Lady Shox at K-State

[oldtimewomen's hoopcoach]

http://www.odusports.com/ViewArticle...CLID=208424614

Looks like another project. Hopefully she fits in.

[WuDrWu]

6'4" athletes that aren't "projects" typically attend UConn or Stanford.

[1972Shocker]

But even in this rout, we only went seven deep with just five minutes outside those seven.

This could be problem down the line and for next year. It is quite concerning that we don't have enough confidence to play the bench more even in a dominating blowout. The only player we have not played and can redshirt is Kayla White. We have already eliminated the redshirt opportunities for Jalessa Chapel, Melissa Preston, Moriah Dapprich and Briana Jones. Would be a shame to waste a year of eligibility on all of these Ladies for de minimis playing time this year.

[tgcshock]

This could be problem down the line and for next year. It is quite concerning that we don't have enough confidence to play the bench more even in a dominating blowout. The only player we have not played and can redshirt is Kayla White. We have already eliminated the redshirt opportunities for Jalessa Chapel, Melissa Preston, Moriah Dapprich and Briana Jones. Would be a shame to waste a year of eligibility on all of these Ladies for de minimis playing time this year.

While I would like to see these freshmen play and get experience, Jody has been remarkably consistent through her time here. If you don't play fundamentally sound team defense (in practice and in games) then you simply will not play. She has not been unwilling to play freshmen during her tenure, she just demands that you play defense the way she wants it played. Can't argue too much with the results.

[1972Shocker]

K-State announcers were very complimentary of Michelle Price and Alex Harden on last nights broadcast.

[The Mad Hatter]

While I would like to see these freshmen play and get experience, Jody has been remarkably consistent through her time here. If you don't play fundamentally sound team defense (in practice and in games) then you simply will not play. She has not been unwilling to play freshmen during her tenure, she just demands that you play defense the way she wants it played. Can't argue too much with the results.

Agreed. I also think that freshman not playing 4 games into the season does not mean that they won't be playing later in the season. It comes as no surprise to me that this early in the season the freshman haven't figured out the coaches' standard for playing the system correctly. I'll be worried if none of the freshman have figured in out by late December, but not yet.

[oldtimewomen's hoopcoach]

Agreed. I also think that freshman not playing 4 games into the season does not mean that they won't be playing later in the season. It comes as no surprise to me that this early in the season the freshman haven't figured out the coaches' standard for playing the system correctly. I'll be worried if none of the freshman have figured in out by late December, but not yet.

Along with learning the system, there is also learning to be a great teammate while on the bench. I've seen Dana light up a player for not cheering on her teammates when then came out of the game. I know they can get discouraged, but it's part of the growing process. When I played freshman could not play varsity, we had JV's which I think was good for most players, not so good for future Hall of Famers. Bottom line, I like this team and believe we'll be in the hunt for another MVC title.

[1972Shocker]

With the exception of Wisconsin-Green Bay (and perhaps Arkansas State) the remainder of our schedule appears to be full of opportunities to get a few of the newbies some minutes. Surely they are capable of competing at the level of most of those teams and getting a little baptism under fire. Maybe even learn a few things about themselves. I would expect to see more PT over that stretch for some of the youngsters.

[1972Shocker]

Bottom line, I like this team and believe we'll be in the hunt for another MVC title.

I think you are probably right on that point, if for no other reason than the Valley appears to be down this year. While it is very early and this can change easily the Valley is currently ranked 24 in RPI out of 31 conferences with an average RPI of 216. The Valley's record so far is 13-22.

A win over the St. Jo's, had the Shox been able to hold on, would have been the best RPI win of the very early season for the Valley.

At least to this point it looks like the Valley will be back to its traditional one-bid league status this year. Hopefully, we can develop just a little more depth (maybe 9 deep) by season's end which would come in handy at tournament time.