is now at UW-LaCrosse.

[RogK]

Don't know, petemcb.
Congrats to Carthage's Katie Jarger, conference player of the week.
Yesterday's Lady Reds game went better for Wash U than for Carthage, 83-54.

[RogK]

A fine game from Kelly Brooks (17 pts, 13 rebs in 26:00) helped Wheaton defeat Clarke last night, 71-58.
Kathleen Fidelia led with 20 pts and six steals.

[Hoosier Titan]

Illinois Wesleyan, up to #5 in this week's D3Hoops poll, defeated a Missouri Baptist team that I think is much better than the 86-59 score might suggest.  The Titans came out ready to play, forcing 27 turnovers.  Christina Solari had another double-double, 19 points and 11 rebounds, in only 25 minutes of playing time.  Colleen Caplice, the other IWU starting post player, scored 10 and had 9 rebounds in 26 minutes.  First-year player Kylie Castans continues to impress, scoring 13 with 2 rebounds in only 12 minutes.  Mo Bap are a big, strong team, and they play physical ball.  Lots of young Titans got some quality minutes which will hopefully serve them well later in the season.

Several members of the Millikin team were in attendance, as they play Mo Bap this weekend.  It was good to see a few more students at Shirk, and to have the pep band back.

[RogK]

North Park played a very smart game, taking a 78-50 win over NAIA Judson.
A fine effort was turned in by all, including implementing a good defensive plan which bothered Judson throughout the contest.
At the offensive end, the Vikings shot 52% from the floor and hit 30 of 39 FTs.
Up in Wisconsin, Elmhurst felled Lakeland, 71-64.

[Old Hoosier Baller]

A nice win for Elmhurst last night up at Lakeland.  Although it certainly wasn't the team's best effort of the young season, a road win is always positive.  Lakeland made several late runs, but the Bluejays were able to hold off the Muskies by virtue of many assorted contributions from the entire team.  The Bluejays will have a good test this Saturday when they host the University of Chicago.

[mr_b]

North Park played a very smart game, taking a 78-50 win over NAIA Judson.
A fine effort was turned in by all, including implementing a good defensive plan which bothered Judson throughout the contest.

Congratulations to the Vikings and new head coach Amanda Reese on the team's first victory of the season.  We wish you continued success!

[RogK]

Attended the Wheaton game last night : they ran into a stifling defense at the U of Chicago and lost 66-55. At the half, it was 32-17.
Soph Lissie McAlvey did have a nice game, scoring 12 (1/1 2fg, 2/4 3fg, 4/4 FT) and getting 6 rebounds in 22:00. Excluding her 3 for 5, Wheaton's FG% was 20.2.
North Central got clobberated 89-55 at UW Stevens Point.

[RogK]

Carthage sailed to an 80-48 victory over Greenville in Eureka.
In the box score, it says Cory Bazany committed six fouls. Does she think she's in the NBA?