Calu wbb '18-'19

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Re: Calu wbb '18-'19

[CALUPA69]

Re: Calu wbb '18-'19

So glad to finally see the list. I can't say "final list" since a recruit from last year stayed through team photo day before bailing but hopefully that won't happen again. Nice mix of young and experienced players with SEAIRRA stepping into the spotlight as the first option offensively. Given JS focus on defense, it will be interesting to see if any of the newbies have what it takes to crack the starting 7-8.

[CALUPA69]

Re: Calu wbb '18-'19

'18-'19 VULCANS WBB http://calvulcans.com/roster.aspx?path=wbball
And the final number is 15. K. SMALLS-HARMON from Camden NJ not on the final roster. A lot of talent here if JS can work her usual magic. Time will tell.

[CALUPA69]

Re: Calu wbb '18-'19

Game versus CINCY went pretty much as expected. Competitive through 3 qtrs, the BEARCATS size and athleticism won out in the 4th. Seven players got 80% of the minutes which gives us some idea of JS plan to start the season. BARRETT, FLOOD-FRANCIS, JASPER, SPORIO and VALLECORSA started with newbies HARRISON and RITZ getting significant PT. Awful 3pt shooting. Excellent, but too little, FT shooting. TO 16 for both teams which I take as a positive since the VULCANS were able to handle the ball vs D1 players and still turn them over at close to a normal number. Everyone except PANNELL, JEFFRIES and GEORGE played.
Next weekend versus the MEC at the ANGELO DOME with WLU on Saturday and CHARLESTON on Sunday. Looking forward to the season.

[CALUPA69]

Re: Calu wbb '18-'19

SEAIRRA BARRETT gets back in action with a bang !! 41 pts, 7rbs, 5stls to lead the VULCANS to an 84-68 victory over the WLU HILLTOPPERS and their AA MARISSA BROWN (32pts, 15rbs, 6blks) in the opener for both teams. The 41 points was most by a CALU player since KAYLA SMITH scored 42 vs WVSU IN 2009. As usual for JS teams, turnovers (29) and points off TO (40) decided the game. Bad point was both that VULCANS still aren't hitting 3s (0-4) and apparently have given up trying. I find it hard to believe that with 15 players on the roster, not one can shoot consistently from beyond the arc. That does not bode well for an extended season. Otherwise, good start to the season.

[CALUPA69]

Re: Calu wbb '18-'19

Game 2 vs UofC entirely different but still the same at the core. VULCANS win 70-53, despite trailing after 3 qtrs 43-48. 27-5 4th qtr with six players scoring settled the issue. Not a pretty W, but a W just the same. #5 again led the scoring with 34 on 12-22 FG, 10-14 FT, 6 RB, and 6 STLS. COACH STROM seems to be trying different combos. There may be injury issues as SPORIO started but only played 9 mins and FLOOD-FRANCIS also started but played only 14 down from 32 on Saturday. Next up SHEPHERD in WV

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[CALUPA69]

Re: Calu wbb '18-'19

Normal sort of OOC WBB vs SHEPHERD. Though not a close game the VULCAN women are still not there as a team yet. On this night when SHEP worked to control BARRETT,. GINA VALLECORSA exploded for her career high of 30 pts including 8 for 8 from 3pt. The defense was solid but not overwhelming. PG seems to be up for grabs among SPORIO, JASPER and Fr AHMYA WOODYARD. COACH STROM may be running a lot of players out there to get them experience before the league play starts and playing time becomes scarce.
Next up CENTRAL STATE U of the SIAC at the ANGELO DOME on Tuesday.

[CALUPA69]

Re: Calu wbb '18-'19

Very early impressions after a harder than expected victory over CENTRAL STATE. JESS STROM has narrowed her significant players to eight which will likely become seven as PSAC play begins. Two freshmen, AHMYA WOODYARD and BRIONNA ALLEN, are vying for that seventh spot to go with BARRETT, VALLECORSA, FLOOD-FRANCIS, JASPER, SPORIO and HAHN. Barring injuries the remaining nine will split ten minute a game. Watching the game vs CSU the team seemed to be using the standard JS formula of high pressure D leading to TO for easy scoring in regular 10-15 pt spurts. With VALLECORSA filling the role of a scoring threat behind BARRETT the only thing that seems to be missing is the solid,, safe PG ala MIKI G. Though all who have been used in this spot have been steady, none seem like a third scorer and certainly none are apparently capable of taking it to the hoop when the set offense breaks down. That MIKI GLENN/BROOQUE WILLIAMS quality player are really a significant part of moving an excellent team to an elite team. May not be there this year. Time will tell.

[Feedoggie]

Re: Calu wbb '18-'19

Very early impressions after a harder than expected victory over CENTRAL STATE. JESS STROM has narrowed her significant players to eight which will likely become seven as PSAC play begins. Two freshmen, AHMYA WOODYARD and BRIONNA ALLEN, are vying for that seventh spot to go with BARRETT, VALLECORSA, FLOOD-FRANCIS, JASPER, SPORIO and HAHN. Barring injuries the remaining nine will split ten minute a game. Watching the game vs CSU the team seemed to be using the standard JS formula of high pressure D leading to TO for easy scoring in regular 10-15 pt spurts. With VALLECORSA filling the role of a scoring threat behind BARRETT the only thing that seems to be missing is the solid,, safe PG ala MIKI G. Though all who have been used in this spot have been steady, none seem like a third scorer and certainly none are apparently capable of taking it to the hoop when the set offense breaks down. That MIKI GLENN/BROOQUE WILLIAMS quality player are really a significant part of moving an excellent team to an elite team. May not be there this year. Time will tell.

[CALUPA69]

Re: Calu wbb '18-'19

Hopefully, but realistically MIKI G quality isn't teachable. As a soph she took over that team, including 3 seniors, with no resistance. In virtually every critical situation, especially down the stretch, she knew exactly what needed to be done. If you remember watching those games JS rarely had to direct her. A natural leader and finisher. Could be WOODYARD or ALLEN will be that player next year. Time will tell.

[CALUPA69]

Re: Calu wbb '18-'19

Another slow start with VULCANS trailing WVSU 16-19 after 1st qtr. Remainder of game not close,57-24 CALU, with 35 pts off TO and 14 on fast breaks. BARRETT still on a roll with 32 pts, 12 rbs and 5 stls. First extended minutes for newbies SHAUNA HARRISON (14min), LAUREN BENNETT (13min) and LILLY RITZ ( 6 min). Next Saturday the VULCANS are first up on a crossover nightmare weekend for MILLERSVILLE. After that Saturday game the MARAUDERS take on IUP on SUNDAY. At least there's no bus ride involved for the home team.

[CALUPA69]

Re: Calu wbb '18-'19

1st CO game vs VILLE was a sloppy closely called game that allowed JESS STROM the chance to get an extended look at 5 of 6 Freshmen players. All told they played 54 minutes with BRIONA ALLEN getting 20 and SHAUNA HARRISON 17. The 14 point winning margin, 69-55, was the result of a 29-17 pt advantage in points off turnovers. Didn't hurt that the starters only played half the game considering they'll be back on the floor Sunday against WCU who gave BORO a pretty good battle before falling 72-91.

[CALUPA69]

Re: Calu wbb '18-'19

Will always feel less than thrilled playing underfunded programs like CHEYNEY, SALEM and UDC. Playing an all freshman team most of the 4th qtr, the VULCANS still outscored the WOLVES 16-12. 14 players scored in this game with the 1st year players getting over 1/3 of the playing time. Off for 10 days before warmups vs a revived BLOOMSBURG, who beat BORO, and a dangerous ESU team that took BORO to OT before losing. It's beginning to get serious.

[CALUPA69]

Re: Calu wbb '18-'19

VULCANS finished the early season 10-0 with an easy 84-57 win over ESU. BARRETT led all scorers with 28 pts, 8rbs and 2stls. VALLECORSA, SPORIO and HARRISON all added double figures in points.
After Christmas break the real season gets going with PSAC WEST games against BORO on 1/2 and GANNON on 1/5. We'll soon know how well JESS STROM has been able to blend her veterans with her largest incoming class ever. Should be interesting.