West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

[Columbuseer]

Mondragan is a fantastic coach, and D&E's defense was legit for sure. Glad to see the Hilltoppers survive the scare (they definitely need to be in games like that). But, man, if you're a D&E fan, you have to be wondering about some of the decision making down the stretch. Once the Senators got the defensive stops they needed and cut the lead to a single possession, they immediately frittered it away with two straight terrible possessions. On by Rolle (who is a real handful as a one-on-one slasher) where he went wildly to the rack and threw up an off-balance runner with two guys on him. And another when a player (I can't recall whom) threw up an unnecessary contested 3 early in the shot clock instead of working to get a good look. If you're a Senators fan, you have to want those two possessions back.

Excellent points. Mondragon alluded as much in post game. Said they needed to better manage end of game possessions.

[Scrub]

Mondragan is a fantastic coach, and D&E's defense was legit for sure. Glad to see the Hilltoppers survive the scare (they definitely need to be in games like that). But, man, if you're a D&E fan, you have to be wondering about some of the decision making down the stretch. Once the Senators got the defensive stops they needed and cut the lead to a single possession, they immediately frittered it away with two straight terrible possessions. On by Rolle (who is a real handful as a one-on-one slasher) where he went wildly to the rack and threw up an off-balance runner with two guys on him. And another when a player (I can't recall whom) threw up an unnecessary contested 3 early in the shot clock instead of working to get a good look. If you're a Senators fan, you have to want those two possessions back.

[Columbuseer]

A Dummy’s Observations on WLU at Davis and Elkins 12/2/23 WLU 91-85

DE Game Plan

DE has a great coach, who has transformed DE basketball. They are getting better each game and have already beaten Fairmont State. Across the roster, DE has size, speed, strong rebounders and great athletic ability, with many players from FL and some solid Euro players. This year DE added Preston Boswell as an assistant coach, who is very familiar with the WLU style. They are a very strong defensive team and a very good 3-point shooting team. They have many players who can finish at the rim, especially PG Sam Rolle IV.

Their game plan was to play tight half-court defense to make WLU work hard to score. They especially wanted to take away the WLU 3-pt. shot. On offense, they will spread the floor, and attack the rim off the dribble or take the open three. If they break the press, they will attack the rim to score or draw fouls in transition. In an attempt to remove the fatigue factor, and unique for this game, DE will use 2 platoons, subbing in sync with WLU’s platoon changes.


First Half

At the initial platoon change at 17:07, WLU led 9-4. Bravo platoon forced 2 turnovers in 2 minutes against the DE 2nd platoon, with the lead 16-5 at the 15:05 media timeout. When the Bravo platoon shift ended, WLU led 20-7. The platoon strategy was a tradeoff, but overall, it helped DE mitigate the effects of fatigue.

WLU maintained the lead throughout the first half. However, WLU was missing some shots that they normally make and taking some contested shots around the rim that did not fall. DE was successful in attacking the basket, which allowed DE to close the gap to 36-29 at the 6:17 mark.

WLU regrouped and extended the lead in about 3 minutes to 48-31 at the 3:04 mark. The DE platoon strategy allowed DE to have fresh legs to respond, with the half ending with WLU leading by 8, 50-42 DE had committed 11 turnovers, on 5 WLU steals.

Second Half

It was apparent from the first half that DE had the coaches, athletes, depth and defensive prowess to compete with WLU and prevent a blowout. Even though DE’s 2nd platoon was not as strong as their starting five, they were effective in removing fatigue as a factor.

Early in the half, WLU was moving well, and getting back cuts to the rim and open threes. DE’s scoring on fast breaks in transition was keeping them in the game. WLU was also taking and missing too many difficult inside shots.

WLU big men were in foul trouble with 12 minutes left, creating size mismatches, which helped DE.

The second half saw ebb and flow of scoring with WLU keeping an 8 to 16-point lead until the 7:29 mark. WLU only had 3 steals while DE had 4 steals. DE had limited their turnovers to just six.

At the 7:29 mark, WLU led by six at 73-67. DE was threatening as they had fresh legs to play defense and run their offense late in the game and they had some great 1-on-1 players.

The deficit closed to 3 at 82-79 at 3:57. WLU took off their full court press and went to half court man to man.

WLU responded with a mini-run, growing the lead to 88-79 with 2:24 remaining, putting DE in catchup mode. They were able to close to 4 at the 0:13 mark.

The final score was 91-85.

Keys to the game:

 WLU did not panic when DE made runs.

 WLU attacked the offensive glass and got critical putbacks.

 Despite being out-rebounded and held below their average FG %, WLU used motion offense to get open looks and score inside.

 WLU limited DE to 16% 3-pt. shooting, far below their average.

 WLU executed their offense much better than DE in the last 4 minutes, making critical shots and FTs.

 WLU Bravo platoon was stronger than the DE second platoon

 WLU played good half-court defense.

 Unnecessary fouls by WLU helped DE stay in game – moving screens. hand checks, pushes etc. WLU might also benefit from more assist-based points, rather than contested dribble drive.

 Quality depth – WLU bench points outscored DE’s bench 37 to 22.

 WLU got 28 points from turnovers to14 for DE.


Four players scored in double figures for WLU, with 6 players scoring 8 or more points. Nine players saw at least 13 minutes of action, with only 2 players at 25 or more minutes (max of 30 minutes). The foul woes disrupted the normal platoon rotations.

WLU offensive rating was 106, which was much below typical season average of 125. Credit DE defense, as well as some poor shot selection by WLU. In addition, they held DE to 97, which is good defense.

The effective FG % as a team was 49.3%. DE was 49.2%, aided by their run outs and fast breaks.
WLU had 6 players with >= 50% effective fg %, led by Montague 81%, shuler 75%, Hinds 69%, Woodward 62% and D'Augustino 60%.

Lessons learned

This game was needed, as WLU had been winning by 39 points. Key takeaways:

 When an opponent has the right players and strategy to compete, it requires discipline by WLU to execute the offense to get wide open looks to maximize points per possession and have constant situational awareness on defense to reduce transition baskets.

 WLU must eliminate senseless fouls to avoid mismatches late in the game due to WLU players sitting on the bench in foul trouble.

 WLU must get back faster to avoid run outs, when opponent has strong finishers who will attack the rim in transition or throw alley-oops in 2 on 1 scenarios.

 Shot selection becomes critical on a bad shooting night. Difficult, turnaround, falling away shots are to be avoided, even if close to the rim.

[boatcapt]

Gannon's start has certainly been impressive. I've had a chance to stream a couple of their games now, and they aren't just winning because of the system. Fee has done a good job of rounding up players who fit the style, and they have talent. No matter what you're running, you don't win consistently without good players.

Four teams averaging over 100 PPG right now in DII...Gannon, WLU, Nova SE and Coker. As we have discussed all have one thing in common.

While good players make the WLU Style more effective, more importantly you need smart players with a high motor that are unselfish. Haven't watched a ton of Coker games, but the other three have that in spades. Season is only roughly 1/4 over but I figure all four have the inside track to win their conference and be highly seeded in the NCAA Tourney.

We'll see how it goes but poor Danny Sanconb...finally gets away from WLU and the MEC and finally gets what is thought to be a potential conference winner...Then Fee brings the "WLU Road Show" to Gannon!

[Ship69]

Seems like you can add Cooker to the list of WLU Style successes. After an insanely late recruiting start and a bumpy start to the season, Mike Lamberti has Coker sitting at 5-3. Really the only first season fail of the WLU Style has been Bluefield who is still struggling under Devin Hoehn.

Crutch's coaching tree is appearing to grow some strong branches.

Gannon's start has certainly been impressive. I've had a chance to stream a couple of their games now, and they aren't just winning because of the system. Fee has done a good job of rounding up players who fit the style, and they have talent. No matter what you're running, you don't win consistently without good players.

[boatcapt]

Yeah, I'll be interested in seeing how Cal does with all their players healthy. They're undefeated, but have had some close shaves. The way things are going, it wouldn't surprise me if they got them back for the Ship game.

Gannon seems to be ahead of schedule. If their success continues, I think more teams in the region are either going to have to play more like WL and Gannon themselves or find a way to slow down that system. The 30-second clock in modern college ball makes it harder to take the air out of the ball and slow down a press. I thought the 35-second clock was fine, but now I'm just hoping they don't get the bright idea of going to an NBA clock, which would turn most D2 game into run-and-gun foul fests without the compensating talent of NBA players. Probably the best defense against a press is to play good defense and get some stops, which prevents the uptempo team from setting up the press. But obviously it's easier said than done.

Seems like you can add Cooker to the list of WLU Style successes. After an insanely late recruiting start and a bumpy start to the season, Mike Lamberti has Coker sitting at 5-3. Really the only first season fail of the WLU Style has been Bluefield who is still struggling under Devin Hoehn.

Crutch's coaching tree is appearing to grow some strong branches.

[Ship69]

Gannon looks like the best team in the PSAC. Cal may get there once it gets healthy.

Yeah, I'll be interested in seeing how Cal does with all their players healthy. They're undefeated, but have had some close shaves. The way things are going, it wouldn't surprise me if they got them back for the Ship game.

Gannon seems to be ahead of schedule. If their success continues, I think more teams in the region are either going to have to play more like WL and Gannon themselves or find a way to slow down that system. The 30-second clock in modern college ball makes it harder to take the air out of the ball and slow down a press. I thought the 35-second clock was fine, but now I'm just hoping they don't get the bright idea of going to an NBA clock, which would turn most D2 game into run-and-gun foul fests without the compensating talent of NBA players. Probably the best defense against a press is to play good defense and get some stops, which prevents the uptempo team from setting up the press. But obviously it's easier said than done.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

West Liberty could lose a game or two this season simply because every team has an off game sooner or later, but at this point they look like easily the class of the region. I don't see a team in the PSAC beating them unless some of them seriously step up their games.

Gannon looks like the best team in the PSAC. Cal may get there once it gets healthy.

[boatcapt]

West Liberty could lose a game or two this season simply because every team has an off game sooner or later, but at this point they look like easily the class of the region. I don't see a team in the PSAC beating them unless some of them seriously step up their games.

The way things sometimes work is near mid season we have a couple of rapid games were bad habits creep in, then we lose to a mid pack team. This results in Ben tightening his bench with the end of bench guys seeing their minutes go down to near zero. This refocusing results in a run through and into the playoffs.

[Ship69]

FYI

West Liberty national stats thru Nov 30

#1 Assists 26.7
#1 Turnovers margin 17
#1Turnovers forced 28.17
#1 Bench points 53.33
#1 Scoring margin 39
#1 3pt attempts 37.5

#2 Steals 17.2
#2 Scoring 108.8
#2 Assist to turnover ratio 2.39
#2 3pts made 13

#6. Fast break pts 22.67
#10. 3 pt defense 25 %
#13 off rebs 15.17
#30 effective fg % 57.8%
#44 fg% 49.47%

West Liberty could lose a game or two this season simply because every team has an off game sooner or later, but at this point they look like easily the class of the region. I don't see a team in the PSAC beating them unless some of them seriously step up their games.

[Columbuseer]

FYI

West Liberty national stats thru Nov 30

#1 Assists 26.7
#1 Turnovers margin 17
#1Turnovers forced 28.17
#1 Bench points 53.33
#1 Scoring margin 39
#1 3pt attempts 37.5

#2 Steals 17.2
#2 Scoring 108.8
#2 Assist to turnover ratio 2.39
#2 3pts made 13

#6. Fast break pts 22.67
#10. 3 pt defense 25 %
#13 off rebs 15.17
#30 effective fg % 57.8%
#44 fg% 49.47%

[Columbuseer]

"NDC has good, quick athletes, many in 6-4 to 6-6 range, who can all play like guards, but are also very strong rebounders. However, waves of WLU pressure and NDC choosing to run with the Hilltoppers and play an individual 1-on-1 dribble-drive game, resulted in few assists and extreme fatigue for NDC in the second half."

I noticed the tendency of Notre Dame's players to go 1-on-1 in their game against IUP. Their attempts to dribble between 2-3 players often resulted in turnovers or ineffective offensive trips and contributed to their loss.

I don't know if it is the curse of AAU, but so many talented athletes eschew assists, challenge multiple defenders, and wind up taking low % shots or committing unnecessary turnovers.
Imho, if they shared the ball, they would get much easier shots.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

"NDC has good, quick athletes, many in 6-4 to 6-6 range, who can all play like guards, but are also very strong rebounders. However, waves of WLU pressure and NDC choosing to run with the Hilltoppers and play an individual 1-on-1 dribble-drive game, resulted in few assists and extreme fatigue for NDC in the second half."

I noticed the tendency of Notre Dame's players to go 1-on-1 in their game against IUP. Their attempts to dribble between 2-3 players often resulted in turnovers or ineffective offensive trips and contributed to their loss.

ND could be pretty decent as the year moves along. That's basically a JUCO all-star team -- which takes time to play as a team. Lot of individual talent. Their lack of size killed them against IUP - and that's even with Damir Brooks not playing that game.

The Falcons could be dangerous in the second half (or a disaster).

[Ship69]

"NDC has good, quick athletes, many in 6-4 to 6-6 range, who can all play like guards, but are also very strong rebounders. However, waves of WLU pressure and NDC choosing to run with the Hilltoppers and play an individual 1-on-1 dribble-drive game, resulted in few assists and extreme fatigue for NDC in the second half."

I noticed the tendency of Notre Dame's players to go 1-on-1 in their game against IUP. Their attempts to dribble between 2-3 players often resulted in turnovers or ineffective offensive trips and contributed to their loss.

[Columbuseer]

A Dummy’s Observations on WLU vs WV Wesleyan 11/29/23 WLU 125 - WVWU 69

WVWU Game Plan
WVWU has a starting five based on D2 transfers or junior college players. They play a 5-out offense to spread the floor and look for opportunities for open shots or drive 1-on-1 to the basket. They have some talent, but they face a huge blending task with so many new players.
Their game plan was to spread the floor, and attack the rim off the dribble or take the open three. If they break the press, they will attack the rim to score or draw fouls. To counter the WLU pressure, they will sub more frequently than normal.
First Half
WLU suffered from a Thanksgiving hangover and appeared sluggish. They were playing a perimeter game, without their usual high motion offense. Their first possession was a shot clock violation, due to good defense by WVWU and stagnant offense by WLU. WLU returned the favor by forcing a shot clock violation on WVWU’s first possession.
WLU shooting was horrendous, even though they were getting open looks. At one point they were 4-17 from three. WVWU was doing a good job in protecting the ball, as WLU got their first steal at 11:15 mark. At the first media timeout at 13:54, WLU led 15-11. At the media timeout at 9:09, WLU led 28-21. WVWU was staying within striking distance. At the 4:40 media timeout, WLU led 37-27. But the signs of fatigue were appearing in WVWU. Guys were standing on the perimeter when the WVWU shot went up, essentially conceding control of the boards to WLU. WLU had a 9-2 run and built a 17-point lead in just over 2 minutes. The half ended with WLU leading 48-31
Second Half
The rest from intermission generally only mitigates fatigue for about 5 minutes. By the first media time out at 14:58, the lead was 20. But it was becoming apparent that WVWU was vulnerable to a knock-out. In less than 2.5 minutes, WLU got 4 steals and extended the lead to 31 points at 73-42 at 12:31. WVWU had no legs left and was taking one and done shots.
The game was essentially over at that point, as WVWU was out of gas.
At 8:21, the lead reached 40 at 95-55, supported by 5 WLU steals.
At the 8-minute mark, WLU took off the trapping pressure and played man-to-man. But it really did not help WVWU that much. The lead reached 50 at 116-66 in less than 6 minutes at the 2:53 mark.
WLU reached its maximum lead of 58 points at 124-66 with 1:53 remaining in the game.
The final score was 125-69.


Keys to the game:

• Fatigue – WLU scored 52 points off turnovers, with 35 fast break points, and 17 steals among 33 forced turnovers. WLU dominated the boards 46-28. I thought WVWU played their starters too long before subbing, even though they did sub more frequently. WLU got 28 more FGA than WVWU, which offsets any advantage that an opponent might have had in shooting percentage. If WLU is shooting well, it typically means a lopsided score.
• WLU forced many five second calls on WVWU inbounds attempts.
• WVWU three point % was 50% for second half, after a 17% first half.
• The Alpha and Bravo Platoons continue to perform at high levels – Alpha was +16 over 4 shifts, Bravo was +24 over 5 shifts, and there was a mixed platoon that was +16 over 2 shifts.
• Quality depth – WLU bench points outscored WVWU’s bench 59 to 28.
• WLU only committed 12 turnovers.
• Incredible passing – WLU has elite passers with great vision. There were 30 assists on 44 FGs which is an amazing 68%.
• WLU guards demonstrated their incredibly quick hands. Typically, steals occur on intercepted passes. Today, several guards were picking the pockets of WVWU players.
• WLU shares the ball effectively, compared to WVWU’s dribble-dominant offense. WLU had an outstanding 2.5 assist to turnover ratio, compared to a bad 0.45 for WVWU.
• Despite their fast pace, WLU commits turnovers on only 14% of possessions, compared to 38% for WVWU.

Five players scored in double figures for WLU, with nine players scoring 8 or more points. Ten players saw at least 17 minutes of action, with only 1 player at 21 or more minutes (max of 24 minutes).
WVWU has experienced players who are still learning how to play together. Waves of WLU pressure and WVWU choosing to run with the Hilltoppers and play an individual 1-on-1 dribble-drive and perimeter game, resulted in few assists and extreme fatigue for WVWU in the second half.
WLU offensive rating was 145, which is amazing, and far above their incredible typical season average of 125. In addition, they held WVWU to 79, which is dominating defense.
The effective FG % as a team was 60%, and they held WVWU to 45%.