One We Will Be As We Go For Three (2012-13)

[1972Shocker]

Thought I would start a new thread to discuss the Shocks prospects for the 2012-13 seasons instead of tacking this on to the recruiting thread.

"One We Be As We Go For Three" is my motto for this team as they (hopefully) pursue the following trifecta of program firsts:

First ever MVC Regular Season Championship
First ever MVC Tournament Championship
First ever NCAA Tournament Appearance

Certainly these goals are not terribly unreasonable or unattainable.

This would be a great legacy for this senior class.

Let's post our comments about the upcoming season here and reserve the recruiting thread for the Class of 2013 and beyond.

[1972Shocker]

Last year the top 4 MVC finishers were MSU (14-4), ILS (13-5), WSU (12-6) and Creighton (11-7).

Creighton won the MVC Tournament and the sole MVC bid to the NCAA Tournament.

I see no reason to believe that these 4 teams will not be battling it out again in 2012-13.

MSU graduated 5 seniors including Casey Garrsion, Jasmine Malone, Jaleshia Roberson, Regan Soldner and Lacey Boshe. Casey Garrison, in particular is a big loss, and those will be tough shoes for MSU to fill. Because of that I see MSU being slightly down from last year but they always seem to be a threat.

Illinois State graduates only 1 senior, Katie Broadway, but she was a very good player. Still the Redbirds should be tough with Seniors Jamie Russell and Candace Sykes leading the way.

Wichita State graduated Haleigh Lankster and Alicia Sanchez. Haleigh, in particular, will be tough to replace and it is not real clear at this point what player or players will step up to fill that void.

Creighton only lost guard DaNae Moore to graduation. She was a solid, but not oustanding, starter for the BlueJays. Creighton did come on late last year winning the MVC Tournament and falling in the 1st round of the NCAA to #14 St. John's 69-67 in a very competitive showing. The Bluejays return POY candidate Carli Tritz and MVC Honorable Mention Sarah Nelson, both juniors, to lead the way.

Returning All-Conference players among these 4 teams include Tritz and Nelson for Creighton plus the following:

Missouri State: Christiana Shorter - 2nd Team All-Conference and All-Defensive Team
Illinois State: Jamie Russell - 1st Team All-Conference and All-Defensive Team
Illinois State: Candace Sykes - Honorable Mention
Wichita State: Jessica Diamond - 1st Team All-Conference

Norhern Iowa gets Jaqui Kalin back for her final year after ACL surgery in the off-season. Jaqui is very good but I don't think she, by herself, can overcome UNI losing their top 3 scorers from a middle of the pack team last year.

I'm not sure there is a whole lot to pick between these 4 teams. It may boil down to who wants it the most and who can be the most consistent. No reason the Lady Shocks can't grab the brass ring, although they will have to earn it.

[1972Shocker]

2012-13 Keys for the Shockers:

1. @flyingMoose: mentioned it in the recruiting thread and it has been stated numerous other times. We have to find a way to keep form wearing down Jesscia Diamond. Jasmine Jones may have to step it up in this role.

2. How do we replace the outstanding all-around play of Haleigh Lankster. Athletically, Alex Harden may be the best candidate, but I suspect this may have to be a committee effort with Alex Harden, Molly O'Brien and Darice Fountaine chipping in.

3. We need a determine effort and strong leadership from our 5 Seniors. Jessica Diamond, Jazimen Gordon, Chynna Turner, Jasmine Jones and Nicole Wells.

4. We need the sophomore class of Alex Harden, Molly O'Brien and Kelsey Jacobs to hold a coming out party and to bring the glimpses of strong play they showed late last year on a consistent basis.

5. We need both Michelle Price and Darice Fountaine to recover strongly from a year of inactivity and make solid contributions.

6. Like last year, not sure we will have much of a perimeter game, but we showed you can win without that if you play tough defense, get out in transition and run your half-court offense with patience. Any perimeter scoring we get will be a bonus. Although hard to say where that would come from at this point.

7. Maybe this should be first. Play unselfish, smart, team oriented basketball and play that swarming, in your face defense and get out and run.

Those are my thoughts. Take your shots or post your thoughts.

[1972Shocker]

One thing I think Jody will do with Jessica this season is to try and anticipate the media timeouts and pull Jessica from the game for a couple of possessions prior to anticipated media timeout and the re-insert Jessica following the timeouts. Of course, game situations can throw a wrench into that strategy, but I think we will see that fairly regularly.

Of course, the best strategy might be to just blow the doors off of the opponent and let Jessica watch the youngsters get some experience.