Shocks 65 - Pitt State 48

[1972Shocker]

Shocks did not look quite ready for prime time tonight against Pitt State who is coached by former Heights coach Lane Lord. The Shocks played so-so offensively for most of the game. I do think that Pitt State's size bothered the Shocks a good deal. Pitt State rotated 6'6" Jr Lauren Brown (Wichita Independent School) and 6'3" Sr Larissa Richards (Great Bend High School) in the post and these two ladies were anything but skinny, expecially Richards. Fortunately, neither were particulary skilled players. 5'11" SR Brooke Conley, also from Wichita via Barton County CC, was a nice athlete and had a good second half.

The Shocks took a 29-15 lead at half behind solid defense and poor shooting (15%) by Pitt State. Pitt State was much better for most of the second half and actually had the momentum after pulling to within 4 at 47-43. However, Haleigh knocked down a big trey and the Shocks pulled away with a 13-0 run lead by Haleigh, Jessica and Freshman Alex Harden.

Shocks defense was not particulary good the second half.

Overall I can't say the Shocks looked like a preseason #3 pick in the MVC but it was just one exhibition game with a lot of new faces being worked in. I did think our two freshman, Alex Harden and Molly O'Brien looked like they belong and should get decent playing time this year. Alex did sustain an injury during the final minute of the game. I did not really see what happened to her nor what the trainers were working on. I think she may have rolled an ankle. I have no idea regarding the severity of this injury.

Our tough non-conference schedule will be a real challenge for this team but should help us be ready for the MVC race.

[oldtimewomen's hoopcoach]

Shocks did not look quite ready for prime time tonight against Pitt State who is coached by former Heights coach Lane Lord. The Shocks played so-so offensively for most of the game. I do think that Pitt State's size bothered the Shocks a good deal. Pitt State rotated 6'6" Jr Lauren Brown (Wichita Independent School) and 6'3" Sr Larissa Richards (Great Bend High School) in the post and these two ladies were anything but skinny, expecially Richards. Fortunately, neither were particulary skilled players. 5'11" SR Brooke Conley, also from Wichita via Barton County CC, was a nice athlete and had a good second half.

The Shocks took a 29-15 lead at half behind solid defense and poor shooting (15%) by Pitt State. Pitt State was much better for most of the second half and actually had the momentum after pulling to within 4 at 47-43. However, Haleigh knocked down a big trey and the Shocks pulled away with a 13-0 run lead by Haleigh, Jessica and Freshman Alex Harden.

Shocks defense was not particulary good the second half.

Overall I can't say the Shocks looked like a preseason #3 pick in the MVC but it was just one exhibition game with a lot of new faces being worked in. I did think our two freshman, Alex Harden and Molly O'Brien looked like they belong and should get decent playing time this year. Alex did sustain an injury during the final minute of the game. I did not really see what happened to her nor what the trainers were working on. I think she may have rolled an ankle. I have no idea regarding the severity of this injury.

Our tough non-conference schedule will be a real challenge for this team but should help us be ready for the MVC race.

We've got some work to do! Need to pound it inside to open up the outside. More pressure defense and all five need to attack the boards. Hopefully the first game jitters are gone and the Shox ramp it up for saturday. I like Alex and Mollie. Chrystal can run the point, she needs to make sure she doesn't force it. Sancho looked like she doesn't belong.

[1972Shocker]

From Paul Suellentrop's Write up:

Problems included being outrebonded 52-47, stopping penetration and another game going by without a point guard standing out.

Not too surprising considering Pitt State's size (height and bulk) advantage.

The dribble penetration was a big problem especially in the second half. The Shocks simply struggled to keep their opponent in front of them.

Maybe the point guard play did not stand out particularly but neither was it to bad either. Krystle actually looked pretty solid in her first game as a Shocker.

Another area that I thought was a little of a problem was that we seemed to struggle inbounding the ball on the baseline. Also we were pretty stagnant on offense at times.

Not a lot of time to fix too much, however, our opponent on Saturday, Northwestern State, gives us an opportunity to work on a few of these issues.



.

[Hoopzdad]

I couldnt make the game but did listen in. I wasn't terribly worried that our shots didnt seem to fall but our defensive intensity and rebounding was lacking. Chyna seems much improved over last season and is hitting the boards much better.
I anticipate this team hitting its stride after the Christmas season but im hoping it wont take us that long to gel.

There are some things that should be consistent every game and defensive pressure and rebounding are two of them.

[1972Shocker]

Thank goodness Haleigh decided enough was enough when Pitt State pulled to within 4 in the second half.

[Hoopzdad]

Thank goodness Haleigh decided enough was enough when Pitt State pulled to within 4 in the second half.

Lets hope she and the rest of the team bring their "A" game to these non conference games. They will need to!