Drury Panthers

[crazznewt]

You are probably right, but there has to be a place for him, at least defensively. Ricky told those who attended the first Panther luncheon that Sekou is the strongest player he has ever played against.

I'm not the only Lady Panther fan who is wondering why there is no improvement in basic skills with certain players. Hopefully ALL the players have worked on their own time to improve. (Its obvious some have put the work in.) After all, there is a loyal fan base that spends about $18 a game for admission and concessions at a minimum.

[GLVCBall1985]

Oh BOY! I miss one game and all hell breaks loose. Can someone give me a brief summary of why the men got their lunch money taken last night? That was an ugly box score to wake up to…

From the looks of it on the box, my take away is that the panthers got completely out-toughed, out played, and out-physicaled.

[crazznewt]

I'm glad I didn't go. To get beat like a drum like that on your home court doesn't look good. We all could speculate, but I've always thought more strength is needed down low to compliment Juok, who isn't a true inside player. I would bet if he plays pro ball later he would be more on the perimeter like he often is now. Hopefully the boys didn't think about the SBU game too long.

[GLVCBall1985]

Not a lot of winning on the team. Good chance they had a winning hangover and got ahead of themselves from the SBU game. Might not be a player on the team to keep them levelheaded. I could be misspeaking but it seems to be the panthers issue in the past years. They just struggle to win consistently

[crazznewt]

Agreed. I still think this team could be good. However, this program has been snakebit by several things. And 4 years of mediocrity, including the multiple home blowout losses is getting old.

[crazznewt]

I think some of our area universities need to consider a couple things concerning game attendance. For one, $12 a game is too much for families to pay in today's economy. Two, blasting music so loud that a normal conversation with the person next to you isn't possible makes for a bad game experience for most. Also, some of the lyrics being blasted is vulgar. Sporting events should be a wholesome environment for families. Doesn't seem wise to give fans another reason to stay home.

[Bballfan]

I second some of the music played at college sports venues is not appropriate. I actually like it when a school has a pep band. Some still do...and it is a nice touch.

[crazznewt]

"2300" fans attended the Missouri State VS Indiana State basketball game this last Saturday (coincidentally Larry Bird's birthday). This made for a crappy game atmosphere as the arena holds 11,000 people. A lot of families who are casual fans can't afford 17 dollars per one upper level seat, let alone obnoxious concession prices.

Evangel University's brand new arena has special pricing for seniors and $3 tickets for visiting students. Other universities should consider the lower income neighborhoods in close proximity to their campuses and do something similar.

[GLVCBall1985]

Finally watched the game from Saturday. Men were up 7 points with less than 2 minutes left and they found a way to lose without Truman having to even send them to the FT line… Not sure if the right lineup was in the game at the end there either. Wow. That is a tough one to swallow. Elijah Whitley needs to play much more- even when he isn’t playing well. Seems like he’s one of the few on the court that knows what it means to be a Panther.

[crazznewt]

Finally watched the game from Saturday. Men were up 7 points with less than 2 minutes left and they found a way to lose without Truman having to even send them to the FT line… Not sure if the right lineup was in the game at the end there either. Wow. That is a tough one to swallow. Elijah Whitley needs to play much more- even when he isn’t playing well. Seems like he’s one of the few on the court that knows what it means to be a Panther.

The home drubbing and losing that late lead against Truman has hurt the enthusiasm surrounding the men's team. I still believe they will be good by season's end because some key players are young. They desperately need another physical player IMO. Ryan Gordon would have helped in this regard.

Despite the Lady Panthers being in a down trend by their standards, I'm beginning to agree with Bballfan that the Lady Panthers should have enough to win the conference. Three opening conference wins despite one starter out is a good start.

Reese Schaaf is clearly the best player for 7-5 Central Missouri averaging 17.8 points, 53% fg, 83% ft and 9 rebounds a game. This includes a 23 point 8 rebound effort in a 30 point loss to number #7 Fort Hayes State in a game where no other Jennies player scored more than 7 points.

[Bballfan]

I would expect Schaaf to be their best player, especially after losing two starters to D1 programs. Just surprised at Central's record so far this year. But losing two starters that are now playing D1 certainly was going to have an impact on them. I thought Central Missouri underachieved last year, especially given their talent level. Looks like this year will be a challenge for them again too.

[crazznewt]

I would expect Schaaf to be their best player, especially after losing two starters to D1 programs. Just surprised at Central's record so far this year. But losing two starters that are now playing D1 certainly was going to have an impact on them. I thought Central Missouri underachieved last year, especially given their talent level. Looks like this year will be a challenge for them again too.

Neely Schaaf will join her sister at CMSU next season. I wonder if this had anything to do with Reese's decision to transfer.

[Bballfan]

I would think if she was good enough to play at Central Missouri, than Drury would have wanted her too!

Speaking of sisters, Grand Valley has a pair of them on their team this year. Both very good. And their cousin is playing at the University of Wisconsin. But rumor has it she will be at Grand Valley next year. The rich get richer.

[crazznewt]

Maybe so, but there are several instances that come to mind where a player signed and started with a school other than her sister's. Drury's Hailey Diesltkamp and Bethany Creed are two examples. It is not unheard of. It doesn't matter as this doesn't even qualify as speculation.

Looks like former Drury player Reagan Courier is a redshirt at Ashland and is the current team manager.

[crazznewt]

Looks like Drury's Paige Robinson is still pursuing a return to the WNBA's Dallas Wings as her numbers in Germany's top pro league are impressive. 34.2 minutes, 21.4 points (high of 33), 50% fg, 40% 3pt, ft 87.5%, and 2 steals per game. Her most recent game was Dec. 8.

She was an excellent point and scoring guard in D2 (National POY) and D1 (MVC POY).
Time flies. It doesn't seem that long ago she arrived at Drury as an average athlete with a prolific shot. The 24 point first half against Kentucky Wesleyan in her first collegiate game (neutral court) demonstrated that ability.

Injury and Covid gyped her out of so much of her career. Praying she does well.