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Originally posted by Scrub
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I totally agree with ya! -
Fyi
Finley Woodward Named Mountain East Conference Men’s Basketball Player Of - West Liberty University Athletics https://hilltoppersports.com/news/20...-the-week.aspx
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They gonna let women’s basketball become football?Comment
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There's been comments from some admin and ex players that there needs to be a head coaching change to the women's team. I know that the program has been hit with injuries here and there, but things are getting worse. His inabilities to recruit and have any local connections is starting to take it's toll. Let's just get the football coach out of here, then we can work on the women's basketball program lol.Originally posted by Layton View PostComment
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Looks like football is putting the cherry on top of another gem of a season tonightOriginally posted by TopperNation View PostComment
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Yup, for those of you counting at home, that's 10 total wins in 3 seasons!!!Originally posted by Layton View PostComment
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Fyi
A Dummy’s Observations on WLU vs West Chester 11/8/24
West Chester (WC) Game Plan
WC returned a team with many experienced players. Preseason, they were ranked 2nd in PSAC East. They had long, athletic players with a significant height advantage at nearly every position. WC was aggressive in attacking the rim in transition. They had depth to play an up-tempo game as 11 players played at least 10 minutes and only 2 players played at least 20 minutes. One WC player played the most at 27 minutes. In the early going, WC trapped full court to try to force WLU turnovers. On offense, WC focused on size mismatches, with particular emphasis on getting the ball to their big man #11 in the paint.
Keys to the WLU 114-91 victory
• WC had trouble with the WLU press and were playing much faster, which was out of their comfort zone. WLU led 19-9 with 12:53 left and 31-15 with 8:56 left in 1st half.
• WC was ineffective in their size mismatch strategy. Woodward did a great job in frustrating #11 without fouling him, despite giving up size.
• The high motors of WLU led to great transition looks.
• Although WC dominated the rebounds at 52-34, WLU overcame this WC advantage by forcing 26 WC turnovers and hitting 39% from three. In addition, WLU had 9 players with >= 50% effective FG %, with 6 players with >=65% effective FG %.
• WLU shared the ball very well, with assists on 69% of their made FGs.
• WLU had a respectable 1.32 assist to turnover ratio, compared to 0.46 for WC. This stat will improve once the new WLU players get more comfortable.
• WLU offensive rating was 123 (1.23 points per possession). This is consistent with the season-wide average of typical WLU teams in the past. This is very impressive, when one considers the uncharacteristic 19 WLU turnovers.
The WC offensive rating was 98 (0.98 points per possession), which is average for most teams, but lower than expected for a team of WC’s caliber. Overall, it was a first game that exceeded expectations against an experienced WC team, considering that WLU has 9 new players, some of whom are injured, resulting in a more limited bench that precluded the typical full platoon substitution strategy. WLU played with great effort and intensity, despite some players having to play above average minutes.
Areas for Improvement for WLU
• Imho, injuries are forcing WLU to play some players before they are ready. Some are experiencing trial by fire.
• New players are learning that some passes do not work at this level of competition.
• In addition, players had rebounds stripped from their hands. As a result, WLU had 19 turnovers, which are significantly more than a typical WLU team.
• WLU needs to box out on rebounds better to reduce the rebounding disparity.
• Some of the turnovers were due to well-intentioned passes that WC deflected. Had the pass been completed, it would have resulted in a layup.
• On some turnovers, WLU arguably passed up an easy, open shot at the rim to make a short inside pass that was actually more difficult than the open shot, resulting in a turnover. WLU needs to improve situational awareness in these cases and recognize the open shot at the rim.Last edited by Columbuseer; 11-17-2024, 07:13 PM.Comment
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FYI
A Dummy’s Observations on WLU vs Bluefield State11/9/24
Bluefield State (BS) Game Plan
In his 4th season, Coach Hoehn has recruited a group of athletic scorers nationwide from Detroit, California, NY, and FL. BS has arguably their best team in Coach Hoehn’s tenure. They had a significant height advantage at nearly every position. BS played the WLU style with full court pressure and attacked the rim in transition. They had some depth to play an up-tempo game as 8 players played at least 10 minutes. However, three players played >-29 minutes and their star player Hinds had 36 minutes, so fatigue might have been a factor in a very close game. BS trapped full court to try to force WLU turnovers. On offense, BS passed the ball and got open looks and 29 assists.
They were a near mirror image of WLU, attacking the rim in transition and taking advantage of any defensive lapses.
Keys to the WLU 112-110 victory
This was an incredibly high level of basketball. The offensive rating was 123 for WLU and 121 for BS, which is elite offensive efficiency. The statistics for both teams were incredibly close.
• IMHO, the difference in the game was West Liberty’s conditioning, high motors, and will to win. In the second
half, it seemed that WLU was getting most 50-50 balls and BS was not a presence on the boards.
• WLU adjusted admirably in just one day from a lackluster rebounding performance at West Chester. WLU had a 54-45 advantage in rebounds against a taller team. In addition, WLU improved greatly in securing rebounds, compared to West Chester. Harper, Clanet, and Autry made their presence felt on the boards. Harper had 6 offensive rebounds and 5 players had 3 or more offensive rebounds.
• Playing a second game in 24 hours adversely affected WLU’s three-point shooting, which is to be expected. WLU shot only 27% compared to 39% against West Chester. However, WLU compensated by incredible
finishes at the rim by Shuler, with support from D’Augustino, Spadafora, Harper and Woodward.
• Harper had his most complete game as a Hilltopper, as did Autry.
• Woodward was much more effective in attacking and finishing at the rim. I suspect Butler is already having a
positive impact on his game.
• WLU is a powerful offensive team, despite being undersized and lacking depth. With an elite 1.23 points per possession, they can be dangerous in February, once the new players have more experience.
Overall, it was a gutsy victory against a talented BS team, considering that WLU has 9 new players, some of whom are injured, resulting in a more limited bench.
Areas for Improvement for WLU
• Imho, injuries are forcing WLU to play some players before they are ready. Some are experiencing trial by fire.
• New players are learning that some passes do not work at this level of competition and against intense pressure. However, this early playing time will pay dividends in February.
• The second platoon is making too many mistakes on offense and defense, due to their collective lack of experience.
• Improve situational awareness.
o BS had several easy layups, because WLU did not notice players leaking out after a WLU shot. The new
players who are out front need to get back even if the opponent leaking out is not their man. Some new
players are still slow making the transition from offense to defense, with some admiring their 3-point goal
instead of getting back. Every opponent is leaking players on a shot, so they must have noticed a
vulnerability.
o In transition, WLU had three players defending the paint against point guard. But they left unguarded
player open who was running on the left wing. He caught the pass from the point guard with a clear path to the goal. One of the 3 WLU players should have played the pass, as his two teammates had the PG
defended from going to the rim.
o Call time out on inbounds play rather than forcing a bad pass.
o In transition, opposing defenders tend to pack the lane to defend the layup. In these situations, WLU needs to look for Autry, who is often trailing the play or is in the corner. When he is wide open, he is deadly from three. His effective shooting % for the game was 83%.
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West Chester has long been one of the most enigmatic teams in the PSAC. They usually have decent talent, but you never know what you're going to get when you play them.Originally posted by Columbuseer View PostComment
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A Dummy’s Observations on WLU vs Bluefield State11/9/24
Bluefield State (BS) Game Plan
In his 4th season, Coach Hoehn has recruited a group of athletic scorers nationwide from Detroit, California, NY, and FL. BS has arguably their best team in Coach Hoehn’s tenure. They had a significant height advantage at nearly every position. BS played the WLU style with full court pressure and attacked the rim in transition. They had some depth to play an up-tempo game as 8 players played at least 10 minutes. However, three players played >-29 minutes and their star player Hinds had 36 minutes, so fatigue might have been a factor in a very close game. BS trapped full court to try to force WLU turnovers. On offense, BS passed the ball and got open looks and 29 assists.
They were a near mirror image of WLU, attacking the rim in transition and taking advantage of any defensive lapses.
Keys to the WLU 112-110 victory
This was an incredibly high level of basketball. The offensive rating was 123 for WLU and 121 for BS, which is elite offensive efficiency. The statistics for both teams were incredibly close.
• IMHO, the difference in the game was West Liberty’s conditioning, high motors, and will to win. In the second
half, it seemed that WLU was getting most 50-50 balls and BS was not a presence on the boards.
• WLU adjusted admirably in just one day from a lackluster rebounding performance at West Chester. WLU had a 54-45 advantage in rebounds against a taller team. In addition, WLU improved greatly in securing rebounds, compared to West Chester. Harper, Clanet, and Autry made their presence felt on the boards. Harper had 6 offensive rebounds and 5 players had 3 or more offensive rebounds.
• Playing a second game in 24 hours adversely affected WLU’s three-point shooting, which is to be expected. WLU shot only 27% compared to 39% against West Chester. However, WLU compensated by incredible
finishes at the rim by Shuler, with support from D’Augustino, Spadafora, Harper and Woodward.
• Harper had his most complete game as a Hilltopper, as did Autry.
• Woodward was much more effective in attacking and finishing at the rim. I suspect Butler is already having a
positive impact on his game.
• WLU is a powerful offensive team, despite being undersized and lacking depth. With an elite 1.23 points per possession, they can be dangerous in February, once the new players have more experience.
Overall, it was a gutsy victory against a talented BS team, considering that WLU has 9 new players, some of whom are injured, resulting in a more limited bench.
Areas for Improvement for WLU
• Imho, injuries are forcing WLU to play some players before they are ready. Some are experiencing trial by fire.
• New players are learning that some passes do not work at this level of competition and against intense pressure. However, this early playing time will pay dividends in February.
• The second platoon is making too many mistakes on offense and defense, due to their collective lack of experience.
• Improve situational awareness.
o BS had several easy layups, because WLU did not notice players leaking out after a WLU shot. The new
players who are out front need to get back even if the opponent leaking out is not their man. Some new
players are still slow making the transition from offense to defense, with some admiring their 3-point goal
instead of getting back. Every opponent is leaking players on a shot, so they must have noticed a
vulnerability.
o In transition, WLU had three players defending the paint against point guard. But they left unguarded
player open who was running on the left wing. He caught the pass from the point guard with a clear path to the goal. One of the 3 WLU players should have played the pass, as his two teammates had the PG
defended from going to the rim.
o Call time out on inbounds play rather than forcing a bad pass.
o In transition, opposing defenders tend to pack the lane to defend the layup. In these situations, WLU needs to look for Autry, who is often trailing the play or is in the corner. When he is wide open, he is deadly from three. His effective shooting % for the game was 83%.
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That would make them the Glenville or WVSU of the PSAC perhaps. Those are the teams here in the MEC that can be giant slayers one night and total pushovers the next. Hard to figure out.Originally posted by Ship69 View PostComment
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West Lib Women's bball is in the tough spot for recruiting. If you want players from Ohio, you have to compete with Ashland for talent. To the north, you have to deal with Gannon. To the east, IUP and Cal UP. I think the coach is a good guy, but defense is definitely not a trademark of his teams. Outscoring an opponent will only get you so far in the post-season. I could see a change coming.Originally posted by TopperNation View PostComment
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Yeah ..but WLU has a history of keeping guys around even though their performance says otherwise.Originally posted by Bballfan View PostComment
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Yes, he's a good guy. WLU has a ton of "good guys" as coaches/assistant coaches, it's nothing personal. What we are asking is to at least be competitive and maybe win some games that you aren't expected to, can they do that? We aren't asking for a conference championship or even a NCAA appearance (which would be nice), just stay above .500 and in the top echelon of the conference. Hopefully change is coming!Originally posted by Bballfan View PostComment
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FYI
A Dummy’s Observations on WLU vs Shepherd 11/16/24
Shepherd University (SU) Game Plan
SU had a significant height advantage at nearly every position. Their strategy seemed to be:
• Be deliberate on offense to try to shorten the game by using much of the shot clock.
• Attack WLU inside using their size advantage.
• Get a significant rebounding advantage.
• If they break the press, SU will generally not attack the rim, but look for an open three.
SU did not have a deep bench. Only six players played more than 10 minutes and only 8 players saw action.
Keys to the WLU 92-72 victory
This was one of those games, when every WLU player was missing wide-open threes. In the first half, WLU was 1 for 15 or 7%! WLU showed that they have the versatility to win even when they are not hitting threes.
The offensive rating (points per 100 possessions) was 122 for WLU and 97 for SU, which was an amazing stat for WLU since they were horrendous from three-point range.
IMHO, the difference in the game was:
• West Liberty’s conditioning, high motors, and will to win. WLU turned up the pressure on their press, and hit
the boards hard to compensate for their terrible shooting. In the second half, SU was a step slow due to
fatigue, allowing WLU to get a step ahead on the dribble drive into the lane for open layups from a half-court
set.
• The WLU pressure clearly disrupted SU. With a typical shooting night, WLU would have won by 30.
• WLU had only 3 turnovers, all of which were due to steals. WLU forced 17 SU turnovers, scoring 17 points off turnovers to only 6 points for Shepherd.
• WLU narrowly lost the rebounding battle to a much taller team by the margin of 47-42.
• WLU showed very good decisions in shot selection.
• WLU has players who are strong inside and/or can dribble drive as needed to finish at the rim, such as
Harper, Shuler, D’Augustino, Spadafora and Woodward. WLU scored 52 points in the paint to Shepherd’s 32
points, despite being dramatically undersized.
• Kam Tinsley is getting more comfortable with each passing game and is earning additional playing time with his rebounding and shooting.
• Harper is proving to be a force in all aspects of the game, especially in rebounding and defense against taller players. He is also a very strong offensive player, who is using much better judgment on shot selection.
• Shuler and D’Augustino had very strong games, taking their man to the rim and finishing.
• WLU is a powerful offensive team, despite being undersized and lacking depth. With an elite 1.22 points per possession, they can be dangerous in February, once the new players have more experience.
Areas for Improvement for WLU
WLU has made significant improvements each game.
• Imho, injuries are forcing WLU to play some players before they are ready. Some are experiencing trial by fire.
• New players are learning that some passes do not work at this level of competition. However, this early playing time will pay dividends in February.
• The second platoon is improving, but further improvement is needed on offense and defense, due to their collective lack of experience.
• Sometimes the team needs to be reminded to move on offense without the ball.Comment
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