Game Thread Lady Vols vs James Madison

#78
#78
nice win...lots of players got lots of PT...:good!:

PS. thanks GM...and a good night to you all...:salute:

GO LADY VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
#79
#79
Davis seems to have taken the role of the third big scorer. I really think Green should play more as well she has game. Davis couldn't catch a break on the foul calls tonight she still put up a great game. Still to see what Westbrook can do hasn't really got her game going this season so far.
 
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#80
#80
Good game (except for FT shooting). CHW will get some more game tape of things to work on. Nared is like a quiet assassin...not too showy but relentless. Green needs more minutes. Davis is the face of the future. Westbrook may be another Kellie Jolly...runs the team, but only steps up to score when needed.
 
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#83
#83
Only made 15 of 26 free throws (57.7%). That will get you beat against good teams in a close game.

What's up with Westbrook?
 
#87
#87
Franklin Pierce said:
Only made 15 of 26 free throws (57.7%). That will get you beat against good teams in a close game.

What's up with Westbrook?
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Westbrook played well. Had 4 assists and played great pressure defense. She is not forcing anything, which is good. Evina will look for her own opportunities when called upon but Green, Davis, Nared and Russell all had that under control. Minutes are spread out fairly even and we had 23 bench points. Westbrook is fine. We play much better team defense when she is in because she is vocal, denies pass ball and pressures without fouling.

Westbrook is a very unselfish player but will likely put up bigger numbers in bigger games as her minutes increase.
 
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#89
#89
This years edition is better than last years or the year before. They are better passers and unselfish for the most part. They have size and length and play better offense. Their defense is encouraging. All the letter winners have improved their game. I’ll try not to be too enthusiastic but.....
 
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#90
#90
tennparker3 said:
Westbrook played well. Had 4 assists and played great pressure defense. She is not forcing anything, which is good. Evina will look for her own opportunities when called upon but Green, Davis, Nared and Russell all had that under control. Minutes are spread out fairly even and we had 23 bench points. Westbrook is fine. We play much better team defense when she is in because she is vocal, denies pass ball and pressures without fouling.

Westbrook is a very unselfish player but will likely put up bigger numbers in bigger games as her minutes increase.
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Great observations.Westbrook is the real deal ...great vision and distribution of the ball ....I hope that the players will catch some those wonderful dimes that she continues to put out there.Once again she was saddled with some fouls that were mostly phantom but she needs to adjust to how the game is being called .....she is an aggressive defender and hope she keeps that energy on defensive end but keeps her hands off the person she is guarding.She will come around on scoring when it is needed.....not needed tonite.
 
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#92
#92
Nuyoika said:
I like their defense tonight. They definitely have some things they need to do to remember to keep moving on offense but the aggressiveness of Russell tonight is great to see. She took a jumper, drove the lane, left the lane for a rebound. All good things.
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I agree Russell was more aggressive tonight, she just needs to keep it going. Right now Nared is playing lights out. I hope that continues when we play better competition. She is clearly the leader of this team. Last year leadership was missing in action.

The team just seems more content with each other. Diamond leaving, though she is an outstanding player, appears to be a blessing. These freshmen are fearless, though they make a few freshman mistakes, this seems to be Holly’s best recruits.
 
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#93
#93
ladyvosl23 said:
We need look much better shot 53. % from 3 if we shoot like that no more zone moved without ball
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If they continue to penetrate the zones as they have the games so far and hit decent % of threes ,then not many people will play zones for long against them because the penetration is opening up 3 point shots and drives to basket and either a finish or dish to wide open player.The quickness of Nared,Davis,and our freshmen guards and aggressive moves to the basket are thrilling for me to watch.Just hope that they can do it against really good teams.
 
#94
#94
Our team defense was a lot better than the ETSU game. This team just seems to have a lot of energy and it leads to deflections and hands in the passing lanes.

Russell crashed the offensive boards early and imposed her presence. During one sequence in the first quarter, Russell faced up and drove to the basket from the free throw line against the JMU post. The ball was swatted out of bounds. When Russell got the ball on the next play, Russell shot a baseline jumper in her face. That toughness was nice to see.

Nared is playing like a senior and I love it.

Meme starting is good for this team. Her defensive intensity impacted the game early.

It was also nice to see KK enter the game in the first quarter. She’s getting valuable minutes.

This team has a bunch of potential and I just enjoy watching them play. Bring on Wichita State!
 
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#95
#95
tennparker3 said:
Westbrook played well. Had 4 assists and played great pressure defense. She is not forcing anything, which is good. Evina will look for her own opportunities when called upon but Green, Davis, Nared and Russell all had that under control. Minutes are spread out fairly even and we had 23 bench points. Westbrook is fine. We play much better team defense when she is in because she is vocal, denies pass ball and pressures without fouling.

Westbrook is a very unselfish player but will likely put up bigger numbers in bigger games as her minutes increase.
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Agree with evaluation of Westbrook. She is a true point guard with skills we have not had in probably ten years or more! She does not play the roll of scorer.... but shoots if open or needs to.... otherwise teams will sag off and help defend other players. As she matures she will become more vocal and direct the offense.

Annie is used to penetrating whenever she wants and getting her shot off. But now she will have to pick her spots and be more careful with the ball.
She has not faced anyone who can stay in front of her and stop her from getting to the goal! YET!

Both of them will make the team better and execute team basketball. We have not seen this in several years!!! The bigs better be ready...... The passes are coming and these girls will make them so they can be caught.

I think that Davis is the key to our success this year and in the future.. Every player comes in with the mental questions..... can I play at this level ? As soon as she gets it.... Here we go !! It’s gonna be fun to watch. JMO
 
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#96
#96
gladiator06 said:
unfortunately, I haven't seen anything in this game or the previous game that leads me to believe this team will do any better than last year. Neither do I see anything that suggests the Lady Vols will be back in a final four or NC in the next few years.
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You must be blind......:banghead2:
 
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#97
#97
Only two games in but I am confident that this team will be significantly better than last year.

Jamie and Mercedes are both much improved. I think Jamie knows she is the team leader and is up for the task. MR is continuing her positive progress along in her athletic development curve and she seems stronger and more agile than ever before. .

Though the LVs could not sustain for the entire game,the defensive intensity in the first quarter was impressive. As the season goes (barring injuries), they should be able to sustain that kind of pressure for longer stretches.

Overall, this team showed a level of hustle they almost never showed against "lower level" competition last season (leading to a lot of disappointing results).

Hayes is making freshman mistakes but she brings a degree of explosiveness at the guard position this team has not had in a good while. By mid season, when she learns when to pull up and when to not take the ball in to deep, she will give other teams headaches.

Davis, fantastic athlete with a good touch around the rim and great work ethic.

Green adds depth to our post play and I think she can do a more than adequate when MR needs a rest. I think Green could be an upgrade over Nunn (who had some fine moment last season).

Right now, there a noticeable drop off whenever Mercedes or Jamie are off the floor. You would expect that to be the case given they are the senior leaders and starts. But, I think one key for this team will be whether they can maintain a higher level play when those two are not the court.

Westbrook, only two games in, looks very mature and controlled. She has not faced real pressure yet so it is a bit early but I think she will be effective. Even though she did not have a good scoring night, she has a nice looking shot and she will have better shooting nights.

This team just seems to be more fun to watch than last years' team. There is an energy level and drive that just seemed to be lacking before.

There will be bumps in the road of course but I don't expect this team to ever be faulted for not trying.
 
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#98
#98
Huge difference in last years team compared to this years.
Much more effort and heart in this team, and it shows up on the defensive end. They are active, and pressuring the ball.
Regarding Westbrook, I believe she is a high IQ player and she is letting the game come to her. She’s really not needed to put up big numbers on the offensive end but run the offense and play D. I believe she can pick and choose her spots.
First time I’ve got to see Rennia play. And boy, am I impressed with her. She has such a high ceiling.
I hope they give Harris some more PT, she seems more mobile than KK, and I saw one post move and even though she turned it over I was impressed.
Annie gets passed defenders and in the paint pretty easy.
Meme has definitely improved her shot and her intensity on the defensive end is very good.
I’m very pleased with this years team and have high hopes for us!
🍊🏀
 
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#99
#99
teacherdean said:
I agree Russell was more aggressive tonight, she just needs to keep it going. Right now Nared is playing lights out. I hope that continues when we play better competition. She is clearly the leader of this team. Last year leadership was missing in action.

The team just seems more content with each other. Diamond leaving, though she is an outstanding player, appears to be a blessing. These freshmen are fearless, though they make a few freshman mistakes, this seems to be Holly’s best recruits.
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For sure. It is all about consistency. Not just for her the whole team. It's not like they didn't know how to compete and play well they beat both of the teams in the championship game last season. The just didn't play with that type of effort all the time.

They were awful on the road last year. I think what will be telling is how they fare in their road games vs quality opponents. They were miserable on the road the last 2 years basically vs anyone. I think both of the last 2 years they had losing road records which obviously if you can't win on the road during the OOC slate & regular season you shouldn't expect to go very far in the NCAA tourney.

They are doing some things better but only time will tell if it all sticks when things get tough. I cannot wait to see them play South Carolina a few times this year. SEC seems to be in a bit of a down year so not sure about too many of the other match ups but for sure South Carolina and Miss State should be good games and probably TAMU as well. Because they are so young I think you'd probably have to wait til about game 15-18 before you could truly say the Jekyll/Hyde persona is gone.
 
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#100
#100
For anyone interested in scouting future opponents Wich St and S Dakota play each other Saturday. There is live video but seems to be subscription only? Wichita State Athletics - 2017-18 Women's Basketball Schedule

Wichita State lost to Ok State 91-67 and lost to a good Creighton team 66-61. S. Dakota lost to Iowa State 81-74 and they beat Creighton 73-68. While not the cream of the crop by any means both teams are well coached (Keitha Adams is new but has had a lot of success) and play different styles that will help the Lady Vols continue to gain experience while not being overt cupcake teams like the ones littered on Baylor or Maryland's schedule. Our schedule is perfect for our young team.

Couple takeaways from this game:

Second game in a row Nared and Russell got to sit out significant minutes in the fourth quarter allowing the inexperienced group to play meaningful minutes.

We had one major lapse in the second quarter and was quickly rectified by a good timeout and refocus.

11 less turnovers against a better opponent.

Nared clapped her hands and yelled at her freshman center when she lost Koshuta for a second straight possession on the perimeter. It was loud and clear enough to be noticed on broadcast. That is exactly what Nared needs to do to be an effective leader. And Kasi seemed to respond well the next few possessions.

Evina and Rennia made a bad read on a play and turned it over but responded on the other side of the ball the very next play with pressure defense and a steal. I notice this group being more natural at moving onto the next play versus hanging their heads. The only head hanging I've seen are after piss poor foul calls or if they get a little winded.

Lots of positives, especially when looking a minor details.

Negative would be free throws obviously. I also think that more than half the turnovers were from poor decisions versus their defense... but that's inevitable. Under 15 TO a game for a team with freshman point guards is solid IMO. Stagnation on offense is still an issue at times but not nearly as often as in the past so far. Nared mentioned it in the presser as something she noted that needs to be worked on.

Lots to be happy about but way to early to call for predictions as to where I think we're headed... although my optimism is certainly higher than last year.
 
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