Last Season:
5-25 and 1-17 in Pac 12 play. The Wildcats scored just 58 points per game and 31 of those points are gone. Arizona shot just 39% and were out rebounded by 5 per game. Average attendance was 1,374.
The Coaches:
Niya Butts returns for her 7th season as the Head Coah. She is averaging 12 wins a season.
EC Hill returns for her 4th season. Calamity McEntire returns for her 3rd season. Sean LaBeauf returns for his 2nd season.
Losses:
The Wildcats lost 6 players but two didn’t play last season and I presume retired. Kama Griffitts made 50 threes, more than twice anyone else, and scored 10 points per game.
Carrissa Crutchfield scored 8 points per game. Both Crutchfield and Griffitts started every game with the exception of one.
Erica Barnes scored 9 points and had 5 rebounds per game and was 4th in minutes per game.
Ashley Merrill missed 13 games but averaged 20 minutes and 4 points when she did play.
Additions:
The Wildcats have added seven new players and have their best recruiting class in years. Prospects Nation ranks the class at 25.
Taryn Griffey is a 5-7 Frosh Guard. Taryn was ranked # 58 by Blue Star and # 101 by PN.
Charise Holloway is a 5-9 Frosh Guard. Charise is a very good three point shooter. She was ranked # 132 by PN and also the # 23 Guard.
JaLea Bennett is a 6-0 Frosh and ranked the # 21 Guard.
Cherice Harris is a 5-8 Frosh Guard.
Chy Cunningham is a 5-10 Jr Guard and a JC transfer. Last season she averaged 13 points per game shooting 50% from the field.
Malena Washington is a 5-6 Jr Guard.
Lauren Evans is a 5-11 Jr Guard.
Notice all seven are Guards.
The Schedule:
When the only top 100 teams the Wildcats might play are Texas Tech and Wake Forest then I’d say whoa that’s weak. Arizona plays the LA and Washington schools just once each.
The Team:
The Wildcats return just 4 players who saw considerable playing time this past season. Plus 2 return from injuries and redshirt years.
Candice Warthen is a 5-5 5th year Sr Guard who started every game, playing 33 minutes and averaging 11 points per game to lead the Wildcats.
LaBrittany Jones is a 6-1 Soph Forward who also started every game and averaged 7 points and 6 rebounds.
Breanna Workman is 6-1 Soph Forward who started all but 2 games averaging 7 points and 4 rebounds.
Keyahndra is a 5-9 Jr Giatd who played 19 minutes per game averaging 4 points.
Ali Gloyd is a 6-1 5th year Sr Forward who sat out last season with an ACL. Two years ago she was a starter averaging 9 points and 6 rebounds.
Dejza James is a 6-1 redshirt Frosh Froward who tore her ACL in game 10 and could get a redshirt. In 13 minutes she averaged 4 points and 2 rebounds.
Predictions:
Sadly doomed to last place.
2015 Recruiting:
Ashanti Coleman, 6-1 # 23 Forward, # 110 overall
Destiny Graham, 6-3 Post, # 14 player in NorCal
September 24, 2014
September 12, 2014
Pac 12 Preview: USC
Last Season:
22-13 overall and 11-7 in league and of course won the Pac 12 tournament. USC lost in the opening round of the NCAA. Average Attendance was 1,010.
The Coaching Staff:
Cynthia Cooper-Dyke is in her 2nd year at USC and her 9th season overall as a Head Coach. Cynthia has made post season, 3 times NCAA and 5 WNIT, 8 straight seasons. She had a storied career at USC and playing Professional that placed her in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Beth Burns is in her first year as an Assistant after a very successful run as the Head Coach at San Diego State. Beth worked on Tara’s staff for a year prior to San Diego State and was an Assistant for Tara at Ohio State. Beth was Head Coach at San Diego State for 8 seasons then Head Coach at Ohio State for 5 years and following a year a Stanford she went back to San Diego State for 8 more seasons as the Head Coach.
Jualeah Woods is in her 2nd season as an Assistant at USC and also a former USC player, a four year starter and 2 year team captain. Jualeah spent 9 years at San Diego State as an assistant to Beth Burns and her final year as the Head Coach. She has been an Assistant at Cal and Oregon State.
Taja Edwards starts her first year at USC coming from Cal State Fullerton where she coached for a year.
The Schedule:
USC plays the Washington and Arizona schools once each. The non conference schedule is very weak with only South Carolina figuring to be a top 25 team. Of course that one is tough, as South Carolina should be top 10 or better team and that’s the first game for the Trojans. After South Carolina comes St Mary’s and Oklahoma State. To be fair last season USC lost to both Oklahoma State and St Mary’s.
The Losses:
Cassie Harberts started every game at Center and scored 15 points and gathered in 7 rebounds per game. Cassie led the team playing 33 minutes per game.
Desiree Bradley scored 5 points per game and was 2nd on the team with 35 threes shooting threes at 40 %
Kate Oliver was the back-up Center and played forward scoring 2 points and getting almost 2 rebounds in 9 minutes per game.
Deanna Calhoun also played some Center but only played 20 games due to injuries. Deanna averaged just 5 minutes and has graduated in three years. She will continue playing at Hawaii.
Additions:
USC had the # 15 recruiting class in the nation, behind Pac 12 schools UCLA (1), Stanford (10) and Cal (14). All four recruits were Top 100 on either ESPN or Prospects Nation. Two were top 50.
McKenzie Calvert is a 5-9 Frosh Guard, # 16 ESPN and # 72 PN. Calvert was a one-time commit to Baylor at a young age. She is an outstanding scorer and was a HS honor student who hopes to major in Pre Med or Pre Law.
Kristen Simon is a 6-1 Frosh Center/Forward who may well be the starting Post this season. Simon was ranked # 32 and 48. She is very strong in the Paint. Coached in HS by Vanessa Nygaard.
Amy Okonkwo is a 6-2 Frosh Forward ranked # 90 and 120.
Chyanne Butler is a 5-6 Frosh Point Guard. She was ranked # 72 on PN. A three star on ESPN.
Also coming to USC last year from Virginia Tech is5-10 Redshirt Soph Guard Alexis Lloyd. Lloyd averaged 3 points per game as a frosh at VA Tech and was ranked # 81 out of HS.
The Team:
Jordan Adams is a 6-1 RS Soph and the returning starter for the first 2/3 of the season at Point Guard. Jordan was a McD All American and ranked as high as # 7 in HS. She suffered a season ending injury as a Frosh after just 8 games and was hindered by it this past season. She averaged 3 points and 3 rebounds and was 2nd on the team in assists. If fully healthy she could star.
Ariya Crook is a 5-7 Sr Guard who was the starter last year. Ariya’s career goal is being a detective. Last year she led the team with 16 points per game. She also led the team in threes by a lot with 69 and a career high 36%. Ironically she shot just 37% overall from the field, however that too was a career high. Ariya was a McD All American.
Alexyz Vaioletama is a 6-1 Sr Forward who started every game last season averaging 9 points and 8 rebounds. She led the team in steals. She was ranked # 14 out of HS and like Crook and Admas a McD All American.
Kiki Alofaituli is a 6-1 Sr Guard/Forward and started 2/3 of the games last year. Kiki averaged 5 points and 3 rebounds. She was ranked # 26 out of HS.
I believe Frosh Kristen Simon will start at Center.
Others who started last season include 6-1 Sr Forward Kaneisha Horn who averaged 3 points and 3 rebounds in 12 minutes of play, shooting just 32%. Horn played at Alabama for three seasons graduated and is in a USC Masters program. She is USC’s 4th McD All American.
Brianna Barrett is a 5-7 Jr Guard who started 15 games averaging 7 points and led the team is assists. Brianna has 26 starts in her 2 years.
Courtney Jaco is a 5-8 Soph Guard who played in HS with Simon. Jaco scored 4 points per game in 13 minutes as a frosh. However in her brief play she hit 25 threes at 36%.
Drew Edelman is a 6-4 Soph Center and Destinie Gibbs is a 5-11 Jr Guard. Both of Gibbs’ uncles played in the NFL. Edelman is from Sunnyvale and Menlo HS and plans on a career in medicine.
Predictions:
USC has really good depth with the four good frosh and the returnees. But they return only 41 points per game from last season. Picking up the offense and scoring will be the key for playing time. The Trojans have a big hole at Center, solving that will be the key for success for the team.
2015 Recruiting:
6-3 Fairfax forward Marguerite Effa, ranked 134.
2017 Commits:
6-2 Post Ayanna "Yanni" Clark, LB Poly, Ranked # 4 2017.
22-13 overall and 11-7 in league and of course won the Pac 12 tournament. USC lost in the opening round of the NCAA. Average Attendance was 1,010.
The Coaching Staff:
Cynthia Cooper-Dyke is in her 2nd year at USC and her 9th season overall as a Head Coach. Cynthia has made post season, 3 times NCAA and 5 WNIT, 8 straight seasons. She had a storied career at USC and playing Professional that placed her in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Beth Burns is in her first year as an Assistant after a very successful run as the Head Coach at San Diego State. Beth worked on Tara’s staff for a year prior to San Diego State and was an Assistant for Tara at Ohio State. Beth was Head Coach at San Diego State for 8 seasons then Head Coach at Ohio State for 5 years and following a year a Stanford she went back to San Diego State for 8 more seasons as the Head Coach.
Jualeah Woods is in her 2nd season as an Assistant at USC and also a former USC player, a four year starter and 2 year team captain. Jualeah spent 9 years at San Diego State as an assistant to Beth Burns and her final year as the Head Coach. She has been an Assistant at Cal and Oregon State.
Taja Edwards starts her first year at USC coming from Cal State Fullerton where she coached for a year.
The Schedule:
USC plays the Washington and Arizona schools once each. The non conference schedule is very weak with only South Carolina figuring to be a top 25 team. Of course that one is tough, as South Carolina should be top 10 or better team and that’s the first game for the Trojans. After South Carolina comes St Mary’s and Oklahoma State. To be fair last season USC lost to both Oklahoma State and St Mary’s.
The Losses:
Cassie Harberts started every game at Center and scored 15 points and gathered in 7 rebounds per game. Cassie led the team playing 33 minutes per game.
Desiree Bradley scored 5 points per game and was 2nd on the team with 35 threes shooting threes at 40 %
Kate Oliver was the back-up Center and played forward scoring 2 points and getting almost 2 rebounds in 9 minutes per game.
Deanna Calhoun also played some Center but only played 20 games due to injuries. Deanna averaged just 5 minutes and has graduated in three years. She will continue playing at Hawaii.
Additions:
USC had the # 15 recruiting class in the nation, behind Pac 12 schools UCLA (1), Stanford (10) and Cal (14). All four recruits were Top 100 on either ESPN or Prospects Nation. Two were top 50.
McKenzie Calvert is a 5-9 Frosh Guard, # 16 ESPN and # 72 PN. Calvert was a one-time commit to Baylor at a young age. She is an outstanding scorer and was a HS honor student who hopes to major in Pre Med or Pre Law.
Kristen Simon is a 6-1 Frosh Center/Forward who may well be the starting Post this season. Simon was ranked # 32 and 48. She is very strong in the Paint. Coached in HS by Vanessa Nygaard.
Amy Okonkwo is a 6-2 Frosh Forward ranked # 90 and 120.
Chyanne Butler is a 5-6 Frosh Point Guard. She was ranked # 72 on PN. A three star on ESPN.
Also coming to USC last year from Virginia Tech is5-10 Redshirt Soph Guard Alexis Lloyd. Lloyd averaged 3 points per game as a frosh at VA Tech and was ranked # 81 out of HS.
The Team:
Jordan Adams is a 6-1 RS Soph and the returning starter for the first 2/3 of the season at Point Guard. Jordan was a McD All American and ranked as high as # 7 in HS. She suffered a season ending injury as a Frosh after just 8 games and was hindered by it this past season. She averaged 3 points and 3 rebounds and was 2nd on the team in assists. If fully healthy she could star.
Ariya Crook is a 5-7 Sr Guard who was the starter last year. Ariya’s career goal is being a detective. Last year she led the team with 16 points per game. She also led the team in threes by a lot with 69 and a career high 36%. Ironically she shot just 37% overall from the field, however that too was a career high. Ariya was a McD All American.
Alexyz Vaioletama is a 6-1 Sr Forward who started every game last season averaging 9 points and 8 rebounds. She led the team in steals. She was ranked # 14 out of HS and like Crook and Admas a McD All American.
Kiki Alofaituli is a 6-1 Sr Guard/Forward and started 2/3 of the games last year. Kiki averaged 5 points and 3 rebounds. She was ranked # 26 out of HS.
I believe Frosh Kristen Simon will start at Center.
Others who started last season include 6-1 Sr Forward Kaneisha Horn who averaged 3 points and 3 rebounds in 12 minutes of play, shooting just 32%. Horn played at Alabama for three seasons graduated and is in a USC Masters program. She is USC’s 4th McD All American.
Brianna Barrett is a 5-7 Jr Guard who started 15 games averaging 7 points and led the team is assists. Brianna has 26 starts in her 2 years.
Courtney Jaco is a 5-8 Soph Guard who played in HS with Simon. Jaco scored 4 points per game in 13 minutes as a frosh. However in her brief play she hit 25 threes at 36%.
Drew Edelman is a 6-4 Soph Center and Destinie Gibbs is a 5-11 Jr Guard. Both of Gibbs’ uncles played in the NFL. Edelman is from Sunnyvale and Menlo HS and plans on a career in medicine.
Predictions:
USC has really good depth with the four good frosh and the returnees. But they return only 41 points per game from last season. Picking up the offense and scoring will be the key for playing time. The Trojans have a big hole at Center, solving that will be the key for success for the team.
2015 Recruiting:
6-3 Fairfax forward Marguerite Effa, ranked 134.
2017 Commits:
6-2 Post Ayanna "Yanni" Clark, LB Poly, Ranked # 4 2017.
September 2, 2014
Pac 12 Preview: Washington State
Last Season:
The Cougars went 17-17 overall. 9-9 in Pac 12 play. This was June’s best season at Washington State and her first 500 season either overall or in league play. The Cougars played in the WNIT losing their first game. Average Attendance was 1,046.
The Coaching Staff:
This will be June Daugherty’s 8th season in Pullman after 11 seasons at rival Washington. Also June was once an assistant at Stanford. This past season was June’s best at Washington State and things could be even better this season.
Mike Daugherty is also in his 8th season at Washington State having coached with wife June for more than 20 years.
Brian Holsinger is also in his 8th season as the recruiting coordinator and like Mike now an Associate Head Coach.
Ashley Grover is in her 3rd year as an assistant after holding several jobs on the staff before and as a student was the student manager.
Losses:
Sage Romberg is a big loss after averaging 9 points per game last year, starting every game. She also was 2nd with 47 threes and at a team high 39%. Sage was 2nd in rebounding with 6 per game.
Hana Potter and Brandi Thomas both played about 10 minutes per game and scored just under 2 points per game each.
The Schedule:
In Pac 12 play the Cougars play the LA schools and the Arizona schools just once. In non-conference play the Cougars play Virginia, Nebraska, Gonzaga, Michigan and Maryland. A solid schedule as always for June and the Cougars.
Additions:
Louise Brown is a 6-2 Frosh Forward from Australia. Brown is ranked has the 9th best foreign recruit for this class. She has played on several of Australia’s National youth teams.
Bianca Blanaru is a 6-5 Frosh Post from Romania. Blanaru has played on several of her countries youth national teams. She originally signed with Arkansas but was released due to their coaching change.
Ashley Bolston is a 6-2 Frosh Guard from Medford, Oregon. Bolston stared on the Oregon State Championship team two years ago with Tess Picknell. She was ranked # 106.
Calia Haley is a 5-9 Frosh Guard from SoCal. She was ranked the # 18 Guard and helped year her HS to a CA stare Title as a Jr.
Nike McClure is a 6-3 Frosh Forward/Center from the state of Washington. Nike is a strong rebounder and was ranked the # 22 Forward. She excelled in HS in the 800 and High Jump.
Pinelopi Pavlopoulou is a 5-9 Frosh Point Guard from Greece. She has played on a number of youth National teams for Greece.
Kyrystle McKenzie is a 5-7 Frosh Guard from Australia. She has played on a youth National team.
The Team:
All Pac 12 5-11 Jr Guard Lia Gladeira returns and will start. Lia averaged 18 points and 5 rebounds per game last season. She was one of three guards in the 3 guard lineup. Lia had a plus assist to turnover ratio and led the team with 62 threes at 31%. Lia was the POY 3 times in Hawaii.
Tia Pressley is a 5-9 Sr Guard who lead the team with 19 points per game. Tia averaged 4 rebounds and also had a plus assist to turnover ratio. Tia was also all Pac 12 and with Lia the first Cougar teammates ever to receive all Pac honors.
Dawnyelle Awa is a 5-9 JR Point Guard who 5 points per game and better than 3 assists a game with an assist to turnover ratio of almost 2:1. Awa was the Gatorade POY in Hawaii as a Sr.
Shalie Dheensaw is a 6-4 Sr Center who averaged 7 points and 6 rebounds per game this past season. Shalie played for several youth national teams for her native Canada.
Mariah Cooks is a 6-0 Jr Forward who averaged 6 points and 4 rebounds this past season.
The Cougars return 4 starters and Cooks played every game, 16 minutes per game.
Taylor Edmondson is a 5-11 Jr Guard who averaged 5 points per game and hit 29 threes at 39%.
Predictions:
Certainly a program on the rise, but lots of very good Pac 12 programs ahead of the Cougars.
2015 Recruiting:
None yet. But a 7 member 2014 class. They have 2 scholarships available for this class.
The Cougars went 17-17 overall. 9-9 in Pac 12 play. This was June’s best season at Washington State and her first 500 season either overall or in league play. The Cougars played in the WNIT losing their first game. Average Attendance was 1,046.
The Coaching Staff:
This will be June Daugherty’s 8th season in Pullman after 11 seasons at rival Washington. Also June was once an assistant at Stanford. This past season was June’s best at Washington State and things could be even better this season.
Mike Daugherty is also in his 8th season at Washington State having coached with wife June for more than 20 years.
Brian Holsinger is also in his 8th season as the recruiting coordinator and like Mike now an Associate Head Coach.
Ashley Grover is in her 3rd year as an assistant after holding several jobs on the staff before and as a student was the student manager.
Losses:
Sage Romberg is a big loss after averaging 9 points per game last year, starting every game. She also was 2nd with 47 threes and at a team high 39%. Sage was 2nd in rebounding with 6 per game.
Hana Potter and Brandi Thomas both played about 10 minutes per game and scored just under 2 points per game each.
The Schedule:
In Pac 12 play the Cougars play the LA schools and the Arizona schools just once. In non-conference play the Cougars play Virginia, Nebraska, Gonzaga, Michigan and Maryland. A solid schedule as always for June and the Cougars.
Additions:
Louise Brown is a 6-2 Frosh Forward from Australia. Brown is ranked has the 9th best foreign recruit for this class. She has played on several of Australia’s National youth teams.
Bianca Blanaru is a 6-5 Frosh Post from Romania. Blanaru has played on several of her countries youth national teams. She originally signed with Arkansas but was released due to their coaching change.
Ashley Bolston is a 6-2 Frosh Guard from Medford, Oregon. Bolston stared on the Oregon State Championship team two years ago with Tess Picknell. She was ranked # 106.
Calia Haley is a 5-9 Frosh Guard from SoCal. She was ranked the # 18 Guard and helped year her HS to a CA stare Title as a Jr.
Nike McClure is a 6-3 Frosh Forward/Center from the state of Washington. Nike is a strong rebounder and was ranked the # 22 Forward. She excelled in HS in the 800 and High Jump.
Pinelopi Pavlopoulou is a 5-9 Frosh Point Guard from Greece. She has played on a number of youth National teams for Greece.
Kyrystle McKenzie is a 5-7 Frosh Guard from Australia. She has played on a youth National team.
The Team:
All Pac 12 5-11 Jr Guard Lia Gladeira returns and will start. Lia averaged 18 points and 5 rebounds per game last season. She was one of three guards in the 3 guard lineup. Lia had a plus assist to turnover ratio and led the team with 62 threes at 31%. Lia was the POY 3 times in Hawaii.
Tia Pressley is a 5-9 Sr Guard who lead the team with 19 points per game. Tia averaged 4 rebounds and also had a plus assist to turnover ratio. Tia was also all Pac 12 and with Lia the first Cougar teammates ever to receive all Pac honors.
Dawnyelle Awa is a 5-9 JR Point Guard who 5 points per game and better than 3 assists a game with an assist to turnover ratio of almost 2:1. Awa was the Gatorade POY in Hawaii as a Sr.
Shalie Dheensaw is a 6-4 Sr Center who averaged 7 points and 6 rebounds per game this past season. Shalie played for several youth national teams for her native Canada.
Mariah Cooks is a 6-0 Jr Forward who averaged 6 points and 4 rebounds this past season.
The Cougars return 4 starters and Cooks played every game, 16 minutes per game.
Taylor Edmondson is a 5-11 Jr Guard who averaged 5 points per game and hit 29 threes at 39%.
Predictions:
Certainly a program on the rise, but lots of very good Pac 12 programs ahead of the Cougars.
2015 Recruiting:
None yet. But a 7 member 2014 class. They have 2 scholarships available for this class.
August 15, 2014
Pac 12 Preview: Colorado
Last Season:
After winning their first 9 games Colorado ended up 19-15, 6-12 in League play. The Buffs did win 2 of 3 in the WNIT to end the season. Average attendance was 2,507.
The Coaching Staff:
Linda Lappe will be in her 5th season and two years ago Colorado was 25-7. Lappe is a former Colorado player.
Jenni Benningfield is in her 2nd season as an Assistant. She is a former star player and Vanderbilt and played in the WNBA.
Kelly Rae Finley is in her 3rd year as an Assistant having spent the 4 previous years at Harvard.
Needing no introduction is the newest addition to the Buff Coaching staff and that is Jamie Carey. The former Stanford and Texas star had been working for USA Basketball.
Losses:
Brittany Wilson was a starting guard averaging 11 points per game.
Rachel Hargis started most of the games at Center averaging 3 points and 3 rebounds per game, but in just 15 minutes.
Ashley Wilson started half the games at guard scoring almost 8 points per game.
The Schedule:
Not strong with North Dakota, Iowa and Missouri the tough games. But, they could play two tougher teams in the WNIT tournament after North Dakota.
Additions:
Zoe Correal is a 6-4 Post from Salesian of Richmond. At this point Zoe is a good defensive player, but not a big scorer.
Brecca Thomas is a 5-5 Guard from Texas. Becca was ranked # 59 by Blue Star. She is fine passing Point Guard who can drive and score.
Alina Hartman is a 6-0 Forward from Germany. Hartman has played on several of Germany’s youth National teams and is a good three point shooter.
Bri Watts is a 6-2 RS Frosh Post from Fresno who didn’t play last season.
The Team:
Arielle Roberson is a 6-1 Jr Forward who last season started all but one game averaging 12 points and 8 rebounds per game. She shot 46% from the floor. Roberson is a very aggressive rebounder and scorer and one of the top players in the Pac 12. She comes from a very athletic family as Dad and Mom were college athletes, two sisters were college athletes and a brother is in the NBA.
Jen Resse is a 6-2 Sr Center who last season averaged 12 point and 6 rebounds per game. She missed a few games with an injury that lingered. Despite that she shot 48% from the floor. Jen was a 2 time Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year and a Parade All American. Jen is a very strong post presence.
Lexy Kresl is a 5-11 Sr Guard who averaged 11 points per game and led the team in assists. Lexy has 124 threes in her first 3 seasons.
Jamee Swan is a 6-2 Jr who averaged 8 points and 5 rebounds per game last season Swan was the # 38 player out of HS and she is strong and tough. Jamee was the Arizona HS Shot Put Champion.
Jasmine Sborov is a 6-0 Sr Guard who played in 14 games last season before missing the final 20 with an injury. Jasmine averaged 8 points and almost 5 rebounds. She was the MVP of her HS team all 4 years. Also she has High Jumped a good 5-6 while in HS.
Lauren Huggins is a 6-1 RS Soph Wing who was the Buffs top three shooter at 36% making 36. She averaged 5 points last season in 16 minutes per game. Lauren was # 64 out of HS.
Haley Smith is a 6-1 Soph Wing who averaged 18 minutes and 3.5 points per game. Haley is majoring in Chemical and Biological Engineering.
Rounding out the returnees are Zoe Beard-Fails and Desiree Harris. Zoe is a 6-2 Soph Forward and Desiree a 5-8 Soph Guard.
Frosh Hartman and Thomas figure to play in the rotation.
Predictions:
A very good solid team, definitely a possible top 6 finisher, but so many good teams at least on paper this season.
2015 Recruiting:
Alixis Robinson 5-10 PG, KY 4 star, Blue Star # 29
Kennedy Leonard 5-8 PG, TX 4 star. Leonard had an outstanding summer and will zoom up in the rankings.
Monica Burich, 6-1 F, MN 4 star
After winning their first 9 games Colorado ended up 19-15, 6-12 in League play. The Buffs did win 2 of 3 in the WNIT to end the season. Average attendance was 2,507.
The Coaching Staff:
Linda Lappe will be in her 5th season and two years ago Colorado was 25-7. Lappe is a former Colorado player.
Jenni Benningfield is in her 2nd season as an Assistant. She is a former star player and Vanderbilt and played in the WNBA.
Kelly Rae Finley is in her 3rd year as an Assistant having spent the 4 previous years at Harvard.
Needing no introduction is the newest addition to the Buff Coaching staff and that is Jamie Carey. The former Stanford and Texas star had been working for USA Basketball.
Losses:
Brittany Wilson was a starting guard averaging 11 points per game.
Rachel Hargis started most of the games at Center averaging 3 points and 3 rebounds per game, but in just 15 minutes.
Ashley Wilson started half the games at guard scoring almost 8 points per game.
The Schedule:
Not strong with North Dakota, Iowa and Missouri the tough games. But, they could play two tougher teams in the WNIT tournament after North Dakota.
Additions:
Zoe Correal is a 6-4 Post from Salesian of Richmond. At this point Zoe is a good defensive player, but not a big scorer.
Brecca Thomas is a 5-5 Guard from Texas. Becca was ranked # 59 by Blue Star. She is fine passing Point Guard who can drive and score.
Alina Hartman is a 6-0 Forward from Germany. Hartman has played on several of Germany’s youth National teams and is a good three point shooter.
Bri Watts is a 6-2 RS Frosh Post from Fresno who didn’t play last season.
The Team:
Arielle Roberson is a 6-1 Jr Forward who last season started all but one game averaging 12 points and 8 rebounds per game. She shot 46% from the floor. Roberson is a very aggressive rebounder and scorer and one of the top players in the Pac 12. She comes from a very athletic family as Dad and Mom were college athletes, two sisters were college athletes and a brother is in the NBA.
Jen Resse is a 6-2 Sr Center who last season averaged 12 point and 6 rebounds per game. She missed a few games with an injury that lingered. Despite that she shot 48% from the floor. Jen was a 2 time Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year and a Parade All American. Jen is a very strong post presence.
Lexy Kresl is a 5-11 Sr Guard who averaged 11 points per game and led the team in assists. Lexy has 124 threes in her first 3 seasons.
Jamee Swan is a 6-2 Jr who averaged 8 points and 5 rebounds per game last season Swan was the # 38 player out of HS and she is strong and tough. Jamee was the Arizona HS Shot Put Champion.
Jasmine Sborov is a 6-0 Sr Guard who played in 14 games last season before missing the final 20 with an injury. Jasmine averaged 8 points and almost 5 rebounds. She was the MVP of her HS team all 4 years. Also she has High Jumped a good 5-6 while in HS.
Lauren Huggins is a 6-1 RS Soph Wing who was the Buffs top three shooter at 36% making 36. She averaged 5 points last season in 16 minutes per game. Lauren was # 64 out of HS.
Haley Smith is a 6-1 Soph Wing who averaged 18 minutes and 3.5 points per game. Haley is majoring in Chemical and Biological Engineering.
Rounding out the returnees are Zoe Beard-Fails and Desiree Harris. Zoe is a 6-2 Soph Forward and Desiree a 5-8 Soph Guard.
Frosh Hartman and Thomas figure to play in the rotation.
Predictions:
A very good solid team, definitely a possible top 6 finisher, but so many good teams at least on paper this season.
2015 Recruiting:
Alixis Robinson 5-10 PG, KY 4 star, Blue Star # 29
Kennedy Leonard 5-8 PG, TX 4 star. Leonard had an outstanding summer and will zoom up in the rankings.
Monica Burich, 6-1 F, MN 4 star
August 7, 2014
Pac 12 Preview: Utah Utes
Last Season:
Utah went 12-19 last season and 4-14 in Pac 12 play. They were really hurt by the loss of Post Taryn Wicijowski who suffered an ACL before the season started. Taryn is now healthy and back for her 6th year, having missed all but 3 games 4 years ago with an ACL.
Average attendance was 886.
The Coaching Staff:
Anthony Levrets returns for his 5th year and with a career record of 69-66 maybe needs a solid season to continue. Levrets was an Assistant at Utah before becoming the Head Coach.
Matt Legerski is the Associate Head Coach and in his 12th season at Utah. He is a Utah Grad.
Velaida Harris is in her 6th year at Utah, one year as Director of Operations and 5 years as an Assistant.
JD Gustin is in his first year as an Assistant having been the Director of Operations. He was Head Coach at NAIA Westminster for 7 seasons.
Losses:
The great Michelle Plouffe has graduated and taking with her 18 points and 10 rebounds per game. Of course Plouffe is a huge loss.
Ciera Dunbar started all but 3 games averaging 6 points per game and 2nd on the team in threes.
Ariel Reynolds also graduated but played just 7 minutes per game.
The Schedule:
In Pac 12 play the Utes play Stanford and Cal once each as they do the Oregon schools. So it’s a big break there missing 3 games against maybe the top 3 teams. In non- conference games the highlights are Nebraska and BYU and Ole Miss. Not a tough schedule.
Additions:
Utah has in effect 7 “new” players, 4 truly new to Utah and 3 returning from injuries.
Start with returnee for her final season after missing last season is Taryn Wicijowski who 2 years ago averaged 14 points and 7 rebounds. Taryn has played a number of years with Canadian National Teams.
Paige Crozen is a 6-1 RS Soph Guard who averaged 4 points and 2 rebounds 2 years ago. Paige has twice played for Canadian National Teams.
Valarie Nawahine is a 5-9 Soph guard who transferred from BYU. Valarie’s sister and cousin are both on the Utah team.
Tanaeya Boclair is a 6-0 frosh Forward who averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds for her San Antonio HS team. Boclair was all State for her Diviosn and San Antonio athlete of the year.
Gabrielle Bowie is a 5-9 frosh Guard also from San Antonio and played Travel ball with Boclair. Bowie averaged 14 points and 11 rebounds per game in HS.
Joeseta Fatuesi is a 6-4 frosh Center from Wilcox HS in Santa Clara. Joeseta averaged 18 points 12 rebounds and 6 assists over her prep career. She is very big and the key will be getting up and down the court.
Jada Matthews is 6-1 Frosh Forward from Long Beach Poly. Starter on last year’s CA Division 1 state champion.
The Team:
Taryn Wicijowski the 6-3 Post averaged 14 points and 7 rebounds a game two years ago, when she was last healthy. I’m told she is healthy which means Utah has a very good Post.
Emily Potter is a 6-5 Soph who can start at Forward and back up at Center. Last season Emily averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds playing Center in place of the then injured Wicijowski. Emily has a very bright future. She has been a member of a Canadian national team.
Danielle Rodriquez is a 5-10 Jr Guard who averaged 8 points and over 4 assists a game as the Starting Point Guard.
Danielle’s assist to turnover ratio was 2:1. She also ran in the California State meet in HS in the 1600.
Cheyanne Wilson is a 5-11 Sr Guard who averaged 7 points per game and led the Utes with 44 threes at 38%. Like Potter and Rodriquez Wilson is a returning starter.
The 5th starter could be a newcomer of one of several others who played quite a bit last season but I’ll project 6-1 RS Soph Paige Crozon here. Paige missed last season with an injury but started 10 games while playing 16 minutes a game as a Frosh. She averaged 4 points and 2 rebounds. In 2 games against Stanford she twice had 8 rebounds scoring 11 and 10 points.
Three others played quite a bit last season. Malia Nawahine played 20 minutes per game averaging 6 points. Malia is a 5-10 Soph Forward who grew up in California then moved to Utah and was the HS Player of the Year in Utah.
Devri Owens is a 5-8 Soph Guard who averaged 14 minutes and 3 points last season.
Nakia Arquette is a 6-1 RS Soph Forward who averaged 14 minutes and 3 points per game also. Nakia played Travel ball with Ellie Tinkle.
Wendy Anae is a 6-3 Soph Forward who averaged 10 minutes last season. Wendy is a cousin to the Nawahine’s and their grandfather played Football at Utah.
Awa Kalmstronm is a 5-7 Jr Guard who hasn’t played much thus far.
The frosh who should contribute are Matthews and Fatuesi.
Predictions:
Battling for a place in the 1st division.
2015 Recruiting:
Jordanna Porter 5-11 WF Killeen Ellison HS.
Utah went 12-19 last season and 4-14 in Pac 12 play. They were really hurt by the loss of Post Taryn Wicijowski who suffered an ACL before the season started. Taryn is now healthy and back for her 6th year, having missed all but 3 games 4 years ago with an ACL.
Average attendance was 886.
The Coaching Staff:
Anthony Levrets returns for his 5th year and with a career record of 69-66 maybe needs a solid season to continue. Levrets was an Assistant at Utah before becoming the Head Coach.
Matt Legerski is the Associate Head Coach and in his 12th season at Utah. He is a Utah Grad.
Velaida Harris is in her 6th year at Utah, one year as Director of Operations and 5 years as an Assistant.
JD Gustin is in his first year as an Assistant having been the Director of Operations. He was Head Coach at NAIA Westminster for 7 seasons.
Losses:
The great Michelle Plouffe has graduated and taking with her 18 points and 10 rebounds per game. Of course Plouffe is a huge loss.
Ciera Dunbar started all but 3 games averaging 6 points per game and 2nd on the team in threes.
Ariel Reynolds also graduated but played just 7 minutes per game.
The Schedule:
In Pac 12 play the Utes play Stanford and Cal once each as they do the Oregon schools. So it’s a big break there missing 3 games against maybe the top 3 teams. In non- conference games the highlights are Nebraska and BYU and Ole Miss. Not a tough schedule.
Additions:
Utah has in effect 7 “new” players, 4 truly new to Utah and 3 returning from injuries.
Start with returnee for her final season after missing last season is Taryn Wicijowski who 2 years ago averaged 14 points and 7 rebounds. Taryn has played a number of years with Canadian National Teams.
Paige Crozen is a 6-1 RS Soph Guard who averaged 4 points and 2 rebounds 2 years ago. Paige has twice played for Canadian National Teams.
Valarie Nawahine is a 5-9 Soph guard who transferred from BYU. Valarie’s sister and cousin are both on the Utah team.
Tanaeya Boclair is a 6-0 frosh Forward who averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds for her San Antonio HS team. Boclair was all State for her Diviosn and San Antonio athlete of the year.
Gabrielle Bowie is a 5-9 frosh Guard also from San Antonio and played Travel ball with Boclair. Bowie averaged 14 points and 11 rebounds per game in HS.
Joeseta Fatuesi is a 6-4 frosh Center from Wilcox HS in Santa Clara. Joeseta averaged 18 points 12 rebounds and 6 assists over her prep career. She is very big and the key will be getting up and down the court.
Jada Matthews is 6-1 Frosh Forward from Long Beach Poly. Starter on last year’s CA Division 1 state champion.
The Team:
Taryn Wicijowski the 6-3 Post averaged 14 points and 7 rebounds a game two years ago, when she was last healthy. I’m told she is healthy which means Utah has a very good Post.
Emily Potter is a 6-5 Soph who can start at Forward and back up at Center. Last season Emily averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds playing Center in place of the then injured Wicijowski. Emily has a very bright future. She has been a member of a Canadian national team.
Danielle Rodriquez is a 5-10 Jr Guard who averaged 8 points and over 4 assists a game as the Starting Point Guard.
Danielle’s assist to turnover ratio was 2:1. She also ran in the California State meet in HS in the 1600.
Cheyanne Wilson is a 5-11 Sr Guard who averaged 7 points per game and led the Utes with 44 threes at 38%. Like Potter and Rodriquez Wilson is a returning starter.
The 5th starter could be a newcomer of one of several others who played quite a bit last season but I’ll project 6-1 RS Soph Paige Crozon here. Paige missed last season with an injury but started 10 games while playing 16 minutes a game as a Frosh. She averaged 4 points and 2 rebounds. In 2 games against Stanford she twice had 8 rebounds scoring 11 and 10 points.
Three others played quite a bit last season. Malia Nawahine played 20 minutes per game averaging 6 points. Malia is a 5-10 Soph Forward who grew up in California then moved to Utah and was the HS Player of the Year in Utah.
Devri Owens is a 5-8 Soph Guard who averaged 14 minutes and 3 points last season.
Nakia Arquette is a 6-1 RS Soph Forward who averaged 14 minutes and 3 points per game also. Nakia played Travel ball with Ellie Tinkle.
Wendy Anae is a 6-3 Soph Forward who averaged 10 minutes last season. Wendy is a cousin to the Nawahine’s and their grandfather played Football at Utah.
Awa Kalmstronm is a 5-7 Jr Guard who hasn’t played much thus far.
The frosh who should contribute are Matthews and Fatuesi.
Predictions:
Battling for a place in the 1st division.
2015 Recruiting:
Jordanna Porter 5-11 WF Killeen Ellison HS.
July 29, 2014
Pac 12 Previews: Arizona State University
Last Season:
The ASU Sun Devils were 23-10 this past season and 11—7 in Pac 12 Play. They advanced to the NCAAs with a win over Vanderbilt before losing to Notre Dame. ASU lost their first Pac 12 Tournament game to winner USC by just 2. Home attendance averaged 2,041.
The Coaching Staff:
Charli Turner Thorne returns for her 18th season as the Head Coach, and has taken the Sun Devils to the NCAAs 7 of her last 9 years of coaching. Charli sat out the 2012 season on a sabbatical.
Amanda Levens is one of two Associate Head Coaches. She is a former outstanding player with the Sun Devils and returns for her 3rd season. At age 29 Amanda was named the Head Coach at Southern Illinois.
Meg Sanders is the other Associate Head Coach and returns for her 12th season. Meg was a HS teammate of Cheryl Miller, played on the National Hand Ball team and like Charli was the Head Coach at Northern Arizona.
Jackie Moore is in her 3rd year as an Assistant at ASU. She has been an assistant at Miami of Florida, Boston College and Nevada.
The Losses:
Last year ASU played mostly with 3 guards and 2 forwards. One loss was 6-5 Post Joy Burke who started 11 games averaged 16 minutes but was 5th in scoring, 7 points per game and 3rd in rebounding with 5 per game.
However ASU also lost their top two scorers, both guards. Deja Mann averaged 11 points per game and Adrianne Thomas averaged 8 points per game.
The Schedule:
It’s weak. Northwestern and Miami for sure and they aren’t much, but are the headliners. In a tournament ASU could play UConn, Vandy, Green Bay or Minnesota. Doubtful they would play more than 2 of those four, but they would help strengthen the schedule. In League Play ASU plays the Washington and LA schools only once each. A big time break there.
The Additions:
Nicole Iademarco is a 6-1 frosh Forward from Texas. Nicole averaged 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in college. Called a G/F she will be versatile. An excellent student.
Tia Kanoa is a 5-8 frosh Guard from Hawaii. Began her HS career at La Jolla Country Day HS before moving to Hawaii. Lead her team to the Hawaii State title. A knee injury ended her Sr season after 8 games.
Peace Amukamara is a 5-7 Guard and a JC transfer from the Phoenix area and the sister of Sr Promise. Peace averaged 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists per game at her JC.
Ayanna Edwards is a 6-4 frosh Post from Sacramento. Ayanna nicknamed Shaq for her 11 rebounds and NINE blocks per game in HS. She was ranked the # 15 Post and a top 100 player. Edwards is a big post presence, rather she had go for many minutes is to be seen. She is also an excellent student.
The Team:
Five players return who averaged 16 or more minutes per game.
Katie Hempen is a 5-9 RS Jr Guard, meaning 2 years left, who averaged 8 points per game last season. Katie is the only returning player, of two last season, to hit 20 or more threes. Katie made 44 threes at 34 %.
Sophie Brunner is a 6-1 Soph Forward who had a fine first season starting 22 games and averaging almost 8 points and over 6 rebounds, second on the team, per game. Sophie shot 50% from the field. She had her jersey retired after her HS career and being All State of Illinois for 2 years.
Kelsey Moos is a 6-0 Soph Forward who averaged 7 points and a team high 7 rebounds per game. Kelsey was the state of Washington 2A POY three times.
Promise Amukamara is a 5-8 Sr Guard who averaged 7 points and led the team in steals. Promise’s brother Prince was a first round NFL draft choice and a Super Bowl winner. She played on the Nigerian 19U National team.
Elisha Davis is a 5-3 Jr Guard who averaged 5 points and 3rd on the team with threes but only had 19. Elisha went to Berkeley HS and was Division 1 POY as a Sr.
These will probably be the five starters. Short and without a real post but experienced and despite being about 6 foot both Moos and Brunner are good rebounders.
Quinn Dornstauder is a 6-4 Soph who averaged 3 points and 2 rebounds in just 7 minutes per game last season. Quinn will be the Post presence. Quinn was on the Canadian 19U team and spent one HS year living in France.
Arnecia Hawkins is a 5-10 Jr Guard who averaged 3+ points last season.
Eliza Normen is a 6-0 and a RS Jr. She averaged 2 points and 2 rebounds last season. Eliza was highly ranked going into her Sr year in HS but suffered a knee injury. Then as a frosh hurt her leg and missed that season.
Isidora Purkovic is a 5-11 Jr G. A Canadian who hasn’t played much at ASU.
Nisha Barrett is a 6-0 Sr Forward. Originally a JC transfer, Nisha missed last season with an injury. She is in Grad School.
Of the newcomers Edwards and Peace should see the most playing time.
Predictions:
On paper this looks like a team destined for 8th-11th place. But ASU has a great and proven coaching staff so very hard to predict. However sure looks like a 2nd division Pac 12 team.
2015 Recruiting:
Armani Hawkins, 5-9 wing AZ, 4 star, ESPN # 10 G # 37 Player
Sabrina Haines, 5-9 G AZ, 4 star ESPN # 16 G
Kianna Ibis, 6-0 F, Neb
The ASU Sun Devils were 23-10 this past season and 11—7 in Pac 12 Play. They advanced to the NCAAs with a win over Vanderbilt before losing to Notre Dame. ASU lost their first Pac 12 Tournament game to winner USC by just 2. Home attendance averaged 2,041.
The Coaching Staff:
Charli Turner Thorne returns for her 18th season as the Head Coach, and has taken the Sun Devils to the NCAAs 7 of her last 9 years of coaching. Charli sat out the 2012 season on a sabbatical.
Amanda Levens is one of two Associate Head Coaches. She is a former outstanding player with the Sun Devils and returns for her 3rd season. At age 29 Amanda was named the Head Coach at Southern Illinois.
Meg Sanders is the other Associate Head Coach and returns for her 12th season. Meg was a HS teammate of Cheryl Miller, played on the National Hand Ball team and like Charli was the Head Coach at Northern Arizona.
Jackie Moore is in her 3rd year as an Assistant at ASU. She has been an assistant at Miami of Florida, Boston College and Nevada.
The Losses:
Last year ASU played mostly with 3 guards and 2 forwards. One loss was 6-5 Post Joy Burke who started 11 games averaged 16 minutes but was 5th in scoring, 7 points per game and 3rd in rebounding with 5 per game.
However ASU also lost their top two scorers, both guards. Deja Mann averaged 11 points per game and Adrianne Thomas averaged 8 points per game.
The Schedule:
It’s weak. Northwestern and Miami for sure and they aren’t much, but are the headliners. In a tournament ASU could play UConn, Vandy, Green Bay or Minnesota. Doubtful they would play more than 2 of those four, but they would help strengthen the schedule. In League Play ASU plays the Washington and LA schools only once each. A big time break there.
The Additions:
Nicole Iademarco is a 6-1 frosh Forward from Texas. Nicole averaged 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in college. Called a G/F she will be versatile. An excellent student.
Tia Kanoa is a 5-8 frosh Guard from Hawaii. Began her HS career at La Jolla Country Day HS before moving to Hawaii. Lead her team to the Hawaii State title. A knee injury ended her Sr season after 8 games.
Peace Amukamara is a 5-7 Guard and a JC transfer from the Phoenix area and the sister of Sr Promise. Peace averaged 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists per game at her JC.
Ayanna Edwards is a 6-4 frosh Post from Sacramento. Ayanna nicknamed Shaq for her 11 rebounds and NINE blocks per game in HS. She was ranked the # 15 Post and a top 100 player. Edwards is a big post presence, rather she had go for many minutes is to be seen. She is also an excellent student.
The Team:
Five players return who averaged 16 or more minutes per game.
Katie Hempen is a 5-9 RS Jr Guard, meaning 2 years left, who averaged 8 points per game last season. Katie is the only returning player, of two last season, to hit 20 or more threes. Katie made 44 threes at 34 %.
Sophie Brunner is a 6-1 Soph Forward who had a fine first season starting 22 games and averaging almost 8 points and over 6 rebounds, second on the team, per game. Sophie shot 50% from the field. She had her jersey retired after her HS career and being All State of Illinois for 2 years.
Kelsey Moos is a 6-0 Soph Forward who averaged 7 points and a team high 7 rebounds per game. Kelsey was the state of Washington 2A POY three times.
Promise Amukamara is a 5-8 Sr Guard who averaged 7 points and led the team in steals. Promise’s brother Prince was a first round NFL draft choice and a Super Bowl winner. She played on the Nigerian 19U National team.
Elisha Davis is a 5-3 Jr Guard who averaged 5 points and 3rd on the team with threes but only had 19. Elisha went to Berkeley HS and was Division 1 POY as a Sr.
These will probably be the five starters. Short and without a real post but experienced and despite being about 6 foot both Moos and Brunner are good rebounders.
Quinn Dornstauder is a 6-4 Soph who averaged 3 points and 2 rebounds in just 7 minutes per game last season. Quinn will be the Post presence. Quinn was on the Canadian 19U team and spent one HS year living in France.
Arnecia Hawkins is a 5-10 Jr Guard who averaged 3+ points last season.
Eliza Normen is a 6-0 and a RS Jr. She averaged 2 points and 2 rebounds last season. Eliza was highly ranked going into her Sr year in HS but suffered a knee injury. Then as a frosh hurt her leg and missed that season.
Isidora Purkovic is a 5-11 Jr G. A Canadian who hasn’t played much at ASU.
Nisha Barrett is a 6-0 Sr Forward. Originally a JC transfer, Nisha missed last season with an injury. She is in Grad School.
Of the newcomers Edwards and Peace should see the most playing time.
Predictions:
On paper this looks like a team destined for 8th-11th place. But ASU has a great and proven coaching staff so very hard to predict. However sure looks like a 2nd division Pac 12 team.
2015 Recruiting:
Armani Hawkins, 5-9 wing AZ, 4 star, ESPN # 10 G # 37 Player
Sabrina Haines, 5-9 G AZ, 4 star ESPN # 16 G
Kianna Ibis, 6-0 F, Neb
March 7, 2014
Pac 12 Tournament 2014-Day 2
Stanford beat Colorado 69-54 after Stanford’s worse first half of the season. Brittany Wilson had 16 points and Arielle Roberson had 17 rebounds for the Buffs. Micaela Ruef had 10 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists for the Card. Chiney added 19 points and 11 rebounds. The huge 2nd half spark for Stanford was the 8 straight points by Lili Thompson. Thompson had 16 points and Bonnie Samuelson added 15.
USC beat ASU 59-57. Kelsey Moos had 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Sun Devils. Cassie Harberts scored 14 and Ariya Crook added 12 points for the Trojans.
Saturday, 6PM it’s Stanford vs USC.
Washington State beats Cal 91-83. Lia Galdeira with 28 points, Tia Presley with 19 and Sage Romberg with 16 as the Cougars shot 47% and 9 of 18 from three. For Cal Rashanda Gray had 26 points and Gennifer Brandon 20. Cal shot 41% and 2 of 13 from three.
Oregon State over Utah 50-35 as Utah shoots just 21%. Frosh Sydney Weise with 21 for the Beavers.
Saturday, 8:30 it’s Washington State vs Oregon State.
Sunday, 6PM on ESPN: For the Championship
USC beat ASU 59-57. Kelsey Moos had 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Sun Devils. Cassie Harberts scored 14 and Ariya Crook added 12 points for the Trojans.
Saturday, 6PM it’s Stanford vs USC.
Washington State beats Cal 91-83. Lia Galdeira with 28 points, Tia Presley with 19 and Sage Romberg with 16 as the Cougars shot 47% and 9 of 18 from three. For Cal Rashanda Gray had 26 points and Gennifer Brandon 20. Cal shot 41% and 2 of 13 from three.
Oregon State over Utah 50-35 as Utah shoots just 21%. Frosh Sydney Weise with 21 for the Beavers.
Saturday, 8:30 it’s Washington State vs Oregon State.
Sunday, 6PM on ESPN: For the Championship
Pac 12 Tournament 2014-Day 1
Updated scores are itemized by NEW
Thursday Noon: UCLA the 8 seed vs Colorado the 9th seed. Jen Reese was hurt this past weekend and if she can’t play that will hurt the Buffs. Thea Lemberger didn’t play the last UCLA game which hurts UCLA even more. Last weekend Colorado beat UCLA by 20, but I think this time UCLA with their very short bench of 8 at the most holds on to advance.
NEW***** Colorado breaks open a tight game to beat UCLA 76-65. Neither Jen Reese of Colorado or Thea Lemberger of UCLA were able to play. The Wilson sisters of Colorado combined to score 33 points and Lexy Kresl added 14. Jamie Swan had 10 rebounds but was 3 of 16 from the floor. Nirra Fields had 24 points for the Bruins and in a great final game former walk on Maddie Brooks scored 12. Colorado now plays Stanford.****
Thursday 2:30: USC # 5 vs Arizona #12. USC wins easily and this could be Arizona’s Coach Butts last game.
NEW*****USC won a close one over Arizona 59-54 and will face ASU on Friday. Ariya Crook had 19 points to lead the Trojans. *****
Thursday 6PM: # 7 Washington State vs # 10 Oregon. Paul Westhead was just told he would not be back at Oregon next season and I think this will fire up Oregon. I love the Washington State Guards, but I see a Duck win.
NEW**** Washington State with the win over Oregon 107-100. Washington State shot 46% and Oregon 40% so not fantastic shooting but a lot of shooting. Tia Presley and Lia Galdeira both with 31 points for the Cougars. Jillian Alleyne had 28 points and 21 rebounds and becomes the single season Pac 12 rebound leader. Chrishae Rowe scored 29 points******
Thursday 8:30PM # 6 Washington vs # 11 Utah. Except for the recent 20 point loss to red hot Oregon State, Washington has played very well. The Huskies are the host and should have a big crowd on hand. Washington wins.
NEW*****My predictions are wrong on 3 of 4 as Utah defeats Washington 65-53. Kelsey Plum with 20 points and Jazmine Davis with 18 but the rest of the Huskies team could manage only 15 points. Michelle Plouffe scored 30 points and Emily Potter had 12 points and 15 rebounds for the Utes. The ice cold Huskies shot just 21%.******
Friday, Noon, #1 Stanford vs Colorado. Stanford wins.
Friday 2:30: USC vs # 4 ASU: ASU has not finished the season well and doesn’t really have a go to player like Harberts or Crook. USC wins.
Friday 6PM: # 2 Cal vs Washington State. Oregon spent from their win over Washington State. Cal fresh and I would presume with Boyd who missed her last game. Cal wins.
Friday 8:30 PM: Utah vs # 3 Oregon State. The Beavers have won 9 in a row but the Huskies have recently beaten both Stanford and Cal. Best game thus far. With Jamie Weisner be back for the llBeavers? She has missed all 9 wins. The Beavers win.
Saturday, 6PM: Stanford vs USC. Stanford wins.
Saturday, 8:30 PM: Oregon State vs Cal. A very close game. If Cal is healthy then Cal but they aren’t real healthy and the Beavers on a roll for the win.
Sunday, 6PM on ESPN: Stanford vs Oregon State and the Card win their 8th title in a row.
Thursday Noon: UCLA the 8 seed vs Colorado the 9th seed. Jen Reese was hurt this past weekend and if she can’t play that will hurt the Buffs. Thea Lemberger didn’t play the last UCLA game which hurts UCLA even more. Last weekend Colorado beat UCLA by 20, but I think this time UCLA with their very short bench of 8 at the most holds on to advance.
NEW***** Colorado breaks open a tight game to beat UCLA 76-65. Neither Jen Reese of Colorado or Thea Lemberger of UCLA were able to play. The Wilson sisters of Colorado combined to score 33 points and Lexy Kresl added 14. Jamie Swan had 10 rebounds but was 3 of 16 from the floor. Nirra Fields had 24 points for the Bruins and in a great final game former walk on Maddie Brooks scored 12. Colorado now plays Stanford.****
Thursday 2:30: USC # 5 vs Arizona #12. USC wins easily and this could be Arizona’s Coach Butts last game.
NEW*****USC won a close one over Arizona 59-54 and will face ASU on Friday. Ariya Crook had 19 points to lead the Trojans. *****
Thursday 6PM: # 7 Washington State vs # 10 Oregon. Paul Westhead was just told he would not be back at Oregon next season and I think this will fire up Oregon. I love the Washington State Guards, but I see a Duck win.
NEW**** Washington State with the win over Oregon 107-100. Washington State shot 46% and Oregon 40% so not fantastic shooting but a lot of shooting. Tia Presley and Lia Galdeira both with 31 points for the Cougars. Jillian Alleyne had 28 points and 21 rebounds and becomes the single season Pac 12 rebound leader. Chrishae Rowe scored 29 points******
Thursday 8:30PM # 6 Washington vs # 11 Utah. Except for the recent 20 point loss to red hot Oregon State, Washington has played very well. The Huskies are the host and should have a big crowd on hand. Washington wins.
NEW*****My predictions are wrong on 3 of 4 as Utah defeats Washington 65-53. Kelsey Plum with 20 points and Jazmine Davis with 18 but the rest of the Huskies team could manage only 15 points. Michelle Plouffe scored 30 points and Emily Potter had 12 points and 15 rebounds for the Utes. The ice cold Huskies shot just 21%.******
Friday, Noon, #1 Stanford vs Colorado. Stanford wins.
Friday 2:30: USC vs # 4 ASU: ASU has not finished the season well and doesn’t really have a go to player like Harberts or Crook. USC wins.
Friday 6PM: # 2 Cal vs Washington State. Oregon spent from their win over Washington State. Cal fresh and I would presume with Boyd who missed her last game. Cal wins.
Friday 8:30 PM: Utah vs # 3 Oregon State. The Beavers have won 9 in a row but the Huskies have recently beaten both Stanford and Cal. Best game thus far. With Jamie Weisner be back for the llBeavers? She has missed all 9 wins. The Beavers win.
Saturday, 6PM: Stanford vs USC. Stanford wins.
Saturday, 8:30 PM: Oregon State vs Cal. A very close game. If Cal is healthy then Cal but they aren’t real healthy and the Beavers on a roll for the win.
Sunday, 6PM on ESPN: Stanford vs Oregon State and the Card win their 8th title in a row.
March 4, 2014
Pac 12 Tournament 2014
The tournament starts on Thursday and ends on Sunday in Seattle. Hope many of you will be there. My predictions follow.
Thursday Noon: UCLA the 8 seed vs Colorado the 9th seed. Jen Reese was hurt this past weekend and if she can’t play that will hurt the Buffs. Thea Lemberger didn’t play the last UCLA game which hurts UCLA even more. Last weekend Colorado beat UCLA by 20, but I think this time UCLA with their very short bench of 8 at the most holds on to advance.
Thursday 2:30: USC # 5 vs Arizona #12. USC wins easily and this could be Arizona’s Coach Butts last game.
Thursday 6PM: # 7 Washington State vs # 10 Oregon. Paul Westhead was just told he would not be back at Oregon next season and I think this will fire up Oregon. I love the Washington State Guards, but I see a Duck win.
Thursday 8:30PM # 6 Washington vs # 11 Utah. Except for the recent 20 point loss to red hot Oregon State, Washington has played very well. The Huskies are the host and should have a big crowd on hand. Washington wins.
Now of course the next games are assuming I’m right but still this can be a guide for the Tourney.
Friday, Noon, #1 Stanford vs UCLA. Stanford wins.
Friday 2:30: USC vs # 4 ASU: ASU has not finished the season well and doesn’t really have a go to player like Harberts or Crook. USC wins.
Friday 6PM: # 2 Cal vs Oregon. Oregon spent from their win over Washington State. Cal fresh and I would presume with Boyd who missed her last game. Cal wins.
Friday 8:30 PM: Washington vs # 3 Oregon State. The Beavers have won 9 in a row but the Huskies have recently beaten both Stanford and Cal. Best game thus far. With Jamie Weisner be back for the Beavers? She has missed all 9 wins. The Beavers at the buzzer.
Saturday, 6PM: Stanford vs USC. Stanford wins.
Saturday, 8:30 PM: Oregon State vs Cal. A very close game. If Cal is healthy then Cal but they aren’t real healthy and the Beavers on a roll for the win.
Sunday, 6PM on ESPN: Stanford vs Oregon State and the Card win their 8th title in a row.
Thursday Noon: UCLA the 8 seed vs Colorado the 9th seed. Jen Reese was hurt this past weekend and if she can’t play that will hurt the Buffs. Thea Lemberger didn’t play the last UCLA game which hurts UCLA even more. Last weekend Colorado beat UCLA by 20, but I think this time UCLA with their very short bench of 8 at the most holds on to advance.
Thursday 2:30: USC # 5 vs Arizona #12. USC wins easily and this could be Arizona’s Coach Butts last game.
Thursday 6PM: # 7 Washington State vs # 10 Oregon. Paul Westhead was just told he would not be back at Oregon next season and I think this will fire up Oregon. I love the Washington State Guards, but I see a Duck win.
Thursday 8:30PM # 6 Washington vs # 11 Utah. Except for the recent 20 point loss to red hot Oregon State, Washington has played very well. The Huskies are the host and should have a big crowd on hand. Washington wins.
Now of course the next games are assuming I’m right but still this can be a guide for the Tourney.
Friday, Noon, #1 Stanford vs UCLA. Stanford wins.
Friday 2:30: USC vs # 4 ASU: ASU has not finished the season well and doesn’t really have a go to player like Harberts or Crook. USC wins.
Friday 6PM: # 2 Cal vs Oregon. Oregon spent from their win over Washington State. Cal fresh and I would presume with Boyd who missed her last game. Cal wins.
Friday 8:30 PM: Washington vs # 3 Oregon State. The Beavers have won 9 in a row but the Huskies have recently beaten both Stanford and Cal. Best game thus far. With Jamie Weisner be back for the Beavers? She has missed all 9 wins. The Beavers at the buzzer.
Saturday, 6PM: Stanford vs USC. Stanford wins.
Saturday, 8:30 PM: Oregon State vs Cal. A very close game. If Cal is healthy then Cal but they aren’t real healthy and the Beavers on a roll for the win.
Sunday, 6PM on ESPN: Stanford vs Oregon State and the Card win their 8th title in a row.
March 2, 2014
Results of the Week
The four teams with byes in the Pac 12 tournament, two settled by tie breakers, are :
1. Stanford
2. Cal
3. Oregon State
4. ASU
1. Stanford: 27-2, 16-1 ranked # 5
Beat Washington 83=60. Chiney had 32 points and 11 rebounds. Micaela Ruef had 14 rebounds and Bonnie Samuelson scored 14 points. Stanford out rebounded Washington by 18.
Beat Washington State 84-64. Chiney with 37 points and 13 rebounds. Amber Orrange added 20 points.
Against Top 25: 8-1
2. Cal: 21-8, 13-5 Ranked # 18
Beat Washington State 75-68 in Overtime. Rashanda Gray had a career high 43 points hitting 17 of 20 shots and also had 16 rebounds. Brittany Boyd was only 2 of 16 from the floor but scored 13 points. However she had 14 rebounds and 11 assists. Other than Gray Cal was 7 of 49 from the floor. And still won.
Lost to Washington 70-65. Gray 16 points and 16 rebounds. Afure Jemerigbe scored 24 points. Brittany Boyd did not play.
Against top 25: 3-5
2. Oregon State: 21-9, 13-5
Beat Arizona 78-48. Balanced scored with three in double figures and the Beavers won their 8th straight by shooting 55% overall and making 12 of 22 from three.
Beat ASU 66-43. Four players scored in double figures as the Beavers shot 51%.
Against top 25: 2-3
4. Arizona State: 22-8, 11-7 Ranked # 20
Lost to Oregon 98-90. Joy Burke had 17 points and 10 rebounds. Katelyn Hempen scored 19 points.
Lost to Oregon State 66-43. Deja Mann scored 13 points as ASU shot just 26 %.
Against top 25: 3-4
4. USC: 18-12, 11-7
Beat Utah 67-57. 4 Trojans were in double figures as they shot 44%.
Beat Colorado 66-59. Ariya Crook scored 18 and Cassie Harberts added 14 points.
Against top 25: 2-7.
6. Washington: 17-12, 10-8
Lost to Stanford 83-60. Kelsey Plum scored 21 points. Aminah Williams had 12 rebounds. The Huskies were 12 of 25 from three and just 10 of 34 from two.
Beat Cal 70-65. Plum had 22poins and Jazmine Davis added 20 points.
Against Top 25: 3-3
7.Washington State: 15-15, 9-9
Lost to Cal in Overtime 75-68. Tia Presley had 15 points and 11 rebounds. Lia Gladeira had 13 points and Shalia Dheenshaw added 14 points and 15 rebounds.
Lost to Stanford 84-64. Gladeira scored 16 points.
Against top 25: 3-6
8. UCLA: 12-17, 7-11
Lost to Colorado 62-42, shooting 30% and scoring only 12 second half points.
Beat Utah 62-52. Nirra Fields led with 22 points although just 4 of 16 from the floor. Fields was 13 of 17 from the Free Throw Line.
Against Top 25: 0-9
9. Colorado 16-13, 6-12
Beat UCLA 62-42 holding UCLA to 12 second half points.
Arielle Roberson had 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Lost to USC 66-59, Brittany Wilson led with 15 points.
Against top 25: 1-5
10. Oregon 15-14, -12
Beat ASU 98-90. Jillian Alleyne had 29 points and 16 rebounds. Chrishae Rowe had 25 points and Adrienne Thomas added 22 points. The Duck shot 48%.
Beat Oregon 90-78. Alleyne had 18 points and 16 rebounds and four other Ducks scored in double figures.
Against top 25: 1-2
11. Utah: 11-17, 4-13
Lost to USC 67-57. Michelle Plouffe had 27 points and 18 rebounds. She was just shy of the team totals in both categories.
Lost to UCLA 62-52. Plouffe had 20 points.
Against top 25: 0-5
12. Arizona: 5-28, 1-17
Lost to Oregon State 78-48. LaBrittany Jones had 15 points.
Lost to Oregon 90-78. Candice Warthen had 21 points.
Against top 25: 1-4
1. Stanford
2. Cal
3. Oregon State
4. ASU
1. Stanford: 27-2, 16-1 ranked # 5
Beat Washington 83=60. Chiney had 32 points and 11 rebounds. Micaela Ruef had 14 rebounds and Bonnie Samuelson scored 14 points. Stanford out rebounded Washington by 18.
Beat Washington State 84-64. Chiney with 37 points and 13 rebounds. Amber Orrange added 20 points.
Against Top 25: 8-1
2. Cal: 21-8, 13-5 Ranked # 18
Beat Washington State 75-68 in Overtime. Rashanda Gray had a career high 43 points hitting 17 of 20 shots and also had 16 rebounds. Brittany Boyd was only 2 of 16 from the floor but scored 13 points. However she had 14 rebounds and 11 assists. Other than Gray Cal was 7 of 49 from the floor. And still won.
Lost to Washington 70-65. Gray 16 points and 16 rebounds. Afure Jemerigbe scored 24 points. Brittany Boyd did not play.
Against top 25: 3-5
2. Oregon State: 21-9, 13-5
Beat Arizona 78-48. Balanced scored with three in double figures and the Beavers won their 8th straight by shooting 55% overall and making 12 of 22 from three.
Beat ASU 66-43. Four players scored in double figures as the Beavers shot 51%.
Against top 25: 2-3
4. Arizona State: 22-8, 11-7 Ranked # 20
Lost to Oregon 98-90. Joy Burke had 17 points and 10 rebounds. Katelyn Hempen scored 19 points.
Lost to Oregon State 66-43. Deja Mann scored 13 points as ASU shot just 26 %.
Against top 25: 3-4
4. USC: 18-12, 11-7
Beat Utah 67-57. 4 Trojans were in double figures as they shot 44%.
Beat Colorado 66-59. Ariya Crook scored 18 and Cassie Harberts added 14 points.
Against top 25: 2-7.
6. Washington: 17-12, 10-8
Lost to Stanford 83-60. Kelsey Plum scored 21 points. Aminah Williams had 12 rebounds. The Huskies were 12 of 25 from three and just 10 of 34 from two.
Beat Cal 70-65. Plum had 22poins and Jazmine Davis added 20 points.
Against Top 25: 3-3
7.Washington State: 15-15, 9-9
Lost to Cal in Overtime 75-68. Tia Presley had 15 points and 11 rebounds. Lia Gladeira had 13 points and Shalia Dheenshaw added 14 points and 15 rebounds.
Lost to Stanford 84-64. Gladeira scored 16 points.
Against top 25: 3-6
8. UCLA: 12-17, 7-11
Lost to Colorado 62-42, shooting 30% and scoring only 12 second half points.
Beat Utah 62-52. Nirra Fields led with 22 points although just 4 of 16 from the floor. Fields was 13 of 17 from the Free Throw Line.
Against Top 25: 0-9
9. Colorado 16-13, 6-12
Beat UCLA 62-42 holding UCLA to 12 second half points.
Arielle Roberson had 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Lost to USC 66-59, Brittany Wilson led with 15 points.
Against top 25: 1-5
10. Oregon 15-14, -12
Beat ASU 98-90. Jillian Alleyne had 29 points and 16 rebounds. Chrishae Rowe had 25 points and Adrienne Thomas added 22 points. The Duck shot 48%.
Beat Oregon 90-78. Alleyne had 18 points and 16 rebounds and four other Ducks scored in double figures.
Against top 25: 1-2
11. Utah: 11-17, 4-13
Lost to USC 67-57. Michelle Plouffe had 27 points and 18 rebounds. She was just shy of the team totals in both categories.
Lost to UCLA 62-52. Plouffe had 20 points.
Against top 25: 0-5
12. Arizona: 5-28, 1-17
Lost to Oregon State 78-48. LaBrittany Jones had 15 points.
Lost to Oregon 90-78. Candice Warthen had 21 points.
Against top 25: 1-4
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