SLIAC

[y_jack_lok]

There seems to be a problem with the SLIAC women's schedules for Wednesday December 5th.

On that date:
1) Webster's schedule shows them playing Fontbonne at Fontbonne;
2) Fontbonne's schedule shows them playing Maryville at Maryville;
3) Maryville's schedule shows them playing Westminster at Westminster.
4) Westminster doesn't have a schedule posted.

The above sounds like a Keystone Cops routine where one school will show up at another's gym only to find that they've gone somewhere else to play. If anyone in the know is reading this, some clarification would be appreciated. The SLIAC women's composite schedule is not on the SLIAC site yet.

[jdoug2]

Not sure about the schedule glitch. I'm sure it will get handled.

As for the pg position at Fontbonne, I'm not so sure about Amber playing the point. I think she is more valuable on the wing and scoring. Lauren said they do have a freshman point, but she's a freshman. I know Liz will be playing some, but you need more depth. It might end up being a shared duty, which is fine until some team pressures you off the court. Oh well, I'm sure coach will work it out.

[haterinthehouse]

I saw that Mac has a new head coach as well.  I hope he spends the better part of this entire year recruiting.  I understand that he doesnt have much to work with. 

[FU_SID]

Regarding the schedules, Fontbonne had an inaccurate version of their schedule on their website. The problem has been fixed, the accurate version has now been posted. Sorry to add to any confusion.

[y_jack_lok]

Thanks FU_SID. I have printed out the correct version.

[jdoug2]

I'm just ready for the season to begin. My own ragged play on weekends is not cutting it. I need to figure out when I can start flying back up there and checking out some games.

Any thoughts on which teams will be the spoilers for Maryville? Surely someone can give them a run this year.

[y_jack_lok]

Hard to know who might be good enough to beat Maryville. I don't know who Maryville lost and who they have to replace them. I know they had lots of players last year so their talent level may not have declined much at all, especially if they didn't graduate too many key players.

I know Principia has one excellent player back but graduated two of  their best, including one who was first team all-conference and I believe Player of the Year. I can't verify that because the new commissioner is making changes to the conference website and that information is not available at this time.

Webster has five freshmen to go with eight players returning from last year -- thirteen in all showing on the roster. Some of the freshmen will have to contribute immediately and make them a better team for Webster to improve upon its record of last year.

[jdoug2]

I know Fontbonne has tons of players as well. Is that a D-III thing? Have 40 kids on the bench. I'd rather have a 8-9 rotation and go with that. Easier to get a flow and some continuity. I know everyone wants some pt, but sometimes you just need to play the best. Or is this too harsh a view for D-III ball?

[y_jack_lok]

Certainly there's a point where the number of players gets to be too many to handle. I'm not a coach, so I don't know where that line is, but I'd guess it falls somewhere between 15-20 actually suited up for a game. A team can have more than that on the roster, with about 10-12 playing a jv schedule, and probably be o.k. Forty is definitely over the top.

Of course if you have big numbers at the start of the season, a few will likely decide not to stick with it. Others may last the season, then not return to the team, maybe even to the school, the next year.

[jdoug2]

I know 40 was exaggerating a bit. Fontbonne is showing 22 on their roster. And I realize 7 are freshman. Probably a good thing I'm not a coach.

[y_jack_lok]

Just took a look at Maryville's '07-'08 roster. Casey Schultz, last year's starting point guard, is not listed. Also, only two freshmen on the roster.

[jdoug2]

I guess they have enough returning players that they do not need the new blood.

My niece is not giving me much info on practice. She said it is going good. That's about it. I'm hoping some of their new blood will infuse some talent and make them more competitive with Maryville. And there's only a couple of weeks until their first game.

[y_jack_lok]

There are a total of 18 players on the Maryville roster. Three are seniors. That means if all the others come back next season there will be 15, plus any freshmen and transfers. I'd say that's a pretty solid way to be entering a season.

Fontbonne has 22 players listed on their roster including five seniors and seven freshmen. I'd say they, too, are set for numbers for the next few years.

Now it's just a matter of having the talent to get to the top of the conference.

[jdoug2]

I know it's early, but Lauren is liking the new point. Said she is super quick.

And I'll be making my maiden voyage up north for Fontbonne's annual trip to Decatur,Il. That way I can see two games.

[y_jack_lok]

jdoug. When you are in Decatur keep your eyes on Millikin's #44, Lindsay Ippel. She was first team All-American last year as a junior. Also, in 2005 (when she was a freshman) she was a big reason why Millikin beat my alma mater, Randolph-Macon, in the national championship game.