ChipperF1
01-12-2002, 02:41 AM
1-2 in league play. It looks so much better than 0-3.
But Nebraska's 1-2 comes with a "*". Once again the Husker proved that they could beat a jabroni. But the 77-73 win over Texas A&M while it is a win confirms still that Nebraska is a second tier outfit who can't beat a quality team.
At this time last year, their coming opponent was seen in the same light. But what a difference a year makes.
The Huskers will play a team that in some ways is a mirror image of themselves. But the similarity is only skin deep.
Nebraska (11-5, 1-2) vs. #14 Kansas State (15-1, 3-0)
Saturday, Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m., Bramlage Coliseum (13,500), Manhattan, Kan.
Radio - Pinnacle Sports Network http://www.huskers.com
KANSAS STATE: Didn't I See This On The Cartoon Network?
Head Coach Deb Patterson's began building this behemoth in recruiting last year. This had some piece already, but added on a little more, to build a perfect little team.
Why do I get the feeling that as she was building this team, she accidentally knocked over that vat of "Chemical X"?
Laurie Koehn-Code Name: Blossom.
Tech Specs: G 5-8 Fr.-1sq Hesston, Kan. (Moundridge HS)
Koehn sat out last year due to injury, but she came to Manhattan with some serious bloodlines. A 4-time all-stater and the second leading scorer in the history of the Sunflower State. I'm sure most of us have heard of the girl who heads that list.
Koehn has busted out in her first season of play with 18.6 points per game, 43.9% from three point range. The scary thing is, this girl can stick a shot in from just about anywhere she wants. Against Iowa State and Colorado, she just would fire it up and it went in, just like that other really good girl who is ahead of her on that Kansas all-time scoring list, that Jackie whats-her-face.
Megan Mahoney-Code Name: Versatility
Tech Specs: F/G 6-0 Fr.-HS Sturgis, S.D. (Sturgis Brown HS)
Mahoney is the only one of this group who is not from Kansas. Her job is to be a stopper. A cross between a slash/shoot guard and a bigger defensive forward, she can handle both roles. Mahoney's growing into a tenacious ballhawk, leading the team with 30 steals. She may draw the toughest assignment in the game Saturday as a shadow from Nebraska's do-it-all player Keasha Cannon.
She not a slouch on the offensive end. Mahoney averages 11.3 points per game and 6 rebounds per game.
Kendra Wecker-Code Name: Firefox
Tech Specs: 5-11 Fr.-HS Marysville, Kan. (Marysville HS)
When you look at this young woman, you notice very quickly that everything about her bearing, her shape, her form, and the way she moves screams one word: "ATHLETE"
She's only 5-11, but plays taller, and looks stronger than her height was suggest. In each game, Wecker has bullied players taller than her and have more weight that her in nearly every engagement. She bludgeons Iowa State's entire forward complement. Against Baylor, she attacked for 22 points and did the same against a taller Colorado team.
Her 16.7 points and 8 rebounds per game worry this Husker fan because of the way she earns them. She is aggressive, and attacks players. Nebraska's forwards are not the attacker or the athlete that this Wecker already is.
AND NOW A PAID POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Kendra Wecker is the best Freshman playing Division I college basketball this season, period
When all the "High School All-Americans" where chosen last year, this girl was one of the least talked about. I think she's proven a lot already.
I've seen more of her on the track than on a basketball court. She can throw a Javelin pretty far, perhaps all the way the '08 Olympics. I would dare say Bill Snyder could use her as a quarterback next year. She has a better arm than Eli Robertson, and more heart than Chad May http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif
Nicole Ohlde-Code Name: Giganta
F/C 6-4 So.-1L Clay Center, Kan. (Clay Center HS)
Ohlde was one of league's top freshmen last year. And so far, there's no sign of a sophomore jinx. Her profile should move up as the season continues.
What I really respect about Nicole Ohlde, is her total basketbal ability. She can actually shoot the ball, averaging 17.4 points per game. She rebounds 8 shots per game, but many of her rebounds don't come so much from her size, as from her hustle. When you have a team that treasures a solid outside game, the way KSU does (three Wildcats shot more then 43% from three-point range), you will get long rebounds, and Ohlde snagged 'em.
Also there is the defensive component. Ohlde moves her feet on defense, and from what I've seen this year, she made a quantum leap from last year physically and mentally. Last year, she had 17 blocks on the season. This year, she already has 33. An added bonus...good feet and ACTIVE HANDS. When you can get 41 steals and a center, that's above and beyond in many respects. This season, she has 28 steals, and if she keep her current pace, she will have 50 steals at the end of the regular season.
One piece has been there through the lean times and is enjoying the fruits of never giving up. Senior Guard Kristin Rethman (Code Name: Auntie K) has taken on a different role this year. Last season she started 27 of 28 games. She scored 11.9 points per game and shot 45% from the three point line.
This year she's been more an off bench player in many games drawing 6 of 16 starts this year, but averaging 25 minutes per game.
Her value to this young band has been immeasurable off the court, and her role has been the balance of a powerful 3-0 confernence start. This season, she's been the long range gunner, and she's hitting a deadly 46.4% of the three point attempts. She also's on pace to eclipse her assist total of last year (she stands at 33).
At many points in the season, an especially in these last three wins, its been Rethman who been deadeye on her job, but has also been Coach Patterson extension on the floor to this group of wet-behind-the-ears lasses.
The Kansas State bench is underused, but actually has some good talent on it. Freshman center Bree Madden is on of the first people off, at 6-3 she has the size to spell Ohlde, but also has some good gifts to work at the 4 spot as well. She's appeared in all 16 games played this season, with 3 points and 2 rebounds per game, plus 15 blocked shots.
Freshman Guard Chelsea Domenico's been among the first and few off then bench as well, averaging about 5 minutes in the three Big 12 games played so far.
Senior Guard Shalandra Booker is tiny at 5-4, but can be the backup quarterback in a pinch. She has 8 steals and 20 assists and 11.3 minutes per game.
NEBRASKA: We're deeper, but we are in DEEP trouble.
I will come right out and admit it. Nebraska has very little chance of winning. Even though KSU is 5-member band.
Nebraska's problem is they are a 1-member band.
Keasha "The Only" Cannon. Because she's THE ONLY good player the Huskers have so far. Cannon is averging 12 points per game (best on the team), 8.7 rebounds a game (best on the team), 55 assists (ditto), 30 steals (of course, best on the team).
Cannon is the team leaders, but too often she's had to be the team. In their last game vs. Texas A&M, she was a team leader in that other players did pick it up. But, too often in that narrow win, it was "Cannon, SHOT GOOD!" or "REBOUND CANNON!" She had 17 points 8 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals, and 9 turnovers (ouch!). This season Keisha been the leading scorer in 5 of her 12 games played this year, and leading rebounder in 9 games. When a point guard leads your team in rebounding, the glass is NOT half-full.
Needless to say, we need a big effort from Cannon, but given the Kansas State will key on her somebody else must step up?
Could Shannon "Eric" Howell do it? She certainly has the tools. 8 points and 3.5 assists per game. Really Shannon would be a very capable quaterback and she takes care of the ball better than Cannon does (29 turnovers versus Cannon's 52 on the season).
Why doesn't Paul put her there. Because she lacks the agressiveness and the focus to effectively run the offense. When she get aggressive she plays well, but too often this season she has been deferring authority and being passive. Defensively, she is playing similarly.
Maybe Margaret "Lazy Girl" Richards? Early in the season, she played her way OFF of "Team Worthless" in the last two games, her uninspired play put her right back in "Team Worthless"
Her shooting has been aroung 29% in the Big 12 , and her defense has been of crossing guard quality.
Perhaps Shah Roberts can do it, if she can come back from an ankle injury. At this time she is doubtful. It's a shame because she has been attacking the basket, shooting well decently and scoring (5 points and 4 rebounds per game)
Maybe the "Charos" can get it done. Junior Stephanie "Charo" Jones and Freshman Katie "Charo Jr." Robinette are the "High School All-Americans"
Jones' stats are pedestrian, averaging 7 points and 3 rebounds per game. She's been merely another player for the last season and a half.
Katie Robinette has been solid, but not up to her credentials. Consider her head to head with Wecker
<pre style="font size: 10pt;">
KATIE ROBINETTE KENDRA WECKER
POINTS PER GAME 9.4 16.7
REBOUNDS PER GAME 5.4 8.1
BLOCKS 18 6
STEALS 18 22
ASSISTS 25 45
TURNOVERS 32 43
FIELD GOAL % 47.1% (57-121) 53.0% (107-202)
THREE POINT % 40.9% (9-22) 24.1% (7-24)
FREE THROW % 58.3% (28-41) 83.6% (46-55)
FOULS 40 53
DISQUALIFICATIONS 3 2
</pre>
For the most part, Robinette pails against Wecker. She can't shy away from the challenge Saturday.
Perhaps Alexa Johnson will be player. She's averaged 11 points and 5 rebounds in her last two contests, and she put up solid performances against Texas and Texas A&M. I am surprise she is notdrawing the start, and wouldn't be surprised if she's in and Robinette is out after yet another slow start.
Perhaps Griechaly Cepero could be the one. She had a 14-point, 8 rebound game in just her third game on the team a year ago. That opponent that day was Kansas State. Griechaly is the most athletic person on the team, even more than Cannon. She's still getting up to game speed, but if she can string some plays together, she gains confidence, and just like in Volleyball, when Griecha's feeling it, you're in trouble.
Among the rest? Take your pick. Jina "Jacy Johansen, a nice freshman, very scrappy, could be usuable in this game or perhaps a bit over matched.
K.C. "Missy" Cowgill? Averaging about 28% from the three point line in the last 6 games.
Amanda "Lance" Cleveland? You love her heart, but the body just isn't there. The site of Angle Welle elbowing and outmuscling her was difficult to watch.
Katie Morse and Paige Sutton should not enter the game under any circumstances.
Maybe the biggest key will be the Big Man, but which head coach. The Paul Sanderford of old, that took castaways to the Preseason NIT final and into the NCAA tournament? Or the Paul Sanderfraud who is left speechless after blowouts and left the making trite pronouncements to hopes of competitiveness to the press.
Paul needs to light the fire under this team. This is in opportunity for Nebraska to make an impression in a game people are looking at.
HOW NEBRASKA MUST PLAY TO WIN
1. Aggressive: Even IF KSU stays in a zone, Nebraska must attack it. The team overall shooting isn't good enough to Cyclone their way over it, plus the aggressive defense KSU will play will force Nebraska to drive and pass and make thrusts to the basket. This the type of game I want when I have a slasher like Keasha Cannon.
Plus aggressiveness would force KSU's players to really play a 40-minute game. If Cannon can make Koehn work on defense it will affect her offense. And KSU defense is foul prone, Nebraska needs to get free throw oppertunities, the more the better.
2. Attack on Defense. Nebraska has to take some defensive gambles. They have to look for steals, force turnovers. And on interior defense, one player has to be able to control Ohlde inside. If Nebraska has to collapse in, it opens too many doors for Cohen and Reitman.
Overall Outlook: Kansas-based Division I teams have lost 11 straight games to Nebraska-based Division I teams. This streak is in danger.
However both teams are more capable than last year. The different is KSU has fewer players, but player with a lot of scrap on upside. The downside could be mental. When you beaten three ranked teams, what is threatening about a 12-18 team from last year.
I think Nebraska has a few more bodies who can have a breakout game, and two HS All-Americans, both taller then Wecker who can keep that kid under control. Ohlde can't get it if the ball never reaches him, and that is what Nebraska most do, establish their game.
Chipper Sez: Nebraska 70, Kansas State 65...
ChipperF1 http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif
Overall Outlook:
[This message has been edited by HoopScoop (edited 01-12-2002).]
But Nebraska's 1-2 comes with a "*". Once again the Husker proved that they could beat a jabroni. But the 77-73 win over Texas A&M while it is a win confirms still that Nebraska is a second tier outfit who can't beat a quality team.
At this time last year, their coming opponent was seen in the same light. But what a difference a year makes.
The Huskers will play a team that in some ways is a mirror image of themselves. But the similarity is only skin deep.
Nebraska (11-5, 1-2) vs. #14 Kansas State (15-1, 3-0)
Saturday, Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m., Bramlage Coliseum (13,500), Manhattan, Kan.
Radio - Pinnacle Sports Network http://www.huskers.com
KANSAS STATE: Didn't I See This On The Cartoon Network?
Head Coach Deb Patterson's began building this behemoth in recruiting last year. This had some piece already, but added on a little more, to build a perfect little team.
Why do I get the feeling that as she was building this team, she accidentally knocked over that vat of "Chemical X"?
Laurie Koehn-Code Name: Blossom.
Tech Specs: G 5-8 Fr.-1sq Hesston, Kan. (Moundridge HS)
Koehn sat out last year due to injury, but she came to Manhattan with some serious bloodlines. A 4-time all-stater and the second leading scorer in the history of the Sunflower State. I'm sure most of us have heard of the girl who heads that list.
Koehn has busted out in her first season of play with 18.6 points per game, 43.9% from three point range. The scary thing is, this girl can stick a shot in from just about anywhere she wants. Against Iowa State and Colorado, she just would fire it up and it went in, just like that other really good girl who is ahead of her on that Kansas all-time scoring list, that Jackie whats-her-face.
Megan Mahoney-Code Name: Versatility
Tech Specs: F/G 6-0 Fr.-HS Sturgis, S.D. (Sturgis Brown HS)
Mahoney is the only one of this group who is not from Kansas. Her job is to be a stopper. A cross between a slash/shoot guard and a bigger defensive forward, she can handle both roles. Mahoney's growing into a tenacious ballhawk, leading the team with 30 steals. She may draw the toughest assignment in the game Saturday as a shadow from Nebraska's do-it-all player Keasha Cannon.
She not a slouch on the offensive end. Mahoney averages 11.3 points per game and 6 rebounds per game.
Kendra Wecker-Code Name: Firefox
Tech Specs: 5-11 Fr.-HS Marysville, Kan. (Marysville HS)
When you look at this young woman, you notice very quickly that everything about her bearing, her shape, her form, and the way she moves screams one word: "ATHLETE"
She's only 5-11, but plays taller, and looks stronger than her height was suggest. In each game, Wecker has bullied players taller than her and have more weight that her in nearly every engagement. She bludgeons Iowa State's entire forward complement. Against Baylor, she attacked for 22 points and did the same against a taller Colorado team.
Her 16.7 points and 8 rebounds per game worry this Husker fan because of the way she earns them. She is aggressive, and attacks players. Nebraska's forwards are not the attacker or the athlete that this Wecker already is.
AND NOW A PAID POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Kendra Wecker is the best Freshman playing Division I college basketball this season, period
When all the "High School All-Americans" where chosen last year, this girl was one of the least talked about. I think she's proven a lot already.
I've seen more of her on the track than on a basketball court. She can throw a Javelin pretty far, perhaps all the way the '08 Olympics. I would dare say Bill Snyder could use her as a quarterback next year. She has a better arm than Eli Robertson, and more heart than Chad May http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif
Nicole Ohlde-Code Name: Giganta
F/C 6-4 So.-1L Clay Center, Kan. (Clay Center HS)
Ohlde was one of league's top freshmen last year. And so far, there's no sign of a sophomore jinx. Her profile should move up as the season continues.
What I really respect about Nicole Ohlde, is her total basketbal ability. She can actually shoot the ball, averaging 17.4 points per game. She rebounds 8 shots per game, but many of her rebounds don't come so much from her size, as from her hustle. When you have a team that treasures a solid outside game, the way KSU does (three Wildcats shot more then 43% from three-point range), you will get long rebounds, and Ohlde snagged 'em.
Also there is the defensive component. Ohlde moves her feet on defense, and from what I've seen this year, she made a quantum leap from last year physically and mentally. Last year, she had 17 blocks on the season. This year, she already has 33. An added bonus...good feet and ACTIVE HANDS. When you can get 41 steals and a center, that's above and beyond in many respects. This season, she has 28 steals, and if she keep her current pace, she will have 50 steals at the end of the regular season.
One piece has been there through the lean times and is enjoying the fruits of never giving up. Senior Guard Kristin Rethman (Code Name: Auntie K) has taken on a different role this year. Last season she started 27 of 28 games. She scored 11.9 points per game and shot 45% from the three point line.
This year she's been more an off bench player in many games drawing 6 of 16 starts this year, but averaging 25 minutes per game.
Her value to this young band has been immeasurable off the court, and her role has been the balance of a powerful 3-0 confernence start. This season, she's been the long range gunner, and she's hitting a deadly 46.4% of the three point attempts. She also's on pace to eclipse her assist total of last year (she stands at 33).
At many points in the season, an especially in these last three wins, its been Rethman who been deadeye on her job, but has also been Coach Patterson extension on the floor to this group of wet-behind-the-ears lasses.
The Kansas State bench is underused, but actually has some good talent on it. Freshman center Bree Madden is on of the first people off, at 6-3 she has the size to spell Ohlde, but also has some good gifts to work at the 4 spot as well. She's appeared in all 16 games played this season, with 3 points and 2 rebounds per game, plus 15 blocked shots.
Freshman Guard Chelsea Domenico's been among the first and few off then bench as well, averaging about 5 minutes in the three Big 12 games played so far.
Senior Guard Shalandra Booker is tiny at 5-4, but can be the backup quarterback in a pinch. She has 8 steals and 20 assists and 11.3 minutes per game.
NEBRASKA: We're deeper, but we are in DEEP trouble.
I will come right out and admit it. Nebraska has very little chance of winning. Even though KSU is 5-member band.
Nebraska's problem is they are a 1-member band.
Keasha "The Only" Cannon. Because she's THE ONLY good player the Huskers have so far. Cannon is averging 12 points per game (best on the team), 8.7 rebounds a game (best on the team), 55 assists (ditto), 30 steals (of course, best on the team).
Cannon is the team leaders, but too often she's had to be the team. In their last game vs. Texas A&M, she was a team leader in that other players did pick it up. But, too often in that narrow win, it was "Cannon, SHOT GOOD!" or "REBOUND CANNON!" She had 17 points 8 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals, and 9 turnovers (ouch!). This season Keisha been the leading scorer in 5 of her 12 games played this year, and leading rebounder in 9 games. When a point guard leads your team in rebounding, the glass is NOT half-full.
Needless to say, we need a big effort from Cannon, but given the Kansas State will key on her somebody else must step up?
Could Shannon "Eric" Howell do it? She certainly has the tools. 8 points and 3.5 assists per game. Really Shannon would be a very capable quaterback and she takes care of the ball better than Cannon does (29 turnovers versus Cannon's 52 on the season).
Why doesn't Paul put her there. Because she lacks the agressiveness and the focus to effectively run the offense. When she get aggressive she plays well, but too often this season she has been deferring authority and being passive. Defensively, she is playing similarly.
Maybe Margaret "Lazy Girl" Richards? Early in the season, she played her way OFF of "Team Worthless" in the last two games, her uninspired play put her right back in "Team Worthless"
Her shooting has been aroung 29% in the Big 12 , and her defense has been of crossing guard quality.
Perhaps Shah Roberts can do it, if she can come back from an ankle injury. At this time she is doubtful. It's a shame because she has been attacking the basket, shooting well decently and scoring (5 points and 4 rebounds per game)
Maybe the "Charos" can get it done. Junior Stephanie "Charo" Jones and Freshman Katie "Charo Jr." Robinette are the "High School All-Americans"
Jones' stats are pedestrian, averaging 7 points and 3 rebounds per game. She's been merely another player for the last season and a half.
Katie Robinette has been solid, but not up to her credentials. Consider her head to head with Wecker
<pre style="font size: 10pt;">
KATIE ROBINETTE KENDRA WECKER
POINTS PER GAME 9.4 16.7
REBOUNDS PER GAME 5.4 8.1
BLOCKS 18 6
STEALS 18 22
ASSISTS 25 45
TURNOVERS 32 43
FIELD GOAL % 47.1% (57-121) 53.0% (107-202)
THREE POINT % 40.9% (9-22) 24.1% (7-24)
FREE THROW % 58.3% (28-41) 83.6% (46-55)
FOULS 40 53
DISQUALIFICATIONS 3 2
</pre>
For the most part, Robinette pails against Wecker. She can't shy away from the challenge Saturday.
Perhaps Alexa Johnson will be player. She's averaged 11 points and 5 rebounds in her last two contests, and she put up solid performances against Texas and Texas A&M. I am surprise she is notdrawing the start, and wouldn't be surprised if she's in and Robinette is out after yet another slow start.
Perhaps Griechaly Cepero could be the one. She had a 14-point, 8 rebound game in just her third game on the team a year ago. That opponent that day was Kansas State. Griechaly is the most athletic person on the team, even more than Cannon. She's still getting up to game speed, but if she can string some plays together, she gains confidence, and just like in Volleyball, when Griecha's feeling it, you're in trouble.
Among the rest? Take your pick. Jina "Jacy Johansen, a nice freshman, very scrappy, could be usuable in this game or perhaps a bit over matched.
K.C. "Missy" Cowgill? Averaging about 28% from the three point line in the last 6 games.
Amanda "Lance" Cleveland? You love her heart, but the body just isn't there. The site of Angle Welle elbowing and outmuscling her was difficult to watch.
Katie Morse and Paige Sutton should not enter the game under any circumstances.
Maybe the biggest key will be the Big Man, but which head coach. The Paul Sanderford of old, that took castaways to the Preseason NIT final and into the NCAA tournament? Or the Paul Sanderfraud who is left speechless after blowouts and left the making trite pronouncements to hopes of competitiveness to the press.
Paul needs to light the fire under this team. This is in opportunity for Nebraska to make an impression in a game people are looking at.
HOW NEBRASKA MUST PLAY TO WIN
1. Aggressive: Even IF KSU stays in a zone, Nebraska must attack it. The team overall shooting isn't good enough to Cyclone their way over it, plus the aggressive defense KSU will play will force Nebraska to drive and pass and make thrusts to the basket. This the type of game I want when I have a slasher like Keasha Cannon.
Plus aggressiveness would force KSU's players to really play a 40-minute game. If Cannon can make Koehn work on defense it will affect her offense. And KSU defense is foul prone, Nebraska needs to get free throw oppertunities, the more the better.
2. Attack on Defense. Nebraska has to take some defensive gambles. They have to look for steals, force turnovers. And on interior defense, one player has to be able to control Ohlde inside. If Nebraska has to collapse in, it opens too many doors for Cohen and Reitman.
Overall Outlook: Kansas-based Division I teams have lost 11 straight games to Nebraska-based Division I teams. This streak is in danger.
However both teams are more capable than last year. The different is KSU has fewer players, but player with a lot of scrap on upside. The downside could be mental. When you beaten three ranked teams, what is threatening about a 12-18 team from last year.
I think Nebraska has a few more bodies who can have a breakout game, and two HS All-Americans, both taller then Wecker who can keep that kid under control. Ohlde can't get it if the ball never reaches him, and that is what Nebraska most do, establish their game.
Chipper Sez: Nebraska 70, Kansas State 65...
ChipperF1 http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif
Overall Outlook:
[This message has been edited by HoopScoop (edited 01-12-2002).]