Game Thread: (5/6) Lady Vols 63 - (13/13) Georgia 55

[TheMississippiVol]

Welcome to the board, TheMississippiVol!

Thanks! I’ve read the forum for awhile and now it’s time to join in the discussion. This has been a special year so far!

 

[Lucy]

Just wanted to be clear that I wasn't ridiculing Tamari's "lash game" in my previous post. I was just playing along with the idea of the battle between two posts who just happen to share a style preference. I am 100% supportive of all our young women and whatever personal style choices they make. They're all beautiful to me in that bragging to my friends with "Isn't my graddaughter the most beautiful girl in the world?!"-type way.

I knew you weren’t ridiculing at all. I almost didn’t post that because I was afraid you might think that. I just wanted to point out how in, I guess a convoluted way that the lashes highlight her eyes.
I should have just let that dog nap.

 

[TheMississippiVol]

Thoughtful post. Like it!
i would think Horston would be a better defender against opponent 5 than Dye. She's 6-2, strong, athletic, and a leaper. I think Green could hold her own against Staili, too.

Great way to look at it, due to Horston’s versatility. I really hope Key is good to go but she’s too valuable to take any chances. The Ole Miss game sold me on this idea of Dye guarding the 5. She took the assignment of starting the game guarding Austin with Key in the lineup. Also, Puckett against talented SEC players guards nearly every position and proved she’s capable when asked to guard opposing teams 5. Puckett played good defense against Kentucky.
There’s some good options just have to wait and see. It might be a bigger change in the rotation if Green starts instead of coming off the bench. She’s capable of doing it but who then steps up off the bench. Hopefully Striplin or Saunders will be ready to play major minutes if that’s the case against a strong Georgia team.

 

[Lucy]

Great way to look at it, due to Horston’s versatility. I really hope Key is good to go but she’s too valuable to take any chances. The Ole Miss game sold me on this idea of Dye guarding the 5. She took the assignment of starting the game guarding Austin with Key in the lineup. Also, Puckett against talented SEC players guards nearly every position proved she’s capable when asked to guard opposing teams 5.
There’s some good options just have to wait and see. It might be a bigger change in the rotation if Green starts instead of coming off the bench. She’s capable of doing it but who then steps up off the bench. Hopefully Striplin or Saunders will be ready to play major minutes if that’s the case against a strong Georgia team.

Was so impressed by Buckets guarding Howard! Jordy got the steal but Sara made it possible. Off topic a bit I know.

 

[glv98]

I knew you weren’t ridiculing at all. I almost didn’t post that because I was afraid you might think that. I just wanted to point out how in, I guess a convoluted way that the lashes highlight her eyes.
I should have just let that dog nap.

Er, since you brought it up, some of us did get scolded mightily by some of you just a few weeks ago and told to stop being stupid and just never discuss women's looks ever. But that's ok, we know you were just kidding and the lash thing is fun.

I suggested last week that TK be allowed to add one lash to the set for every block she makes, kind of like notches on a gun belt!

 

[Amb3096]

Great way to look at it, due to Horston’s versatility. I really hope Key is good to go but she’s too valuable to take any chances. The Ole Miss game sold me on this idea of Dye guarding the 5. She took the assignment of starting the game guarding Austin with Key in the lineup. Also, Puckett against talented SEC players guards nearly every position and proved she’s capable when asked to guard opposing teams 5. Puckett played good defense against Kentucky.
There’s some good options just have to wait and see. It might be a bigger change in the rotation if Green starts instead of coming off the bench. She’s capable of doing it but who then steps up off the bench. Hopefully Striplin or Saunders will be ready to play major minutes if that’s the case against a strong Georgia team.

Kentucky doesn't play much with a true 5. Dre'una Edwards is probably the same size as Puckett...maybe even a bit smaller. They will need some size to deal with Staiti. She's had a miserable go of it in all of the games vs. Tamari, but she outplayed Elisa Cunane in their win vs. NCSt, so she can go toe to toe with size.

 

[Lucy]

Er, since you brought it up, some of us did get scolded mightily by some of you just a few weeks ago and told to stop being stupid and just never discuss women's looks ever. But that's ok, we know you were just kidding and the lash thing is fun.

I suggested last week that TK be allowed to add one lash to the set for every block she makes, kind of like notches on a gun belt!

You are correct. I’m not sure about the actual use of “stupid” but it is more of a mine field for older men to be commenting on high school/college girls looks for sure. On another thread I mentioned that Admiral Schofield is handsome and charming and should be used to call recruits if Oregon was using Stephon Curry! So fair is fair, you guys can bludgeon me on that!

 

[LV renaissance]

It is weird that the game is not until Sunday, as I am already getting a bit of pregame jitters worried about TK not being back yet. We would miss TK in this game given that Staiti has really looked good since returning from her injury. Remember, LSU beat them when Staiti was out! TK clearly can shut her down but we don't have anyone else that can do that given her size advantage. After the Georgia game, we will be heavy favorites the next 3 or 4 games with or without TK. So, get this game and we will be sitting pretty. I am glad that KJH has a whole week planning the offensive and defensive schemes with the possibility in mind that TK might not play. She and the staff has shown they make good decisions about making changes when needed. Also, this team is so resilient and team oriented that a win at Georgia without TK is definitely possible and would only serve to strengthen them. Well, I just talked myself out of the jitters for now. It was a good therapy session !

 

[ttharp]

It is weird that the game is not until Sunday, as I am already getting a bit of pregame jitters worried about TK not being back yet. We would miss TK in this game given that Staiti has really looked good since returning from her injury. Remember, LSU beat them when Staiti was out! TK clearly can shut her down but we don't have anyone else that can do that given her size advantage. After the Georgia game, we will be heavy favorites the next 3 or 4 games with or without TK. So, get this game and we will be sitting pretty. I am glad that KJH has a whole week planning the offensive and defensive schemes with the possibility in mind that TK might not play. She and the staff has shown they make good decisions about making changes when needed. Also, this team is so resilient and team oriented that a win at Georgia without TK is definitely possible and would only serve to strengthen them. Well, I just talked myself out of the jitters for now. It was a good therapy session !

Haha! Thanks for articulating what I’ve been feeling/thinking about. Might have to do a meditation before the game I also realllly want this win especially after losing to them twice last year!

 

[youcancallmeAl]

I think if Tamari isn't available, we'll probably throw a zone at Staiti, and if that doesn't work then try various people to defend her, or a double team scheme.

 

[alexvol]

I think if Tamari isn't available, we'll probably throw a zone at Staiti, and if that doesn't work then try various people to defend her, or a double team scheme.

If they play zone ,they better be able to cover the foul line to top of key because flashing someone across foul line area is a weakness for 2 /3 zone ....maybe a 2-1-2 would fit the bill or box and 1 on her.....she is deadly from that area as proved against Missouri.

 

[VolBall09]

If they play zone ,they better be able to cover the foul line to top of key because flashing someone across foul line area is a weakness for 2 /3 zone ....maybe a 2-1-2 would fit the bill or box and 1 on her.....she is deadly from that area as proved against Missouri.

Last few times we have seen a zone teams had to come out of it. The trapping defenses we have seen have mostly been a last resort.

Vanderbilt tried to zone us and we hit them with the high-low and then a couple threes. They had to come out of it fast. Tamari is impossible to guard if we play that high low pass from whoever at the elbow.

 

[creekdipper]

You are correct. I’m not sure about the actual use of “stupid” but it is more of a mine field for older men to be commenting on high school/college girls looks for sure. On another thread I mentioned that Admiral Schofield is handsome and charming and should be used to call recruits if Oregon was using Stephon Curry! So fair is fair, you guys can bludgeon me on that!

Ah...so we take it that you're a big fan of Houston, Washington State, and BYU?

 

[Volstylexx]

Where's our insiders? Is Tamari on crutches? Walking around campus? What's the word on the street. Come on guys, violate some HIPPA and give us the scoop!

 

[Volfan1000]

Stegman Coliseum is a tough place to get a win whether the men or women are playing there.

 

[Volfan2012]

This game like every game will be decided by who takes care of the ball and who can win the rebounding overall and especially the offensive rebounding and second chance points. If Key plays I expect Tennessee to win if not it will be tough she controls so much on defense for the Lady Vols. Tennessee 70 Georgia 63.

 

[alexvol]

Last few times we have seen a zone teams had to come out of it. The trapping defenses we have seen have mostly been a last resort.

Vanderbilt tried to zone us and we hit them with the high-low and then a couple threes. They had to come out of it fast. Tamari is impossible to guard if we play that high low pass from whoever at the elbow.

I am not talking about Georgia using a zone but am talking about LV using a zone to counter Staiti who is deadly shooter from the foul line.

 

[VolBall09]

I am not talking about Georgia using a zone but am talking about LV using a zone to counter Staiti who is deadly shooter from the foul line.

Yes I mentioned that in another post as well. They’re a similar team to Ole Miss and we did well when we went to the zone against them.

Really just the one scoring big and not a great 3 pt. shooting team. I expect to see us start man to man but won’t be surprised to see some zone Sunday, especially if Staiti gets going in the paint early.

I think we will end up having to zone LSU as well. I just can’t picture how we guard Pointer, Cherry and Morris all man to man. We just don’t have the foot speed to guard 3 lightening fast guards like that.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

Yes I mentioned that in another post as well. They’re a similar team to Ole Miss and we did well when we went to the zone against them.

Really just the one scoring big and not a great 3 pt. shooting team. I expect to see us start man to man but won’t be surprised to see some zone Sunday, especially if Staiti gets going in the paint early.

I think we will end up having to zone LSU as well. I just can’t picture how we guard Pointer, Cherry and Morris all man to man. We just don’t have the foot speed to guard 3 lightening fast guards like that.

We can do it by committee guarding those three. Walker and miles have proven they can guard on the perimeter. horston will give them the trouble of adding length so i think she'll match up with pointer to take the head off the snake. But (and this is a big but) if Wynn can get in for a few minutes she stays in front of her player effectively and has the speed to guard even at 6'. Rae can also guard smaller players with her quickness and she knows how to position herself well on defense. If there is a switch Dye can also handle her own to help out. I would say this years teams is better suited for a task like this than last.

 

[VolBall09]

We can do it by committee guarding those three. Walker and miles have proven they can guard on the perimeter. horston will give them the trouble of adding length so i think she'll match up with pointer to take the head off the snake. But (and this is a big but) if Wynn can get in for a few minutes she stays in front of her player effectively and has the speed to guard even at 6'. Rae can also guard smaller players with her quickness and she knows how to position herself well on defense. If there is a switch Dye can also handle her own to help out. I would say this years teams is better suited for a task like this than last.

Great points, it’s definitely all about the matchups in that one. Defense will likely depend on who is on the floor. I agree with Burrell back to (almost) full speed we can guard them man to man with her.

When Tess comes in I can’t figure how it would work. LSU tends to run two bigs just like Baylor did. Aifuwa and Gusters rarely see the floor together but Trasi and Newby are paint players. Which means Tess would either be trying to check Cherry/Morris or Trasi/Newby. None of which are good matchups for her.

Kim tried the two towers together some early in the season but thankfully Gusters and Aifuwa just don’t have that big to big connection some of her players have had. If they were able to play together we could not be able to guard them in the paint.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

Great points, it’s definitely all about the matchups in that one. Defense will likely depend on who is on the floor. I agree with Burrell back to (almost) full speed we can guard them man to man with her.

When Tess comes in I can’t figure how it would work. LSU tends to run two bigs just like Baylor did. Aifuwa and Gusters rarely see the floor together but Trasi and Newby are paint players. Which means Tess would either be trying to check Cherry/Morris or Trasi/Newby. None of which are good matchups for her.

Kim tried the two towers together some early in the season but thankfully Gusters and Aifuwa just don’t have that big to big connection some of her players have had. If they were able to play together we could not be able to guard them in the paint.

Agreed! tess would most likely have a hard time keeping up with those three guards in man to man so that begs the question is Rae starting by then again? If she is i think we start in a man and go zone when tess is in. She has proven she has earned playing time.

If tess is still starting i think we start in zone.

 

[mlindsay]

Agreed! tess would most likely have a hard time keeping up with those three guards in man to man so that begs the question is Rae starting by then again? If she is i think we start in a man and go zone when tess is in. She has proven she has earned playing time.

If tess is still starting i think we start in zone.

I think Rae starts only if Tamari is out, based on last game and the minutes she played, I think it's bout time she starts.

I will be in the minority here but you know I don't care. If I am Kellie I start Emily. (Hear me out). You can't have Keyen or Dye (imo) picking up early fouls and sitting on the bench because they both have shown an ability to score in the post against taller players due to their incredible mobility and footwork on the box. Emily is a big body who can lean up against Stati, she wont stop her but she will make her work.

Starting Rae also makes Georgia have to decide who to put Que on. Last year Que was able to really get into Rennia's head at times and I don't feel she would be able to do that against Horston or Rae. I think you go Walker, Rae, Horston, Dye, Emily and make Keyen the 1st sub for Emily after about 2 minutes in and Puckett and BK in around the 4 minute mark for Snoop and Walker. Rae and Horston would play the entire 1st quarter unless they are in foul trouble. Tess will come in if Georgia goes to a zone.

I know this all is wishful thinking and unlikely to happen, but I feel as we continue to build Emily's confidence (and this would be a huge confidence builder) she could be someone we could count on to provide quality minutes when we are likely to need her the most (SC and LSU)

 

[And1]

I think Rae starts only if Tamari is out, based on last game and the minutes she played, I think it's bout time she starts.

I will be in the minority here but you know I don't care. If I am Kellie I start Emily. (Hear me out). You can't have Keyen or Dye (imo) picking up early fouls and sitting on the bench because they both have shown an ability to score in the post against taller players due to their incredible mobility and footwork on the box. Emily is a big body who can lean up against Stati, she wont stop her but she will make her work.

Starting Rae also makes Georgia have to decide who to put Que on. Last year Que was able to really get into Rennia's head at times and I don't feel she would be able to do that against Horston or Rae. I think you go Walker, Rae, Horston, Dye, Emily and make Keyen the 1st sub for Emily after about 2 minutes in and Puckett and BK in around the 4 minute mark for Snoop and Walker. Rae and Horston would play the entire 1st quarter unless they are in foul trouble. Tess will come in if Georgia goes to a zone.

I know this all is wishful thinking and unlikely to happen, but I feel as we continue to build Emily's confidence (and this would be a huge confidence builder) she could be someone we could count on to provide quality minutes when we are likely to need her the most (SC and LSU)

My gut says Key is going to be ready for this game, but that could just be wishful thinking on my part. I get your logic, but I think there is about zero chance that Saunders would start. It would be nice to see her get some more minutes, though, and I think she would if she would be more aggressive when does get to play.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

I think Rae starts only if Tamari is out, based on last game and the minutes she played, I think it's bout time she starts.

I will be in the minority here but you know I don't care. If I am Kellie I start Emily. (Hear me out). You can't have Keyen or Dye (imo) picking up early fouls and sitting on the bench because they both have shown an ability to score in the post against taller players due to their incredible mobility and footwork on the box. Emily is a big body who can lean up against Stati, she wont stop her but she will make her work.

Starting Rae also makes Georgia have to decide who to put Que on. Last year Que was able to really get into Rennia's head at times and I don't feel she would be able to do that against Horston or Rae. I think you go Walker, Rae, Horston, Dye, Emily and make Keyen the 1st sub for Emily after about 2 minutes in and Puckett and BK in around the 4 minute mark for Snoop and Walker. Rae and Horston would play the entire 1st quarter unless they are in foul trouble. Tess will come in if Georgia goes to a zone.

I know this all is wishful thinking and unlikely to happen, but I feel as we continue to build Emily's confidence (and this would be a huge confidence builder) she could be someone we could count on to provide quality minutes when we are likely to need her the most (SC and LSU)

Love all these points and I agree. Our assessment was Tess against the three guards of LSU and how we match up. I was saying by then our opening defense depends on who starts and that i expected Rae to be starting by then.

 

[Coach Jumper]

My gut says Key is going to be ready for this game, but that could just be wishful thinking on my part. I get your logic, but I think there is about zero chance that Saunders would start. It would be nice to see her get some more minutes, though, and I think she would if she would be more aggressive when does get to play.

after the Rae "spy-v-spy,,,double nought nought seven" secrecy ,,,,I'm not taking a guess