Non-Conference Schedule Released!

I thought it was our "core" of returning starters that let us down. Kay Kay was something like three of fifteen from the field against North Texas, and we were shocked. How does she go three of fifteen against NTS? But, we struggled when she did, and she was inconsistent. When she wasn't scoring, she really contributed nothing. When she was doing well, she did well.

Vivi was more consistent and contributed in doing something even when not scoring. I was very impressed that Vivi learned to shoot free throws. By the end of the year, she was very reliable from the line. She also worked hard everywhere. She kept improving.

I was very disappointed in Gioya and Peyton. Neither shot well, and that was their forte. Peyton was effective as a spot shooter. Occasionally, Gioya would make a play. In general, Gioya made so many mistakes that she was still a freshman. Peyton would disappear in the first half and score twenty in the second. I had the impression that neither was really working to get a shot, to make something happen. It was up to Gabbi or Maddie to find them open by doing something themselves to open everyone up.

If Gabbi, Kay Kay, Peyton, or Gioya were not shooting well, was there a reason to keep them on the floor? Were they fighting for rebounds, steals, or tips? Were they trying to make things happen when they weren't scoring?

I thought we had two difference makers: T'Ona and Maddie. They could be the reason that we scored ten points, none of which they scored. They caused problems and got us the ball. There were times when Maddie would seem to have dominated a half, and we had a good lead. But, she only had four points. She might also have four assists, four steals, four blocks, four tipped balls, and two blocks. We beat a Final Four team on their home court because Maddie and T'Ona made some things happen in the last minute of the game. Their defense took over. T'Ona still can't shoot, and it would help if she learned to shoot free throws.

Somehow, Gabbi, Gioya, and Peyton have to find a way to contribute at all times, not just when they are hot. They don't give us six assists, six rebounds, four steals, a block, and a bunch of tipped balls. They have to play an all-around game, or they must be hot a lot.

Disappointment in our shooting guards has been my primary disappointment over the years. We had Whitney as a freshman. We've seen flashes from others. But, we just haven't had the one scorer step up, especially in key games.

Only thing I disagree with is your comments about Peyton. Yes, we desperately needed her to shoot well and score, but when she wasn't, she still played good defense and worked hard. She has a high basketball IQ, which is why she was on the floor even when she couldn't hit shots.
 
We don't need a schedule with a bunch of top ten teams this year. We need to find out how to work Nancy, Chelsea, and Morgan into the lineup. We had some underachieving last year on the part of shooters, and we must see if that is corrected. We need time and experience at a new game plan.

the non conference schedule has been on the light side for a few years now... Since Ortiz, Little, Carter, Manning, and Vivi are all upperclassman... With Kellogg, Edwards, Williams, and Wyatt getting minutes, this team has plenty of experience... I'd also add this isn't a young team.
 
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