[stopandpop]

Thoughts on the two games in Las Vegas.

It was fun to attend the games in person, though with the court being in an outside tent, it felt like going to a high school gym. It was that small.

I thought the team had issues with their sight lines in the first game with FGCU. They were missing shots even in warmups. So, when the game began, they didn't shoot much better.

I thought the FGCU team brought energy and movement that we had a hard time with. That movement is why I think Kate went with MAS rather than Eschmeyer as much as she did. That was better on defense but an issue on offense because, as mentioned elsewhere in this thread, MAS refuses to shoot or drive to the hoop from the top of the key. Ironic too because in warmups for the second game, she shot from that spot and hit 10 shots in a row. Several of us in the stands think the coaches are in her head and she is trying so hard to run the called play that she forgets that part of the play is for her to make a decision that might include her shooting.

I also thought Ogden, who has probably the smoothest shot on the team, also kept hesitating to shoot the ball, continuously looking to pass one more time. That's why I think she stayed on the bench much of the second half. I did like the energy the team brought in the 4th quarter though. I think this game will serve as a film study for the team to see what they need to bring every game, all game, in the future.

Finally, I thought the game showed just how much more growth Coach Paye needs to go through to help the team get where they need to be.

The second game, against Colorado State was another level. To begin with, the team shot much better in warmups. And once the game started, it appeared that they were finally used to shooting in that environment. Secondly, I thought they started the game out with more energy and movement. They should why I think the offense the run can work. When they execute the way they are supposed to, this offense has elements that fit all of the players they have. But,, when they don't execute, it is easy to stop. That's why the person at the high post has to be someone who will shoot the 15 foot jumper, or drive from there. MY concern in the second game with MAS. Why I think she did not play much in the second game.

I loved the decision Coach P made late in the second quarter to bring in Amborn. I thought she should have brought her in earlier in the 4th quarter the game before, but she stopped herself. This time, she went for it. And I think the game changed momentum at that point. She brought not only her great shooting, but young enthusiasm. And that Eurostep drive to the hoop. Who knew? This move putting her in did two things. First, she was able to make some plays and show that she is ready for more playing time. It also, I think woke Ogden up. I think it finally clicked with her that she needs to be more aggressive and demonstrative. I loved watching her take charge in the second half, especially in the 4th quarter. Not just in finally realizing that she can shoot at three levels, but also in how she started directing things on the court, on both ends. She was telling people where to go on the court. Being so close to the court, it was fun to watch.

If we can only get that Ogden the rest of the time. I was sitting near her family and they were all cheering her on at the end when she was doing the TV interview afterwards. Maybe that will help her come out of her shell.

And of course, Agara and Clardy were all that.

The tournament was fun.

Some other fun facts. I sat next to and talked with Alex Eschmeyer's mom at the first game. I do not have the same concern as others here, even though she did not play much in the two games. This is not a Lauren Betts situation.

There were also a couple of old time, former players at the game. Jennifer Azzi was there. She works for the Las Vegas Aces so she come by each time Stanford is in town.

And, going almost that far back, Angie Paccione was there. Got to speak with her a bit. Fun times.

Nice to hear your comments about Eschmeyer, but even if she stays, my concern remains that Coach Paye (for now) is not investing in her development and as we begin to play against much bigger/taller opponents, this will come back to haunt Stanford.

[stopandpop]

Thoughts on the two games in Las Vegas.

It was fun to attend the games in person, though with the court being in an outside tent, it felt like going to a high school gym. It was that small.

I thought the team had issues with their sight lines in the first game with FGCU. They were missing shots even in warmups. So, when the game began, they didn't shoot much better.

I thought the FGCU team brought energy and movement that we had a hard time with. That movement is why I think Kate went with MAS rather than Eschmeyer as much as she did. That was better on defense but an issue on offense because, as mentioned elsewhere in this thread, MAS refuses to shoot or drive to the hoop from the top of the key. Ironic too because in warmups for the second game, she shot from that spot and hit 10 shots in a row. Several of us in the stands think the coaches are in her head and she is trying so hard to run the called play that she forgets that part of the play is for her to make a decision that might include her shooting.

I also thought Ogden, who has probably the smoothest shot on the team, also kept hesitating to shoot the ball, continuously looking to pass one more time. That's why I think she stayed on the bench much of the second half. I did like the energy the team brought in the 4th quarter though. I think this game will serve as a film study for the team to see what they need to bring every game, all game, in the future.

Finally, I thought the game showed just how much more growth Coach Paye needs to go through to help the team get where they need to be.

The second game, against Colorado State was another level. To begin with, the team shot much better in warmups. And once the game started, it appeared that they were finally used to shooting in that environment. Secondly, I thought they started the game out with more energy and movement. They should why I think the offense the run can work. When they execute the way they are supposed to, this offense has elements that fit all of the players they have. But,, when they don't execute, it is easy to stop. That's why the person at the high post has to be someone who will shoot the 15 foot jumper, or drive from there. MY concern in the second game with MAS. Why I think she did not play much in the second game.

I loved the decision Coach P made late in the second quarter to bring in Amborn. I thought she should have brought her in earlier in the 4th quarter the game before, but she stopped herself. This time, she went for it. And I think the game changed momentum at that point. She brought not only her great shooting, but young enthusiasm. And that Eurostep drive to the hoop. Who knew? This move putting her in did two things. First, she was able to make some plays and show that she is ready for more playing time. It also, I think woke Ogden up. I think it finally clicked with her that she needs to be more aggressive and demonstrative. I loved watching her take charge in the second half, especially in the 4th quarter. Not just in finally realizing that she can shoot at three levels, but also in how she started directing things on the court, on both ends. She was telling people where to go on the court. Being so close to the court, it was fun to watch.

If we can only get that Ogden the rest of the time. I was sitting near her family and they were all cheering her on at the end when she was doing the TV interview afterwards. Maybe that will help her come out of her shell.

And of course, Agara and Clardy were all that.

The tournament was fun.

Some other fun facts. I sat next to and talked with Alex Eschmeyer's mom at the first game. I do not have the same concern as others here, even though she did not play much in the two games. This is not a Lauren Betts situation.

There were also a couple of old time, former players at the game. Jennifer Azzi was there. She works for the Las Vegas Aces so she come by each time Stanford is in town.

And, going almost that far back, Angie Paccione was there. Got to speak with her a bit. Fun times.

Nice to hear your comments about Eschmeyer, but even if she stays, my concern remains that Coach Paye (for now) is not investing in her development and as we begin to play against much bigger/taller opponents, this will come back to haunt Stanford.