ChipperF1
12-23-2001, 12:48 PM
Somewhere in Kansas City, a family is spending the most joyous time of the year in mourning.
Losing two games in a row doesn't even compare to losing a loved one.
Nebraska's starting point guard Keasha Cannon suffered that loss this week. Her mother, her best friend, died of cancer on Wednesday. Her teammates, already frustrated by two difficult defeats, mourned with her. As much as her play was missed last night, her mere presence on the team was missed so much more.
Granted, last night's victory over Chicago State was against one of the many jabronis on the non-conference schedule this year. The events of the week made this game more important.
WHAT WORKED FOR NEBRASKA
1. THREE GUARD OFFENSE. Sanderford modified the triangle to a three guard, two forward set. And its working. Shannon Howell is getting more chances (she just need to work on finishing). Margaret Richards and Shah Roberts are really coming on.
2. "TEAM WORTHLESS": I've ridden Margaret Richards and Shah Roberts for over a year. So far, I think I've misjudged them. Over the last six games, these two are GETTING IT! AND IT'S GREAT TO SEE. Richards came off the bench and scored 14, Roberts started the game and had a solid 8. With Keasha Cannon out of the lineup, these two had to pull extra weight and they did it, and they showing leadership you expect from older members of the team.
I really hope those two keep it up!
3. Katie Robinette. 9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals. Not bad, but she was somewhat AWOL against Cincinnati and Drake, we cannot have her not playing well in the games that really count.
WHATS DIDN'T WORK FOR NEBRASKA
1. Aggressiveness Inside. This team was outrebounded 42-38. Given that this team isn't shooting well from outside (0-for-4 from three point range in the second half.) And that our shooting went down in general (36% in the second half), we have to find more aggressive play inside in a hurry. Stephanie Jones is a solid power forward but she's not a post. Maybe Alexa Johnson needs an extended trial. Grichaly Cepero will be back, but to think she could step in and play 25-30 minutes is asking for trouble. Somebody has to step to the fore on inside play, and apparently Sanderford has given up on Katie Morse.
2. Three point shooting. Nebraska's been pretty bad from the trey all season. 3-for-12 last night, coming off the 9-for-24 game against Drake, this glass is half-empty. The team has a whole is hiting 37.4% respectable, but again, in the meaty games we aren't up to par, and there are some meaty games ahead.
Outlook: The team is 9-3. That's a darn sight better than the 6-4 the team was at the same point last year.
I still hold my opinion that this team is still unproven, regardless of their record. Should they beat Texas and Iowa State to start the Big 12 slate, that'll sell me.
But this week, this team did sell me on something, that unlike the last two years, this group at least will buck up for each other. That is conduct becoming of a Cornhusker.
Again I ask all Husker fans, and all Big 12 fans to keep Keasha Cannon and her family in your prayers this holiday season.
--ChipperF1
http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/nu.gif Nebraska Womens Basketball
Ending the embarassment, one game at a time.
Losing two games in a row doesn't even compare to losing a loved one.
Nebraska's starting point guard Keasha Cannon suffered that loss this week. Her mother, her best friend, died of cancer on Wednesday. Her teammates, already frustrated by two difficult defeats, mourned with her. As much as her play was missed last night, her mere presence on the team was missed so much more.
Granted, last night's victory over Chicago State was against one of the many jabronis on the non-conference schedule this year. The events of the week made this game more important.
WHAT WORKED FOR NEBRASKA
1. THREE GUARD OFFENSE. Sanderford modified the triangle to a three guard, two forward set. And its working. Shannon Howell is getting more chances (she just need to work on finishing). Margaret Richards and Shah Roberts are really coming on.
2. "TEAM WORTHLESS": I've ridden Margaret Richards and Shah Roberts for over a year. So far, I think I've misjudged them. Over the last six games, these two are GETTING IT! AND IT'S GREAT TO SEE. Richards came off the bench and scored 14, Roberts started the game and had a solid 8. With Keasha Cannon out of the lineup, these two had to pull extra weight and they did it, and they showing leadership you expect from older members of the team.
I really hope those two keep it up!
3. Katie Robinette. 9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals. Not bad, but she was somewhat AWOL against Cincinnati and Drake, we cannot have her not playing well in the games that really count.
WHATS DIDN'T WORK FOR NEBRASKA
1. Aggressiveness Inside. This team was outrebounded 42-38. Given that this team isn't shooting well from outside (0-for-4 from three point range in the second half.) And that our shooting went down in general (36% in the second half), we have to find more aggressive play inside in a hurry. Stephanie Jones is a solid power forward but she's not a post. Maybe Alexa Johnson needs an extended trial. Grichaly Cepero will be back, but to think she could step in and play 25-30 minutes is asking for trouble. Somebody has to step to the fore on inside play, and apparently Sanderford has given up on Katie Morse.
2. Three point shooting. Nebraska's been pretty bad from the trey all season. 3-for-12 last night, coming off the 9-for-24 game against Drake, this glass is half-empty. The team has a whole is hiting 37.4% respectable, but again, in the meaty games we aren't up to par, and there are some meaty games ahead.
Outlook: The team is 9-3. That's a darn sight better than the 6-4 the team was at the same point last year.
I still hold my opinion that this team is still unproven, regardless of their record. Should they beat Texas and Iowa State to start the Big 12 slate, that'll sell me.
But this week, this team did sell me on something, that unlike the last two years, this group at least will buck up for each other. That is conduct becoming of a Cornhusker.
Again I ask all Husker fans, and all Big 12 fans to keep Keasha Cannon and her family in your prayers this holiday season.
--ChipperF1
http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/nu.gif Nebraska Womens Basketball
Ending the embarassment, one game at a time.