Kellie Harper has dramatically changed the LVs style of play

[madtownvol]

If you compare this current LV team to Holly's teams, and even last year's team, it is quite striking how different the offensive game has become. Under Holly, the LVs wanted to push pace, run and gun, and use their generally superior athleticism against opponents. The key to beating the LVs was slowing the game down and forcing them into more methodical half court sets. Under Holly (and her ultimate undoing), the LVs steadily become less and less proficient in running half court sets and less effective in transition.

Under Kellie, it is almost the exact opposite. The team is much more methodical and deliberate on offense and using a lot more the shot clock. Kellie wants to use size, rather than speed, to score points. And the LVs points in the paint are definitely up. Against Bama, I saw a nice improvement in that the LVs were still deliberate in running their offensuve sets but they were moving ball quicker, with less dribbling from the PG, which made the defense chase more and created lanes or open shots.

I am not crazy about the frequent pairing of Tamari and KK but it seems consistent with a goal of dominating through size and controlling the boards.

The potential problem with this approach is that a team has to hit some threes for it to be sustainable or else teams will crowd the paint and make it really difficult to execute high low type plays. Against Bama, when they were making a little run, for example, the LVs hit several threes in close sucession (from Davis, Burrell, and I think Walker) that broke the run. So suffcient outside shooting (along with keeping TOs down) are keys to success for this offensive style to keep working

Per the Georgia meltdown, the GA coach made a nice adjustment by going with a smaller line-up and as they say, speeding the game up against the LVs, who, in turn, lost their composure (and the game).

During the run, Kellie tried to stay big, with a long stretch pairing Key and KK, and that did not go well.

I would love to see Coach Harper use a small ball line-up in stretches (which would not be that small actually) to combat the type of adjustments that GA made, using for example, Rae, Rennia, Destiny, Jordan H and Jordan W.

 

[FrozenLVFan]

I'd take it a step further. Under Holly, we had 2 styles of play...running around chaotically or standing around doing nothing. Under Kellie, we have an offensive game plan that incorporates players' strengths and actually accomplishes putting some points on the board.

 

[teacherdean]

If you compare this current LV team to Holly's teams, and even last year's team, it is quite striking how different the offensive game has become. Under Holly, the LVs wanted to push pace, run and gun, and use their generally superior athleticism against opponents. The key to beating the LVs was slowing the game down and forcing them into more methodical half court sets. Under Holly (and her ultimate undoing), the LVs steadily become less and less proficient in running half court sets and less effective in transition.

Under Kellie, it is almost the exact opposite. The team is much more methodical and deliberate on offense and using a lot more the shot clock. Kellie wants to use size, rather than speed, to score points. And the LVs points in the paint are definitely up. Against Bama, I saw a nice improvement in that the LVs were still deliberate in running their offensuve sets but they were moving ball quicker, with less dribbling from the PG, which made the defense chase more and created lanes or open shots.

I am not crazy about the frequent pairing of Tamari and KK but it seems consistent with a goal of dominating through size and controlling the boards.

The potential problem with this approach is that a team has to hit some threes for it to be sustainable or else teams will crowd the paint and make it really difficult to execute high low type plays. Against Bama, when they were making a little run, for example, the LVs hit several threes in close sucession (from Davis, Burrell, and I think Walker) that broke the run. So suffcient outside shooting (along with keeping TOs down) are keys to success for this offensive style to keep working

Per the Georgia meltdown, the GA coach made a nice adjustment by going with a smaller line-up and as they say, speeding the game up against the LVs, who, in turn, lost their composure (and the game).

During the run, Kellie tried to stay big, with a long stretch pairing Key and KK, and that did not go well.

I would love to see Coach Harper use a small ball line-up in stretches (which would not be that small actually) to combat the type of adjustments that GA made, using for example, Rae, Rennia, Destiny, Jordan H and Jordan W.

I like your observation. In the Georgia game, KJH got out coached and that is going to happen when you are trying to build a team. She should have went with speed against speed. Our guards are tall enough that they can compete with teams that go small ball. KK and Key do not have the foot speed to keep up with an all guard lineup. In the Georgia game we also got a little casual with the ball and mistakes started to pile up. Then Georgia started to dictate the game. I do like the way the Ladies bounced back in the BAMA game. I still believe before we trash KJH, like some of us did, including me to some degree, we have to realize that she is going to make mistakes. We have to hope that KJH learns from her mistakes and rebound from them positively.

 

[Rickster]

If you compare this current LV team to Holly's teams, and even last year's team, it is quite striking how different the offensive game has become. Under Holly, the LVs wanted to push pace, run and gun, and use their generally superior athleticism against opponents. The key to beating the LVs was slowing the game down and forcing them into more methodical half court sets. Under Holly (and her ultimate undoing), the LVs steadily become less and less proficient in running half court sets and less effective in transition.

Under Kellie, it is almost the exact opposite. The team is much more methodical and deliberate on offense and using a lot more the shot clock. Kellie wants to use size, rather than speed, to score points. And the LVs points in the paint are definitely up. Against Bama, I saw a nice improvement in that the LVs were still deliberate in running their offensuve sets but they were moving ball quicker, with less dribbling from the PG, which made the defense chase more and created lanes or open shots.

I am not crazy about the frequent pairing of Tamari and KK but it seems consistent with a goal of dominating through size and controlling the boards.

The potential problem with this approach is that a team has to hit some threes for it to be sustainable or else teams will crowd the paint and make it really difficult to execute high low type plays. Against Bama, when they were making a little run, for example, the LVs hit several threes in close sucession (from Davis, Burrell, and I think Walker) that broke the run. So suffcient outside shooting (along with keeping TOs down) are keys to success for this offensive style to keep working

Per the Georgia meltdown, the GA coach made a nice adjustment by going with a smaller line-up and as they say, speeding the game up against the LVs, who, in turn, lost their composure (and the game).

During the run, Kellie tried to stay big, with a long stretch pairing Key and KK, and that did not go well.

I would love to see Coach Harper use a small ball line-up in stretches (which would not be that small actually) to combat the type of adjustments that GA made, using for example, Rae, Rennia, Destiny, Jordan H and Jordan W.

I think this team is improving too. I like Suarez at the 4 because of her dribbling and passing ability. She has the body to hold her space. She has range as well. Really a phenomenal freshman season for her. We all knew Horston would put things together and she is becoming a difference maker. Our posts are rebounding and scoring and becoming much more effective. RaeRae has had a very fine season up to now. She jumped out of the gate early and has had her fair share of eye popping highlights as has Rennia. But, as you pointed out, there has been a lot of improvement on game fundamentals and we have more movement and an offense that exploits the strength of our players. Big difference!

 

[djtee]

I think this team is improving too. I like Suarez at the 4 because of her dribbling and passing ability. She has the body to hold her space. She has range as well. Really a phenomenal freshman season for her. We all knew Horston would put things together and she is becoming a difference maker. Our posts are rebounding and scoring and becoming much more effective. RaeRae has had a very fine season up to now. She jumped out of the gate early and has had her fare share of eye popping highlights as has Rennia. But, as you pointed out, there has been a lot of improvement on game fundamentals and we have more movement and an offense that exploits the strength of our players. Big difference!

With Suarez you can play her at the 3 or 4 it don`t matter it`s all about the match up and who we play.

 

[Nute Gunray]

If you compare this current LV team to Holly's teams, and even last year's team, it is quite striking how different the offensive game has become. Under Holly, the LVs wanted to push pace, run and gun, and use their generally superior athleticism against opponents. The key to beating the LVs was slowing the game down and forcing them into more methodical half court sets. Under Holly (and her ultimate undoing), the LVs steadily become less and less proficient in running half court sets and less effective in transition.

Under Kellie, it is almost the exact opposite. The team is much more methodical and deliberate on offense and using a lot more the shot clock. Kellie wants to use size, rather than speed, to score points. And the LVs points in the paint are definitely up. Against Bama, I saw a nice improvement in that the LVs were still deliberate in running their offensuve sets but they were moving ball quicker, with less dribbling from the PG, which made the defense chase more and created lanes or open shots.

I am not crazy about the frequent pairing of Tamari and KK but it seems consistent with a goal of dominating through size and controlling the boards.

The potential problem with this approach is that a team has to hit some threes for it to be sustainable or else teams will crowd the paint and make it really difficult to execute high low type plays. Against Bama, when they were making a little run, for example, the LVs hit several threes in close sucession (from Davis, Burrell, and I think Walker) that broke the run. So suffcient outside shooting (along with keeping TOs down) are keys to success for this offensive style to keep working

Per the Georgia meltdown, the GA coach made a nice adjustment by going with a smaller line-up and as they say, speeding the game up against the LVs, who, in turn, lost their composure (and the game).

During the run, Kellie tried to stay big, with a long stretch pairing Key and KK, and that did not go well.

I would love to see Coach Harper use a small ball line-up in stretches (which would not be that small actually) to combat the type of adjustments that GA made, using for example, Rae, Rennia, Destiny, Jordan H and Jordan W.

Good analysis, Madtownvol. Also, I heard one of the Alabama game announcers say that Alabama should have tried a full court press on the LVs. He said that is how GA defeated the LVs and how LSU almost did also. He said that the LVs are difficult to beat if a team allows them to run their half court offense. What do you think?

 

[utkCREW]

Good analysis, Madtownvol. Also, I heard one of the Alabama game announcers say that Alabama should have tried a full court press on the LVs. He said that is how GA defeated the LVs and how LSU almost did also. He said that the LVs are difficult to beat if a team allows them to run their half court offense. What do you think?

I think the LVs get into crazy stints where nothing falls and psychologically they are super fragile...

Additionally I feel like CKJH could do a better job of calling timeouts... boosting morale and calming the team.

 

[madtownvol]

Good analysis, Madtownvol. Also, I heard one of the Alabama game announcers say that Alabama should have tried a full court press on the LVs. He said that is how GA defeated the LVs and how LSU almost did also. He said that the LVs are difficult to beat if a team allows them to run their half court offense. What do you think?

I think that is a good point. LVs have not proven that they can handle pressure consistently without getting forced into turnovers. Bama did try to press in stretches but the LVs in this game handled it pretty well. Bama was at a major size disadvantage and the Lvs could pass over the press, so that was a favorable match-up for the team.

The Lvs should be able to handle pressure and I think they will get better as the season goes on. A lot of it is just not getting rattled and the Jordans need to take charge and make good decisions. Against Bama, the team still made some ill-advised cross court passes (Destiny was a repeat offender) but the LVs were about to beat the Bama player to the ball to avoid a TO in most cases,. Against teams with better athletes, those passes would be intercepted and turned into transition points. But, this game was a step in the right direction.

 

[Nute Gunray]

I think that is a good point. LVs have not proven that they can handle pressure consistently without getting forced into turnovers. Bama did try to press in stretches but the LVs in this game handled it pretty well. Bama was at a major size disadvantage and the Lvs could pass over the press, so those was a good match-up for the team.

The Lvs should be able to handle pressure and I think they will get better as the season goes on. A lot of it is just not getting rattled and the Jordans need to take charge and make good decisions. Even against Bama, they still made some ill-advised cross court passes (Destiny was repeat offender) but the LVs were about to beat the Bama player to the ball to avoid a TO in most cases,. Against teams with better athletes, those passes would be intercepted and turned into transition points. But, this game was a step in the right direction.

Thanks for reply, Madtownvol. Your analysis is perceptive as always.

 

[Lucy]

Great posts here!
So if you need to work on not breaking down when pressed how do you practice that if you don’t have a bunch of quick little guards to practice against?
Asking for a friend. I’ll hang up and listen.

 

[Coach Jumper]

Great posts here!
So if you need to work on not breaking down when pressed how do you practice that if you don’t have a bunch of quick little guards to practice against?
Asking for a friend. I’ll hang up and listen.

You practice against those wannabe "vertically challenged" gym rat boys that play everyday

 

[glv98]

I saw a nice improvement in that the LVs were still deliberate in running their offensuve sets but they were moving ball quicker, with less dribbling from the PG, which made the defense chase more and created lanes or open shots.

It was one of my biggest hopes coming into the season and I really think there has been improvement. When we are good offensively, which is alot of the time, we are better offensively than we've been in a long time. Finally seem to have figured out some movement, passing and cutting. Most of the time. Sure helps to have 3 genuine offensive threats like Rennia, Rae and JH.

Now we need consistency. Like stringing together 3 or 4 good games without throwing in a stinker like second half GA. We have to stop letting our snowballs of bad play become avalanches.

psychologically they are super fragile...

Yes, we are. If KJH could conquer the heads when things go wrong she'd be on her way. Call a magical timeout! Winning and playing well helps build confidence.

LVs have not proven that they can handle pressure consistently without getting forced into turnovers.

They will get a chance to prove it Thursday night. Geno is going to test the recent improvement of Jordan Horston big time. Bet he presses relentlessly. Going to need very good support from Walker and Salary. It will be a big test but I believe they can do it.

It will be fun to see JH guard Paige Bueckers. Should be a good matchup.

Great posts here!
So if you need to work on not breaking down when pressed how do you practice that if you don’t have a bunch of quick little guards to practice against?
Asking for a friend. I’ll hang up and listen.

Male practice players.

 

[sisaq]

I'd take it a step further. Under Holly, we had 2 styles of play...running around chaotically or standing around doing nothing. Under Kellie, we have an offensive game plan that incorporates players' strengths and actually accomplishes putting some points on the board.

When I watch Holly's team with all those star players for 7yrs, I watch it over and over it was shocking because each year it kept going down till Bossman said that's it.

 

[RAVOL]

I watched some of the Alabama game today and the 1st quarter the refs especially the one guy was horrible and we handled well. That alone is improvement from the past. I believe the conference is desperate for officials. Great game as the key is the silly turnovers not the ones that happen in game because of great defensive play but the bad ones when you just half Hazzard the play. In CHRIST Alone

 

[madtownvol]

Great posts here!
So if you need to work on not breaking down when pressed how do you practice that if you don’t have a bunch of quick little guards to practice against?
Asking for a friend. I’ll hang up and listen.

Using male practice players is one strategy. You could also simulate situations. Like having one player receive a pass and then face an immediate double team and have to work out of the pressure by advancing the ball or finding a teammate within 5 second.

 

[madtownvol]

It was one of my biggest hopes coming into the season and I really think there has been improvement. When we are good offensively, which is alot of the time, we are better offensively than we've been in a long time. Finally seem to have figured out some movement, passing and cutting. Most of the time. Sure helps to have 3 genuine offensive threats like Rennia, Rae and JH.

For sure and my heart sinks a little when I think what could have been with Zaay Green in the mix but you have who you have.

Honestly, Rennia will leave a big gap next year so I hope THIS team can take good advantage of having a legit big three.

 

[I4Vols]

I watched some of the Alabama game today and the 1st quarter the refs especially the one guy was horrible and we handled well. That alone is improvement from the past. I believe the conference is desperate for officials. Great game as the key is the silly turnovers not the ones that happen in game because of great defensive play but the bad ones when you just half Hazzard the play. In CHRIST Alone

I wonder who provides the refs for the UConn game this week?
You would think that crew will be picked by someone in charge based on "more experienced" (polite way of saying "more competent") as the TV "stage" is pretty visible, and Geno, for one, won't let them get away with crap calls against his team. Kelly, unfortunately, does not yet have that "weight" to push the envelope. In fact, other than Staley, I'm not sure anyone in the SEC women's game has it today.

 

[Border Vol]

If you compare this current LV team to Holly's teams, and even last year's team, it is quite striking how different the offensive game has become. Under Holly, the LVs wanted to push pace, run and gun, and use their generally superior athleticism against opponents. The key to beating the LVs was slowing the game down and forcing them into more methodical half court sets. Under Holly (and her ultimate undoing), the LVs steadily become less and less proficient in running half court sets and less effective in transition.

Under Kellie, it is almost the exact opposite. The team is much more methodical and deliberate on offense and using a lot more the shot clock. Kellie wants to use size, rather than speed, to score points. And the LVs points in the paint are definitely up. Against Bama, I saw a nice improvement in that the LVs were still deliberate in running their offensuve sets but they were moving ball quicker, with less dribbling from the PG, which made the defense chase more and created lanes or open shots.

I am not crazy about the frequent pairing of Tamari and KK but it seems consistent with a goal of dominating through size and controlling the boards.

The potential problem with this approach is that a team has to hit some threes for it to be sustainable or else teams will crowd the paint and make it really difficult to execute high low type plays. Against Bama, when they were making a little run, for example, the LVs hit several threes in close sucession (from Davis, Burrell, and I think Walker) that broke the run. So suffcient outside shooting (along with keeping TOs down) are keys to success for this offensive style to keep working

Per the Georgia meltdown, the GA coach made a nice adjustment by going with a smaller line-up and as they say, speeding the game up against the LVs, who, in turn, lost their composure (and the game).

During the run, Kellie tried to stay big, with a long stretch pairing Key and KK, and that did not go well.

I would love to see Coach Harper use a small ball line-up in stretches (which would not be that small actually) to combat the type of adjustments that GA made, using for example, Rae, Rennia, Destiny, Jordan H and Jordan W.

This team is far better than last season's team. CKH has done a very good job!

 

[Memvol44]

I think this team is improving too. I like Suarez at the 4 because of her dribbling and passing ability. She has the body to hold her space. She has range as well. Really a phenomenal freshman season for her. We all knew Horston would put things together and she is becoming a difference maker. Our posts are rebounding and scoring and becoming much more effective. RaeRae has had a very fine season up to now. She jumped out of the gate early and has had her fare share of eye popping highlights as has Rennia. But, as you pointed out, there has been a lot of improvement on game fundamentals and we have more movement and an offense that exploits the strength of our players. Big difference!

I like Suarez, however "phenomenal" is quite a stretch..

 

[VolBall09]

I wonder who provides the refs for the UConn game this week?
You would think that crew will be picked by someone in charge based on "more experienced" (polite way of saying "more competent") as the TV "stage" is pretty visible, and Geno, for one, won't let them get away with crap calls against his team. Kelly, unfortunately, does not yet have that "weight" to push the envelope. In fact, other than Staley, I'm not sure anyone in the SEC women's game has it today.

Harper has been working on it. Can tell she really believes in this team. She’s been letting the SEC officials have it. Something we didn’t see a lot of last season.

Hoping they pull 3 of the best nationally. I always really like Dee Kantner. Her games are well called, organized and she’s an excellent official. She watches the game closely and spends very little time at the monitor. She’ll check things occasionally but only to confirm what she saw in live action. Rarely to change a call.

I hope to God Cameron Inouye has NO part in this game. She is an absolutely terrible official. I can’t understand why the SEC still has her calling games. She’s terrible. All of her games are chaotic and she spends about 35 minutes at the monitor and still gets the calls wrong.

The Arkansas/A&M game should be reviewed. That was on her. The end of that game was an absolute mess because of poor officiating. Arkansas was refusing to leave the floor until they got an explanation.

They had 3 seconds on the clock and the ball right in front of their bench. They ran their play and the officials started the clock before they even inbounded the ball. They had Thomas on a wide open breakaway to basket and the horn went off. They claimed the ball had been tipped (it had not) so now A&M got to see their play and Arkansas had to inbound again. Obviously with different results. Can absolutely see why Neighbors was so hot.

 

[RAVOL]

I wonder who provides the refs for the UConn game this week?
You would think that crew will be picked by someone in charge based on "more experienced" (polite way of saying "more competent") as the TV "stage" is pretty visible, and Geno, for one, won't let them get away with crap calls against his team. Kelly, unfortunately, does not yet have that "weight" to push the envelope. In fact, other than Staley, I'm not sure anyone in the SEC women's game has it today.

great point that one guy must have been off the street maybe the Frat house. IN CHRIST Alone

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

Holly had game plans?? Who knew!

 

[creekdipper]

Holly had game plans?? Who knew!

Jumanji tournaments require extensive preparations.

 

[creekdipper]

I hope to God Cameron Inouye has NO part in this game. She is an absolutely terrible official.

This is a sexist thing to say, but she is kinda cute.

Gotta love women in uniform.

 

[Majors]

Our layup percentage seems higher.