[81alum]

Preliminary:

I'll be attending tonight and am eager to see how the team fares against real competition.  After this we have only the weekend to prepare for Texas on Monday.  Monday will be the acid test.

ןɐɔ Poly is lead by #42 Hannah Gilbert, a 6'3" senior forward who averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds last year.  She shot 54% and started 30 games last year.  It will be interesting to see if one of our younger players gets to defend her part of the night. 

Some interesting quotes from Tara in the Chronicle:

Samuelson rejoined practice Tuesday after suffering a hairline fracture of her left forearm six weeks ago. She averaged 47.3 percent on three-point tries last season, third in the nation. Until she returns to top shape, Brittany McPhee will start in her spot. McPhee “has been one of the absolute stars of the preseason,” VanDerveer said.

This makes me wonder if Tara is going to play Karlie in the 2 at all this year or if she is really just going to be a wing.  It doesn't sound as if Karlie is 100% back in shape.  We will learn more at the chalk talk.

“We want to be a great rebounding team — not a good rebounding team, a great rebounding team,” VanDerveer said. “We want to be an excellent defensive team and, offensively, a high-execution team.”

  OK.  Rebounding and defense will come first.

VanDerveer marvels at Sniezek’s basketball IQ. “She sees things on the court a lot of times before anybody, including me,” VanDerveer said. “She’s our quarterback.”

  She really likes her point guard's vision.
http://m.sfgate.com/collegesports/articl...605361.php

Flow of the Game:

At the Chalk talk Kate did a nice overview of the recent signees, the freshmen, and the improving sophomores.  Karlie's hairline fracture has healed and she will play, but not start.  Kate would not say what is wrong with Anna or how long it will take, except to say she is a great teammate, is being mentored by Karlie, and that they hope she will receive medical clearance.  Kate also noted we had been practicing against zones regularly, which did not used to be the case in prior years.

Tara started Erica, Kaylee, Britt, Bri, and Marta.  ןɐɔ Poly played zone and we had a few problems with it and fell behind for the first few minutes of the game.  But Bri started to make her shot and Kaylee began to penetrate and we pulled away to end the quarter ahead 20-14.  After the first quarter we kept a steady pace with most players rotating in and steadily pulled out to a 20 point lead, and finally finished with a 28 point lead.

It was very encouraging to see us crack a zone.  Also, Hannah Gilbert had nearly all of her points in the first half, which mean our defense figured out how to stop her at half time. 

Performances:

Thank goodness that Bri had such a great game!  She shattered her shooting slump of a year ago with 6/7 shooting for 16 points.  She also played backup point guard, although not so effectively.  If she can keep that shot going it bodes very very well for us.

Marta is such a good passer--she had 10 assists to 4 turnovers.  Those 4 turnovers were overly ambitious passes but they were not silly mistakes.  She wound up 1/5 shooting and did not take a single three point try, despite being open for them repeatedly.  Kate said at the chalktalk that they were encouraged that Marta was looking for her shot more, but it did not seem that way to me.

Kaylee had 8 rebounds and 11 points, Erica 4 rebounds and 14 points.  They both played well, especially when they were receiving passes inside against the zone, and splitting the defenders.

McPhee had some pretty plays and was 5/5 on two pointers but 0/5 on three pointers.  I'm afraid we will have to get used to her going hot and cold on long range shooting.  She looked great, though, playing good defense and grabbing 4 rebounds.

Karlie played extensively and yes she was on the floor at the same time as Britt some of the time.  2/3 from close and 2/4 from three point range--she really did not look rusty.

There were quite a few other highlights.  Fingall just looks better and better.  She made some freshman mistakes but she also went 3/4 for six points and a couple of rebounds and a couple of nice blocks--in quite limited time.  She is going to help us this year.  Alanna's shot was off, but she only picked up one foul and had a very nice steal for a fast break layup.  Brewer was 2/2 from three and just keeps looking like Karlie2.  Carrington had 5 points and a nifty steal.  Romano worked hard on D and played point some of the time. 

Conclusion:

All in all, a good performance with 4 players in double digits and 10 who scored.  The real test will come on Monday, though, when we will see if the execution we had against Votre Dame is still something we can muster.

[81alum]

Preliminary:

I'll be attending tonight and am eager to see how the team fares against real competition.  After this we have only the weekend to prepare for Texas on Monday.  Monday will be the acid test.

ןɐɔ Poly is lead by #42 Hannah Gilbert, a 6'3" senior forward who averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds last year.  She shot 54% and started 30 games last year.  It will be interesting to see if one of our younger players gets to defend her part of the night. 

Some interesting quotes from Tara in the Chronicle:

Samuelson rejoined practice Tuesday after suffering a hairline fracture of her left forearm six weeks ago. She averaged 47.3 percent on three-point tries last season, third in the nation. Until she returns to top shape, Brittany McPhee will start in her spot. McPhee “has been one of the absolute stars of the preseason,” VanDerveer said.

This makes me wonder if Tara is going to play Karlie in the 2 at all this year or if she is really just going to be a wing.  It doesn't sound as if Karlie is 100% back in shape.  We will learn more at the chalk talk.

“We want to be a great rebounding team — not a good rebounding team, a great rebounding team,” VanDerveer said. “We want to be an excellent defensive team and, offensively, a high-execution team.”

  OK.  Rebounding and defense will come first.

VanDerveer marvels at Sniezek’s basketball IQ. “She sees things on the court a lot of times before anybody, including me,” VanDerveer said. “She’s our quarterback.”

  She really likes her point guard's vision.
http://m.sfgate.com/collegesports/articl...605361.php

Flow of the Game:

At the Chalk talk Kate did a nice overview of the recent signees, the freshmen, and the improving sophomores.  Karlie's hairline fracture has healed and she will play, but not start.  Kate would not say what is wrong with Anna or how long it will take, except to say she is a great teammate, is being mentored by Karlie, and that they hope she will receive medical clearance.  Kate also noted we had been practicing against zones regularly, which did not used to be the case in prior years.

Tara started Erica, Kaylee, Britt, Bri, and Marta.  ןɐɔ Poly played zone and we had a few problems with it and fell behind for the first few minutes of the game.  But Bri started to make her shot and Kaylee began to penetrate and we pulled away to end the quarter ahead 20-14.  After the first quarter we kept a steady pace with most players rotating in and steadily pulled out to a 20 point lead, and finally finished with a 28 point lead.

It was very encouraging to see us crack a zone.  Also, Hannah Gilbert had nearly all of her points in the first half, which mean our defense figured out how to stop her at half time. 

Performances:

Thank goodness that Bri had such a great game!  She shattered her shooting slump of a year ago with 6/7 shooting for 16 points.  She also played backup point guard, although not so effectively.  If she can keep that shot going it bodes very very well for us.

Marta is such a good passer--she had 10 assists to 4 turnovers.  Those 4 turnovers were overly ambitious passes but they were not silly mistakes.  She wound up 1/5 shooting and did not take a single three point try, despite being open for them repeatedly.  Kate said at the chalktalk that they were encouraged that Marta was looking for her shot more, but it did not seem that way to me.

Kaylee had 8 rebounds and 11 points, Erica 4 rebounds and 14 points.  They both played well, especially when they were receiving passes inside against the zone, and splitting the defenders.

McPhee had some pretty plays and was 5/5 on two pointers but 0/5 on three pointers.  I'm afraid we will have to get used to her going hot and cold on long range shooting.  She looked great, though, playing good defense and grabbing 4 rebounds.

Karlie played extensively and yes she was on the floor at the same time as Britt some of the time.  2/3 from close and 2/4 from three point range--she really did not look rusty.

There were quite a few other highlights.  Fingall just looks better and better.  She made some freshman mistakes but she also went 3/4 for six points and a couple of rebounds and a couple of nice blocks--in quite limited time.  She is going to help us this year.  Alanna's shot was off, but she only picked up one foul and had a very nice steal for a fast break layup.  Brewer was 2/2 from three and just keeps looking like Karlie2.  Carrington had 5 points and a nifty steal.  Romano worked hard on D and played point some of the time. 

Conclusion:

All in all, a good performance with 4 players in double digits and 10 who scored.  The real test will come on Monday, though, when we will see if the execution we had against Votre Dame is still something we can muster.

[BobK]

I believe it's Roberson who will start for Karlie.  Per the Stanford Rivals interview with Tara 

[BobK]

I believe it's Roberson who will start for Karlie.  Per the Stanford Rivals interview with Tara 

[CompSci87]

Thanks, Bob. That makes more sense to me. There is little if any difference between 2 and 3, so no reason we can't start both Karlie and Brit. It would seem that puts our best five players out there.

[CompSci87]

Thanks, Bob. That makes more sense to me. There is little if any difference between 2 and 3, so no reason we can't start both Karlie and Brit. It would seem that puts our best five players out there.

[BobK]

But then Roberson has a big game  8)

[BobK]

But then Roberson has a big game  8)

[chimera]

My Major takeaway from tonight is that this will be a fun team to watch.  The ball movement is much better than last season, even when they zoned us a bit.  Bri Roberson had herself a great shooting night, which was fantastic to see.  If she can keep it up anything close to this, a brobdingnagian boost at guard.  Marta had a few too many turnovers, as did the team as a whole, but overall she ran the show very well.  10 assists!  Karlie looked quite good for someone who just got a cast and brace off her wrist recently.  Her shot is still lethal.  Brit McPhee was not on shooting threes but she did everything else well.  Definitely improved.  I agree Alanna looked better.  She rebounded well, avoided needless fouls and was aggressive to the basket.  Did not finish that well but still, looked pretty good.  Bird was fine, not a brobdingnagian night but fine.  Kaylee has more post moves and played well.  Mustangs were not big but did have a good post with good size.  Not super easy to score inside on her.  Alexa did very well.  She was a credible backup at the point, and looked good chasing down rebounds and defending.  Coffee did not score like she did in the exhibition but I still thought she was pretty good, definitely better than last season. 

Freshmen as a group were very impressive.  Plenty of freshmen mistakes but the talent is there and all three had good moments.  Fingall looked super good scoring inside and blocking shots.  She is ready to go.  Passes well too.  Really quick and good passer, which is a big deal for a freshman.  Carrington had a few hiccups but wow, she is fast and strong and overall I was impressed.  Brewer too.  Got a little ahead of herself a few times and turned it over but she moves well, shoots really well, and looked really good for her first game.  I am thrilled about how the freshmen did.  Bright future for them all.  I wish we could see Anna Wilson soon. 

Gotta cut the turnovers and tighten up the defense on three point shooters, but overall a nice start.

[chimera]

My Major takeaway from tonight is that this will be a fun team to watch.  The ball movement is much better than last season, even when they zoned us a bit.  Bri Roberson had herself a great shooting night, which was fantastic to see.  If she can keep it up anything close to this, a brobdingnagian boost at guard.  Marta had a few too many turnovers, as did the team as a whole, but overall she ran the show very well.  10 assists!  Karlie looked quite good for someone who just got a cast and brace off her wrist recently.  Her shot is still lethal.  Brit McPhee was not on shooting threes but she did everything else well.  Definitely improved.  I agree Alanna looked better.  She rebounded well, avoided needless fouls and was aggressive to the basket.  Did not finish that well but still, looked pretty good.  Bird was fine, not a brobdingnagian night but fine.  Kaylee has more post moves and played well.  Mustangs were not big but did have a good post with good size.  Not super easy to score inside on her.  Alexa did very well.  She was a credible backup at the point, and looked good chasing down rebounds and defending.  Coffee did not score like she did in the exhibition but I still thought she was pretty good, definitely better than last season. 

Freshmen as a group were very impressive.  Plenty of freshmen mistakes but the talent is there and all three had good moments.  Fingall looked super good scoring inside and blocking shots.  She is ready to go.  Passes well too.  Really quick and good passer, which is a big deal for a freshman.  Carrington had a few hiccups but wow, she is fast and strong and overall I was impressed.  Brewer too.  Got a little ahead of herself a few times and turned it over but she moves well, shoots really well, and looked really good for her first game.  I am thrilled about how the freshmen did.  Bright future for them all.  I wish we could see Anna Wilson soon. 

Gotta cut the turnovers and tighten up the defense on three point shooters, but overall a nice start.

[CompSci87]

Great observations!

Fingall became a fan favorite very quickly. The future looks bright for all the freshmen.

It was great to see Roberson shooting so well, and with plenty of confidence.

[CompSci87]

Great observations!

Fingall became a fan favorite very quickly. The future looks bright for all the freshmen.

It was great to see Roberson shooting so well, and with plenty of confidence.

[TheFarm07]

I was not able to watch the game last night, but the recaps sounded very positive. I am glad to hear that the freshmen, despite the expected mistakes as they transition to college, sound like they will contribute immediately and perhaps in significant ways.

I'm still waiting to see if the consistency is there for Briana. She started off well last year in non-conference as well, but then her shooting dropped way off as the season wore on. So I hope she can maintain her shooting (it doesn't have to be 6 for 7 every night, but I rather have go 3-7 or 4-7 on a regular basis than mix in 6-7 nights with 0-7 clunkers)

I can live with Brittany's streaky shooting from long range if she can be a force inside. It sounds like even though she missed all 5 of her outside shots, she was perfect from inside the arc, which bodes well.

Sniezek doesn't have to score 20 pts every night, but if she can demonstrate that she will make teams pay for sagging off her and score 5 to 10 points on a regular basis, then her passing can be even more lethal, because defenders will have to start accounting for her shooting the ball as well.

I hope whatever is ailing Anna Wilson will be resolved soon. Even though we have just 13 players on the roster this season, this team feels very deep. Our worst player (relatively speaking) is probably Alexa Romano and she's a decent player, so even when Tara subs in, I feel like our play shouldn't drop off significantly. Of course, our starters and upperclassmen are more experienced and are probably better decision makers at this point, but talent-wise, our bench is right up there.

[TheFarm07]

I was not able to watch the game last night, but the recaps sounded very positive. I am glad to hear that the freshmen, despite the expected mistakes as they transition to college, sound like they will contribute immediately and perhaps in significant ways.

I'm still waiting to see if the consistency is there for Briana. She started off well last year in non-conference as well, but then her shooting dropped way off as the season wore on. So I hope she can maintain her shooting (it doesn't have to be 6 for 7 every night, but I rather have go 3-7 or 4-7 on a regular basis than mix in 6-7 nights with 0-7 clunkers)

I can live with Brittany's streaky shooting from long range if she can be a force inside. It sounds like even though she missed all 5 of her outside shots, she was perfect from inside the arc, which bodes well.

Sniezek doesn't have to score 20 pts every night, but if she can demonstrate that she will make teams pay for sagging off her and score 5 to 10 points on a regular basis, then her passing can be even more lethal, because defenders will have to start accounting for her shooting the ball as well.

I hope whatever is ailing Anna Wilson will be resolved soon. Even though we have just 13 players on the roster this season, this team feels very deep. Our worst player (relatively speaking) is probably Alexa Romano and she's a decent player, so even when Tara subs in, I feel like our play shouldn't drop off significantly. Of course, our starters and upperclassmen are more experienced and are probably better decision makers at this point, but talent-wise, our bench is right up there.

[Jskass]

Think Alexa playing better than that! Shannon Coffee looked unsure of herself yesterday, but sometimes it was something easily remedied like not bringing the ball down on a rebound but using her height to her advantage rather than giving everyone else a chance to poke the ball away from her.

[Jskass]

Think Alexa playing better than that! Shannon Coffee looked unsure of herself yesterday, but sometimes it was something easily remedied like not bringing the ball down on a rebound but using her height to her advantage rather than giving everyone else a chance to poke the ball away from her.

[2006alum]

Late to this after a weekend at a conference. Terrific to see so many contributors. Encouraging to see Marta take 5 shots, even if she didn't make most of them. If Marta can become just a little bit more of a credible threat outside, it will really open up our offense, and it sounds like she's already become a terrific ball distributor and play maker. And yeah, if Bri can keep this up (or even just avoid the oh-for nights), our backcourt looks more promising than I would have thought.

Really pumped the Fingall is coming out fast and furious. Having her alongside Kayl and Bird gives us some options in the frontcourt and also means we can sub in and out more confidently to keep players fresh.

And I agree with Farm07, this feels like our deepest team in at least a decade. Part of that is because we don't have any superstars right now, so the trade-off from our #1 to our #6 isn't as steep, but it also feels like we have a lot of players who can run hot on a given night, which I hope makes our team less predictable for opposing teams. Truly the opposite of our Ogwumike sister years, esp. when we had only Chiney, where it was triangle offense and everyone trying to get the ball to Chiney inside. At a minimum, I think this team will be a lot more fun to watch.

Excited for Monday.

[2006alum]

Late to this after a weekend at a conference. Terrific to see so many contributors. Encouraging to see Marta take 5 shots, even if she didn't make most of them. If Marta can become just a little bit more of a credible threat outside, it will really open up our offense, and it sounds like she's already become a terrific ball distributor and play maker. And yeah, if Bri can keep this up (or even just avoid the oh-for nights), our backcourt looks more promising than I would have thought.

Really pumped the Fingall is coming out fast and furious. Having her alongside Kayl and Bird gives us some options in the frontcourt and also means we can sub in and out more confidently to keep players fresh.

And I agree with Farm07, this feels like our deepest team in at least a decade. Part of that is because we don't have any superstars right now, so the trade-off from our #1 to our #6 isn't as steep, but it also feels like we have a lot of players who can run hot on a given night, which I hope makes our team less predictable for opposing teams. Truly the opposite of our Ogwumike sister years, esp. when we had only Chiney, where it was triangle offense and everyone trying to get the ball to Chiney inside. At a minimum, I think this team will be a lot more fun to watch.

Excited for Monday.