Drury Panthers

[crazznewt]

I totally agree with your first team picks except for POY. If Truman has more wins than Drury from this point to the start of postseason, I would pick Hannah.
Kerr is tough, I also like watching Maryville's Antoinette Mussorici. SBU's 6'6" Tori Hamilton might be a consistent force in this league if she continues to improve.

Regrettably, I have lost interest in the men's league race because my team has not been competitive, though I remain thankful to be able to watch basketball in person. Life is good.

[TSU_Mike59]

Point well taken and I need to rephrase my previous statement. Belanger is a scorer with a strong jumper that is second to none in the country. She is prolific at what the coaches ask her to do which is scoring the basketball. She is a lock for All American honors this season based on her scoring numbers alone and I would not have a problem with her being named league MVP. What I should have said is DaMitz deserves MVP consideration for being the do it all floor leader of a team with one loss to the number one team in the country by one point in overtime.

Although the Lady Panthers have again been the class of the league all season, there are a few teams that could conceivably end Drury's streak. If Amy's team continues winning, what other coach is in the running to rob her of coach of the year honors again this season?

Absolutely. Drury is the top of the league again this season, and I’d argue even more so than in years past when teams like Southern Indiana, UMSL, Lewis and Truman were even better than what we’ve seen this year from those same teams (minus USI of course).

At the moment, I’d have a first team of Belanger (POY), Weltha, DaMitz-Holt, Moore and Findley. I know it will never end up like that with three from one team and two from another, but those honestly feel like the five best players in the league this year. Kerr from S&T is probably the first option off the bench in that scenario.

I also think Amy more than deserves COY this year, making DU arguably even better/deeper despite losing Robinson.

[crazznewt]

Point well taken and I need to rephrase my previous statement. Belanger is a scorer with a strong jumper that is second to none in the country. She is prolific at what the coaches ask her to do which is scoring the basketball. She is a lock for All American honors this season based on her scoring numbers alone and I would not have a problem with her being named league MVP. What I should have said is DaMitz deserves MVP consideration for being the do it all floor leader of a team with one loss to the number one team in the country by one point in overtime.

Although the Lady Panthers have again been the class of the league all season, there are a few teams that could conceivably end Drury's streak. If Amy's team continues winning, what other coach is in the running to rob her of coach of the year honors again this season?

[TSU_Mike59]

Those voting should consider the number of games won because of the heroics of a player instead of ONLY the offensive numbers.

Those rules sound good to me. The conference’s leading scorer and one of the NCAA’s top three point shooters this season (all divisions) hit a game-tying 3 to force OT en route to a win on Thursday night, then hit the winning free throws in Saturday’s game with less than two seconds left. Clutch.

[crazznewt]

That was the worst game the Lady Panthers played all season as they tried to give it away to Rockhurst. Fouling the opposition 70 feet from the basket repeatedly for free throws, and giving up multiple layups off the press, it was ugly. The same Rockhurst player was back to her same bush antics on the bench, she likely won't have another chance to repeat her disrespectful actions against Drury this season. Nonetheless, it was win number 20 for the 20th time out of 23 seasons (including one covid season) in the programs existence.
The player of the game was DaMitz-Holt, who SHOULD be named the league MVP. Those voting should consider the number of games won because of the heroics of a player instead of ONLY the offensive numbers.

[crazznewt]

The Southwest Baptist student body dominated the game atmosphere Thursday night and the SBU teams responded with more confidence and energy as a result. The Drury students used to participate but that is no longer the case. Even Rockhurst has better student attendance at games.

Despite this, Drury still leads the conference in attendance with an average of 1257 a game.
By comparison, Molly Miller's D1 Grand Canyon team drew 508 to their last game at home, a loss to Southern Utah. They average 1017 a game for the season. Paige Robinson's Illinois State team played in front of 541 fans in their win at Valparaiso Friday night.

Robinson by the way, scored 21 points in the first half of that game despite that heavily wrapped left wrist. She obviously is putting in extra work as her total game and her athleticism keep improving.

The Drury Men have never recovered from the repeated high turnover compounded by the covid disruption. I believe they are headed the right direction, but it's taking time to restore the winning culture and it doesn't look like the Panthers will have a chance to redeem themselves in the postseason. This is another reason the overall attendance is down.

[crazznewt]

Adversity last night for the Drury Women who were trailing at the half to SBU and in some foul trouble again. The Bearcat student body showed up big and were loud as Drury had no answer for SBU's 6'6" Tori Hamilton in the first half.

The Lady Panthers outscored SBU by 30 in the second half and shut off Hamilton as Drury has some absolute warriors on both sides of the ball. DaMitz-Holt scored 16 after halftime, including a couple made shots right in front of a crowd of rowdy students at courtside .

Findley had the play of the game as she posted the 6'6" Hamilton on the right side of the lane, pivoted to the triple threat, and crossed the lane extending to her left to avoid the shot block and finishing in athletic fashion. The SBU students were shaking their heads in admiration of that one. Alana routinely makes tough shots over and around much bigger players. She also had another big defensive game, adding to her big conference lead in steals.

I have witnessed other team's top scorers repeatedly take plays off, especially on the defensive end. All one has to do is look at the defensive numbers on the GLVC stat page to see that some of the top scorers are average at best on defense. Players that can make the big play on offense, but not on defense.

Freshman Rhi Gibbons scored 20 points on a variety of athletic finishes inside and a couple of perfect form jump shots. The future looks bright with with all the returners and highly touted recruits coming next season. This includes one recruit who made 11 threes the other night, and another who just broke the rebounding record at her school.
Findley returning for her covid year would make the fan base very happy and add an All American caliber player to an already loaded 2023-2024 roster.

What is it with these play by play commentators and their butchering of player's hometowns? Last month, the Florida Southern announcers repeatedly said Allie Clevenger is from "Cleaver," MO. Last night, the SBU announcer repeatedly said Rhi Gibbons is from "Nixa, Arkansas".

[crazznewt]

Big win by the Lady Panthers as they proved they can more than manage being in foul trouble as Daniels and Hitt helped carry the team when DaMitz and Moore had to go to the bench in the first half. They came in and hit big shots, but I was especially impressed with Hitt crashing the boards against much bigger players and the precision passing by Daniels.

Early in the game, Truman's Hannah Belanger showed she can score in bunches if the defense isn't focused on stopping her first. Later, Moore and DaMitz proved they each can guard her very effectively one on one. Truman is a good team, but It would appear that as Belanger goes, Truman goes.

The Lady Panthers out rebounded the bigger Bulldogs 40 to 30, including 15 offensive. This was an impressive performance on the boards as Truman came into the game leading the GLVC in defensive rebounds and rebound margin.

Other highlights were Moore and DaMitz showing no fear on drives to the hoop and Findley's explosive athletism in the open court enroute to seven steals. Also impressive was the attendance of 1275 despite the lack of a big student presence yet again.

[crazznewt]

Thankful I get to watch meaningful basketball today as the Lady Panthers play Truman in a matchup of two teams that seem to be hitting their stride and two men's teams who are in danger of being left out of the postseason.

I like watching Truman's Hannah Belanger play. She gets to her spots quick and has the strength to finish her shots consistently with good form. She takes the bulk of their shots as she has 278 attempts thus far. She will likely get the league MVP.

The MT Vernon, MO varsity girls had to cancel the remainder of ther season because of multiple injuries. They started the season with 10 players and now are down to five. This is a team that was state runners-up a couple seasons ago.

Paige Robinson is playing with a painful injury again. This time a severely sprained left wrist that caused her to miss the Belmont game. She has matured into a tough young lady. I remember her crying as a young freshman after an ankle injury.
She is a candidate for the Missouri Valley Conference MVP. Hopefully she gets the chance to showcase her full potential without the hindrance of another injury.

[crazznewt]

The Panthers should have won in Quincy. The referees swallowed their whistles at the end of that game. Should have been a charge or at least a travel called on the Hawks. Nonetheless, Drury's young team is still improving. Also, freshman Logan Applegate will be in the running for GLVC freshman of the year.

[crazznewt]

UMSL Women upset Lewis Monday in double overtime. Stewart is looking more mobile of late and is commanding double teams making it easy to get others open. Indy Women, UMSL, and Lewis have been up and down all season, as has Truman who has one league loss to 2 GLVC win SBU, who they barely beat today in Kirksville

The Lady Panthers are still consistently winning despite that huge target on their back as it would look good on a competitor's resume if they could pull off the upset. Usually, Drury opponents' biggest, loudest crowds are when the Lady Panthers are in town. On that same topic, look for Truman to bring a vocal group for Saturday's game in Springfield as the "Dogs" fans were loud and proud on their Florida trip. Hopefully, the "Fanthers" will be joined by some classmates just like old times.

Reese Shaaf is the best freshman in the league IMO. The league MVP, Defensive Player, and Freshman of the Year picks may not always be awarded to the best players (like last year) as these awards are most often based on just numbers. Unlike most other teams, Drury does not need a player or two to carry the team every single game, thus resulting in the scoring load being spread among more players. Three Lady Panthers have won 4 GLVC player of the week awards this season and the coaches have developed a nice balance in the rotation... earlier this season, Drury beat Quincy 77 to 55 in Springfield. Monday in Quincy, The score was 87 to 49 and no Lady Panther played over 23 minutes or scored more than 12 points.

This team is not unbeatable as the one point overtime loss to Ashland proved, but they will be a tough draw for anyone they face going forward.

[crazznewt]

The GLVC needs to address player behavior before things get out of hand. Yesterday, there were numerous chippy knocking away of a defender's legal arm position, players repeatedly getting in an opponent's face after a score, players yelling from the bench, players repeatedly "shushing" the crowd, coaches that modeled that behavior by loudly and constantly displaying frustration (spinning, throwing arms in air, screaming, etc) with players and referees.
I'm not so naive that I think the home team is 100% innocent however, all one has to do is watch the games on replay, especially the U of Indianapolis Women's bench - the guys in the white shirts. The referees tried to control that game as there were SIXTY-FIVE fouls called.

The GLVC women's tournament back in '19 is an example of what could happen when a coach is not held accountable for bench decorum. The Bellarmine coach was out of control the whole game and her players were frustrated as a result. The final result was suspensions and repremands after a mistaken Bellarmine player assaulted a Drury player in retaliation for a perceived cheap shot.

If action is not taken, this will not end well.

[crazznewt]

Panther fans have been patiently waiting for one of the high profile freshmen to have a breakout game. It finally happened in the person of guard Logan Applegate, who scored 31 points on 11 of 15 in the victory over Mckendree. Hopefully this starts an upward trend.

The Lady Panthers beat Mckendree by 39 and the final score could have been much worse. Drury had 5 in double figures and scored 96 points. By the time conference season is over, the GLVC stat leaders page will have a whole different look.

Across town, Illinois State Women beat Missouri State by 4. Drury grad Paige Robinson scored an efficient 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and no turnovers. She was clearly the best player on the floor and didn't disappoint her many fans in attendance at Great Southern Arena.

Here are words you have never heard in the same sentence: Rockhurst sweeps UMSL in basketball.

[crazznewt]

Like the Lady Panthers, I'm sure Ashland gets everyone's best shot. However, I don't see any GMAC team beating Ashland this season. It's unfortunate that Grand Valley, Ashland and Drury have to play in the same regional. I think the Central region is loaded also.

I think Lewis is emerging as the favorite to de-throne Drury in the GLVC even though they lost at home to Truman. The Flyers didn't play well early last season but made it to the conference championship with the exact same team.

Some others:
*Truman is big, beat Lewis, but got dominated by a weak SBU team for the second straight season. On any given day though they can pull an upset if rested, IMO.

*Quincy, MO S and T and Maryville are very athletic and are capable of an upset in the league tournament, IMO

*SBU is huge and have gone through multiple lineup changes. Their only good win was against Truman. They did win their first ever post season game as a GLVC member last season.

*Rockhurst has some talent but no good wins. Hopefully the one Hawks player who showed demonstrative, disrespectful behavior in all three games against Drury last season learned in general, its not wise to give good players extra motivation.

*UMSL is not playing good ball as Stewart appears to still be hobbled.

*Haven't watched Indy yet.

Hopefully everybody can stay healthy and injury free and let this play out.

[unc4life]

I don't understand why good teams schedule lower division teams that aren't even good at their level. I guess it gives the bench players some playing time, sometimes pads the won - loss record and sometimes makes the season box score look better.
Grand Valley Women have played one of the weakest schedules you will ever see for a good team, and it came back to haunt them at home against Lewis, who have played a tough schedule.

The Lady Panthers' non conference schedule was very strong, including the game against a very good NAIA team that is one of the most athletic teams they will face all season. Truman and Ashland have also played tough schedules, and along with Lewis, will likely see this pay off in the long run.

The Lady Panthers will likely move to number two in the regional and national polls behind the always tough Ashland Eagles. It will be interesting to see how far Grand Valley drops in Tuesday's polls since they lost at home to an unranked team.

I like the Lady Panther's chances in the post season if their young players keep improving at this rate.

I have said this all along that Grand Valley's schedule was crazy weak. They have a good team yes, but the GLIAC since Ashland left is a 1 team conference. Ashland just beat the 2nd best GLIAC team Michigan Tech by 28 points last week. Half of GV's non conferences teams I have never heard of.