ChipperF1
03-06-2002, 12:19 PM
This was a very strange game. If you looked squarely at the stat sheet, you'd think it was nip and tuck. The Huskers hit three more field goals than the Cyclones. The Husker forced three more turnovers than the Cyclones. They made some good runs on Iowa State.
But looking at the game, so much hurt 'em. The Husker put themselves in a hole with last minutes changes in the lineup. Again, why bench Jina Johansen? She's not the best quarterback in the league, but starting Margaret Richards in the spot? To Margaret's credit, she did play well for a few minutes. But early on, the Huskers missed seven straight shots, all of them were poor looks. The offense didn't get moving and Iowa State made 'em pay.
Then came the Huskers run, and it was a great run. Cannon was finding some holes, so was Alexa Johnson (who also drew a start). Margaret Richards was playing a rare aggressive game and before you know it, Richards is getting to the line and knocking them down. It's 24-20, the lasses are within four.
Then it fell apart. Our defensive discipline broke down completely. Iowa State was getting first step all night, and that were 42 free throws get going. We can't complain about the officiating. Lindsey Wilson was giving every guard for Nebraska the "Mommie Dearest" treatment. It was sick and wrong the way the Husker defense was being carved up. You'd think we had decided to reenact the Rose Bowl.
Inside, Angie Welle was doing what she's often done to Nebraska. Outmuscling anyone wearing scarlet and cream. I'm glad Angie Welle is graduating!!!! I don't think I can take one more year of the site Welle just having a field day with us. Sixteen-for-twenty?? She made out like the press corps at the Big XII with all that free stuff.
But again, the Huskers didn't quit. They did make another climb and pulled within 10 at half. Unfortunately you could already the game was ending.
The second half saw more Husker grabbing and holding. The very tackle basketball KSUron talks about.
Cannon fouls out with 8 minutes left. Katie Robinette fouls out (that's 6 this year for the "High School All-American"), Alexa Johnson fouls out.
The Huskers bench had to close the game out against the Iowa State mop-up units. Actually we didn't do that bad, but we were too deep a hole and all we could do was foul them. Iowa State would get to the line and hit the free throws. 36-for-42
In an ugly ending, the season ended with a 74-55 loss.
WHAT WORKED FOR NEBRASKA?
Nothing.
WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR NEBRASKA?
1. The worst defensive effort I've seen since the Rose Bowl.
It was desperate, dire and stupid. 42 free throws??? Leave the Hockey to University of Nebraska-Omaha, okay?
2. Shooting.
On a night where ICBM State only launch four long range strikes the whole night, Nebraska didn't take advantage with shooting. Another 32% evening and the usual suspects were having another bad night. Shannon Howell was 2-for-9, Margaret Richards was 0-for-4, and of course K.C. Cowgill was 1-for-7 (1-for-5 from three point range).
I hope Janice Bright can shot. Our three-point specialists can't.
3. http://www.badcoaching.com
That's Pale Sanderfraud's website.
And that's about what you need to know about Paul Sanderford last night. More bad decisions, more questionable strategy. More excuses after the game.
Not to make this post completely negative..
Thanks Angie Welle!
Angie Welle is a special kid, no question. Really one of the best players I've seen in this league ever. Also one of the most pleasant personalities too.
No matter what she goes into in this life, you get the feeling she'll be a person of substance. If nothing else, Madison Avenue ought to take note.
I've had the priviledge of seeing two Welles play college basketball, and both of them have been superior as athletes and students.
Thanks Angie!!!! http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif
Thanks Tracy Gahan
There was no worse sight for a Nebraska than seeing #22 by herself behing the three-point line.
Tracy never got the respect she really deserved from us "experts". But the most honest beasts in the jungle are other players, and many of them knew the real deal.
Thanks, Kelly Cizek
This is a kid I covered in High School. An excellent three-point athlete, and a good all-around kid. Truly one of the best athletes Nebraska produced in my lifetime.
At ISU she was truly an example of the Bill Fennelly system. You don't necessarily need the "Gee Whiz By God Top 100" (although he's getting more of those). Get me solid kids who are willing to play their role 100% all the time, whether you get 30 minutes in a ballgame or 3, and I'll win games.
That was Kelly. She would get out on the court and do her thing, and do it well. I would dare say that ISU Womens Basketball would be a little bit poorer for not have a Kelly Cizek around.
Thanks Kelly, It's been an honor watching you develop http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif
Now to end the post. The end of season Husker Report Card.
Team MVP: Keasha Cannon.
It been a tough year for this kid and last night wasn't the way it deserved to end.
Keasha played well in 28 of 30 games. I don't think many players have that margin of success anywhere in college ball. Her Big 12 Newcomer of the Year Award is well earned.
My favorite game: vs. Kansas State 27 points, 16 rebounds. Keasha finally got to play the game she likes to play. Give me a little help, and I can dominate.
Next year will be much better year for her. She'll work her tail off. She'll know the ropes that much better, and the man she loves will be right next to her playing ball in Lincoln (Welcome Nate Johnson! There's a gritty young team waiting for you, kid!!! http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif)
Keasha Cannon has given the Huskers something they haven't had since Anna DeForge graduated, a kid who is willing to take responsibility for her play.
Final Grade: A- (would have been an A if it wasn't for her high number of turnovers)
Freshman forward Katie Robinette
A solid freshman year. She averaged 9.7 points per game and 6 rebound. Very solid number for a rookie and when she got going she got going.
Earlier the season, I called Katie a "bust". I apologize for that, because it was a tad unfair.
However, Katie Robinette didn't live up to her billing in my opinion. In too many games this year, she was invisible.
She fouled out of 6 contest this year, that's not good.
Her shooting perecentage was 43%, not good enough.
She had three game where she didn't score a point of register any meaningful statistical of strategic contribution to the ball game and all those games where against NCAA Tournament caliber opponent.
On the upside, I do remember her second game. Her 23 point, 15 rebound effort against Creighton where she carried the team to a win was a gem. We got a taste of what Robinette could do that day.
Next year, Katie how about feeding us the entire meal?
Final Grade: C (The Creighton game and the Kansas State games lifted her grades)
Freshman Guard Jina Johansen
Somewhat of an incomplete season, but she did play well enough to warrant a grade.
She was a freshman and it showed. But this kid has potential and I think with work and reps, she will be a quality player.
Her headiness against Kansas State confirmed that. One thing would really help for next year is if Jina can become the on-floor leader that can pull this team together.
Most everyone on the team likes this kid, and that's a good place to start.
Final Grade: C (Jina was outmatched at many points in the season. But her effort confirms to me that this kid wants to play)
Sophomore forward Griechaly Cepero.
This kid has natural talent beyond belief.
My problem with her? She gets satisfied.
It showed in volleyball last year, and it continued to show in basketball.
She wasn't on her game for most of the year during volleyball season, and basketball is a diversion to her which is fine.
She has the athleticism to be a difference maker, but something in her tells me that she not as intense about it.
The two-sport thing isn't working in my view. She has to pick one. I would say choose Volleyball. She is a dominant volleyball player and if she really applies herself, she could be as good as a Nancy Metcalf or an Allison Weston. She could be a world-class volleyball player.
In hoops, she doesn't have nearly the growth curve.
Final Grade: Incomplete (Griech, you're a volleyball player. Stick to what you know.)
Sophomore Guard K.C. Cowgill
A disappointing for her. K.C. Cowgill was brought in to hit outside shots.
Too often this season she couldn't hit the broadside of Omaha with a 100-megaton warhead.
In the most important games, her line would read 0-for or 1-for.
I know K.C. Cowgill can shoot. But it seemed with each miss, she lost confidence and withdrew from playing and it showed up in every other part of the game.
She is a defensive liability, and every guard in the Big 12 knows it. No one sweats at the prospect of being guarded by #11 for Nebraska.
I don't know what happened to K.C.. Last year, she was kill to play. She was one of the few kids who would fight. It was a shame she was injured last year. This season? she's had maybe 1 solid outing. This year was a lost year from the Grand Island Sharpshooter.
This summer, I hope she really put the work in. The team needs K.C. Cowgill at her best, not on the bench.
Final Grade: F (She had problems at the start and she folded up her tent)
Sophomore Shannon Howell.
She was this years most improved Husker. Last year, she stunk.
Shannon Howell in her freshman year was horrible. This girl was bad.
This season, she was shaky at some point but solid at others, and we saw greater potential.
She played with a greater level of aggression, which I liked very much. She rebounded well, she started playing more of an attacking style, less of the candypants style she was sporting her freshman year.
Shannon has a lot of work to do on her shooting (which is still substandard), and her defense (only K.C. Cowgill is worse defensively).
Final Grade: C- (Improved shooting and defense would bump this up, but she did better than last year, and last year she got a "D-")
Sophomore Alexa Johnson
This kid did the best she could with what she had. But if she's going to be a post in this league, she needs to make a few visits to Boyd Epley. Bulk her up, keep working with her footwork and make her a post player.
Alexa is a silky wingman being hardwired into the post, that isn't going to feed the bulldog.
The site of Angie Welle elbowing her at will and bludgeoning her was a telltale sign. This kid needs to get stronger.
On the upside, she's done the best she can with what she had. And deserved more looks than Paul Sanderford gives her at times.
The goal for the offseason? Get her ready for inside battle. The spirit is willing in this kid, but the flesh is weak right now
Final Grade: C (Alexa wants to play though. That I like.)
Sophomore Center Katie Morse.
She had a great opening weekend. The Creighton game was well played by her. After that performance, I was think "she could be the next Karen Jennings"
28 games later, she's the next Casey Leonhardt. And Casey Leonhardt was the laziest player I ever saw don a Nebraska uniform ever.
Katie Morse didn't play well against the Jabroni teams on the schedule, and got benched for many of the important games.
I don't think its a question of Morse having the talent. She has shown at times that she does.
I question her will. I haven't a feeling she doesn't want it.
Final Grade: F (Grade given for serious lack of effort and focus in too many contests)
The Juniors:
This team started the year with six juniors. They ended with five.
Candace Blackbird leaving the team was addition by subtraction.
These five will be the seniors on next year team.
And now we come to the reason why Nebraska will be about the same next year.
Because of these five, four have never shown anything in three years, there's no reason to think that all of a sudden they decide this is important and act accordingly.
Keasha Cannon is the exception.
Junior Guard Shah Roberts.
WHAT IF! Shah was turning a corner this year, and then she hurt her ankle during a practice in December and she been away the rest of the year.
Before she got hurt, Shah was playing good ball. She really was improving from game to game, played excellent in the tournament in Puerto Rico.
Last year Shah was worthless, this year her value was rising.
I hope she can make it back, next year.
Final Grade: Incomplete (but there's something there, I hope she keep working hard!)
Sophomore Guard Margaret Richards
If this kid ever really wanted to play, she'd be a quality player.
Margaret can play this game, but something tells me she doesn't really care that much.
She has the skills, but her conditioning is poor, her attitude is suspect and her performances more often than not are wanting.
Final Grade: F (When this kid decides its really important she'll play, and she's running out of time)
Sophomore Guard Paige Sutton.
Paige came in with many people looking at her as somebody who could be an All Big-12 player.
Three years later she's still at about the same place, last person on the bench and would rather be anywhere else than a basketball court.
Paige Sutton just doesn't care that much.
Final Grade: Incomplete (She doesn't play enough to get a grade)
Junior Forward Stephanie "Charo" Jones
If all the 1999 WBCA High School All-Americans, Nebraska has the one that has made the least impact on her team.
In defense, Stephanie suffered a major injury in her freshman year. She blew out an ACL doing something Stephanie does, trying to make a play.
But between rehab and returning last season, Stephanie lost her ganas or confidence or something. Last season Stephanie was rusty sometimes, in a funk other times. I think she lost some heart.
This season, Stephanie was switched between start and bench, there tensions between her and head coach Paul Sanderford. Overall, this was a lost season in many ways.
And then there were the bizarre moments. The technical foul vs. Missouri. The suspension before the Oklahoma game. There was the response to its in their next game where she play somewhat well, but then the marginal performances in the final five games of the year. In fifteen minutes last night, Stephanie scored 0 points and had 2 rebounds.
Stephanie Jones is a good basketball player, but at times she has put herself above team. At times she has sulked rather than proceded when things aren't working well. At times she's lost focus.
Final Grade: F (Steph, get it together in the offseason You are a better player than this!)
Head Coach Paul Sanderford.
You earned a failing grade with this schedule that start with. You put together a bunch of Jabronis, and yes you beat 'em, and you still ended up 14-16.
Don't be fooled by the two game improvement. This team is just as bad as last years.
Paul Sanderford hasn't shown the strategic, tactical or organizational leadership that a head coach must show.
He changes lineups the way Erica Kane changes spouses. He seems to not have his finger on the pulse of this team at all. I don't even think he has the kids' attention anymore.
The talent is there, but I don't seem him develop it. But I will give it to him, he's learned the art of coachspeak very well in four years.
The first year Paul Sanderford would have said it point blank, "This team isn't very good."
This years Paul Sanderford has more excuses than a hack politician trying to explain why taxes are going up.
"I wrote three things on the board (after the game)," Sanderford said. "Commitment was one of them, discipline was the second one, and selflessness was the third thing. I think those are three things every team needs, and we're no exception to that. I think we have to look in the mirror and be unselfish.
"We have to have a lot of discipline in the next six months if we're going to compete in this league."
The best thing I've heard Sanderfraud say all year. But again, attitude reflects leadership.. There's nothing in Paul Sanderford's coaching this year that tells me he can instill a winning attitude.
But Bill Byrne believe he can, so calling for his head is pointless. Paul will have another year. I hope he grabs this team by the scruff of the neck and gets real about it.
This ballclub is embarassing the uniform, and embarassing themselves.
Final Grade: F (Paul isn't earning his six-figure paycheck)
Overall Final Team Grade: D- (A two game improvement and we did beat a ranked team)
--ChipperF1
But looking at the game, so much hurt 'em. The Husker put themselves in a hole with last minutes changes in the lineup. Again, why bench Jina Johansen? She's not the best quarterback in the league, but starting Margaret Richards in the spot? To Margaret's credit, she did play well for a few minutes. But early on, the Huskers missed seven straight shots, all of them were poor looks. The offense didn't get moving and Iowa State made 'em pay.
Then came the Huskers run, and it was a great run. Cannon was finding some holes, so was Alexa Johnson (who also drew a start). Margaret Richards was playing a rare aggressive game and before you know it, Richards is getting to the line and knocking them down. It's 24-20, the lasses are within four.
Then it fell apart. Our defensive discipline broke down completely. Iowa State was getting first step all night, and that were 42 free throws get going. We can't complain about the officiating. Lindsey Wilson was giving every guard for Nebraska the "Mommie Dearest" treatment. It was sick and wrong the way the Husker defense was being carved up. You'd think we had decided to reenact the Rose Bowl.
Inside, Angie Welle was doing what she's often done to Nebraska. Outmuscling anyone wearing scarlet and cream. I'm glad Angie Welle is graduating!!!! I don't think I can take one more year of the site Welle just having a field day with us. Sixteen-for-twenty?? She made out like the press corps at the Big XII with all that free stuff.
But again, the Huskers didn't quit. They did make another climb and pulled within 10 at half. Unfortunately you could already the game was ending.
The second half saw more Husker grabbing and holding. The very tackle basketball KSUron talks about.
Cannon fouls out with 8 minutes left. Katie Robinette fouls out (that's 6 this year for the "High School All-American"), Alexa Johnson fouls out.
The Huskers bench had to close the game out against the Iowa State mop-up units. Actually we didn't do that bad, but we were too deep a hole and all we could do was foul them. Iowa State would get to the line and hit the free throws. 36-for-42
In an ugly ending, the season ended with a 74-55 loss.
WHAT WORKED FOR NEBRASKA?
Nothing.
WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR NEBRASKA?
1. The worst defensive effort I've seen since the Rose Bowl.
It was desperate, dire and stupid. 42 free throws??? Leave the Hockey to University of Nebraska-Omaha, okay?
2. Shooting.
On a night where ICBM State only launch four long range strikes the whole night, Nebraska didn't take advantage with shooting. Another 32% evening and the usual suspects were having another bad night. Shannon Howell was 2-for-9, Margaret Richards was 0-for-4, and of course K.C. Cowgill was 1-for-7 (1-for-5 from three point range).
I hope Janice Bright can shot. Our three-point specialists can't.
3. http://www.badcoaching.com
That's Pale Sanderfraud's website.
And that's about what you need to know about Paul Sanderford last night. More bad decisions, more questionable strategy. More excuses after the game.
Not to make this post completely negative..
Thanks Angie Welle!
Angie Welle is a special kid, no question. Really one of the best players I've seen in this league ever. Also one of the most pleasant personalities too.
No matter what she goes into in this life, you get the feeling she'll be a person of substance. If nothing else, Madison Avenue ought to take note.
I've had the priviledge of seeing two Welles play college basketball, and both of them have been superior as athletes and students.
Thanks Angie!!!! http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif
Thanks Tracy Gahan
There was no worse sight for a Nebraska than seeing #22 by herself behing the three-point line.
Tracy never got the respect she really deserved from us "experts". But the most honest beasts in the jungle are other players, and many of them knew the real deal.
Thanks, Kelly Cizek
This is a kid I covered in High School. An excellent three-point athlete, and a good all-around kid. Truly one of the best athletes Nebraska produced in my lifetime.
At ISU she was truly an example of the Bill Fennelly system. You don't necessarily need the "Gee Whiz By God Top 100" (although he's getting more of those). Get me solid kids who are willing to play their role 100% all the time, whether you get 30 minutes in a ballgame or 3, and I'll win games.
That was Kelly. She would get out on the court and do her thing, and do it well. I would dare say that ISU Womens Basketball would be a little bit poorer for not have a Kelly Cizek around.
Thanks Kelly, It's been an honor watching you develop http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif
Now to end the post. The end of season Husker Report Card.
Team MVP: Keasha Cannon.
It been a tough year for this kid and last night wasn't the way it deserved to end.
Keasha played well in 28 of 30 games. I don't think many players have that margin of success anywhere in college ball. Her Big 12 Newcomer of the Year Award is well earned.
My favorite game: vs. Kansas State 27 points, 16 rebounds. Keasha finally got to play the game she likes to play. Give me a little help, and I can dominate.
Next year will be much better year for her. She'll work her tail off. She'll know the ropes that much better, and the man she loves will be right next to her playing ball in Lincoln (Welcome Nate Johnson! There's a gritty young team waiting for you, kid!!! http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif)
Keasha Cannon has given the Huskers something they haven't had since Anna DeForge graduated, a kid who is willing to take responsibility for her play.
Final Grade: A- (would have been an A if it wasn't for her high number of turnovers)
Freshman forward Katie Robinette
A solid freshman year. She averaged 9.7 points per game and 6 rebound. Very solid number for a rookie and when she got going she got going.
Earlier the season, I called Katie a "bust". I apologize for that, because it was a tad unfair.
However, Katie Robinette didn't live up to her billing in my opinion. In too many games this year, she was invisible.
She fouled out of 6 contest this year, that's not good.
Her shooting perecentage was 43%, not good enough.
She had three game where she didn't score a point of register any meaningful statistical of strategic contribution to the ball game and all those games where against NCAA Tournament caliber opponent.
On the upside, I do remember her second game. Her 23 point, 15 rebound effort against Creighton where she carried the team to a win was a gem. We got a taste of what Robinette could do that day.
Next year, Katie how about feeding us the entire meal?
Final Grade: C (The Creighton game and the Kansas State games lifted her grades)
Freshman Guard Jina Johansen
Somewhat of an incomplete season, but she did play well enough to warrant a grade.
She was a freshman and it showed. But this kid has potential and I think with work and reps, she will be a quality player.
Her headiness against Kansas State confirmed that. One thing would really help for next year is if Jina can become the on-floor leader that can pull this team together.
Most everyone on the team likes this kid, and that's a good place to start.
Final Grade: C (Jina was outmatched at many points in the season. But her effort confirms to me that this kid wants to play)
Sophomore forward Griechaly Cepero.
This kid has natural talent beyond belief.
My problem with her? She gets satisfied.
It showed in volleyball last year, and it continued to show in basketball.
She wasn't on her game for most of the year during volleyball season, and basketball is a diversion to her which is fine.
She has the athleticism to be a difference maker, but something in her tells me that she not as intense about it.
The two-sport thing isn't working in my view. She has to pick one. I would say choose Volleyball. She is a dominant volleyball player and if she really applies herself, she could be as good as a Nancy Metcalf or an Allison Weston. She could be a world-class volleyball player.
In hoops, she doesn't have nearly the growth curve.
Final Grade: Incomplete (Griech, you're a volleyball player. Stick to what you know.)
Sophomore Guard K.C. Cowgill
A disappointing for her. K.C. Cowgill was brought in to hit outside shots.
Too often this season she couldn't hit the broadside of Omaha with a 100-megaton warhead.
In the most important games, her line would read 0-for or 1-for.
I know K.C. Cowgill can shoot. But it seemed with each miss, she lost confidence and withdrew from playing and it showed up in every other part of the game.
She is a defensive liability, and every guard in the Big 12 knows it. No one sweats at the prospect of being guarded by #11 for Nebraska.
I don't know what happened to K.C.. Last year, she was kill to play. She was one of the few kids who would fight. It was a shame she was injured last year. This season? she's had maybe 1 solid outing. This year was a lost year from the Grand Island Sharpshooter.
This summer, I hope she really put the work in. The team needs K.C. Cowgill at her best, not on the bench.
Final Grade: F (She had problems at the start and she folded up her tent)
Sophomore Shannon Howell.
She was this years most improved Husker. Last year, she stunk.
Shannon Howell in her freshman year was horrible. This girl was bad.
This season, she was shaky at some point but solid at others, and we saw greater potential.
She played with a greater level of aggression, which I liked very much. She rebounded well, she started playing more of an attacking style, less of the candypants style she was sporting her freshman year.
Shannon has a lot of work to do on her shooting (which is still substandard), and her defense (only K.C. Cowgill is worse defensively).
Final Grade: C- (Improved shooting and defense would bump this up, but she did better than last year, and last year she got a "D-")
Sophomore Alexa Johnson
This kid did the best she could with what she had. But if she's going to be a post in this league, she needs to make a few visits to Boyd Epley. Bulk her up, keep working with her footwork and make her a post player.
Alexa is a silky wingman being hardwired into the post, that isn't going to feed the bulldog.
The site of Angie Welle elbowing her at will and bludgeoning her was a telltale sign. This kid needs to get stronger.
On the upside, she's done the best she can with what she had. And deserved more looks than Paul Sanderford gives her at times.
The goal for the offseason? Get her ready for inside battle. The spirit is willing in this kid, but the flesh is weak right now
Final Grade: C (Alexa wants to play though. That I like.)
Sophomore Center Katie Morse.
She had a great opening weekend. The Creighton game was well played by her. After that performance, I was think "she could be the next Karen Jennings"
28 games later, she's the next Casey Leonhardt. And Casey Leonhardt was the laziest player I ever saw don a Nebraska uniform ever.
Katie Morse didn't play well against the Jabroni teams on the schedule, and got benched for many of the important games.
I don't think its a question of Morse having the talent. She has shown at times that she does.
I question her will. I haven't a feeling she doesn't want it.
Final Grade: F (Grade given for serious lack of effort and focus in too many contests)
The Juniors:
This team started the year with six juniors. They ended with five.
Candace Blackbird leaving the team was addition by subtraction.
These five will be the seniors on next year team.
And now we come to the reason why Nebraska will be about the same next year.
Because of these five, four have never shown anything in three years, there's no reason to think that all of a sudden they decide this is important and act accordingly.
Keasha Cannon is the exception.
Junior Guard Shah Roberts.
WHAT IF! Shah was turning a corner this year, and then she hurt her ankle during a practice in December and she been away the rest of the year.
Before she got hurt, Shah was playing good ball. She really was improving from game to game, played excellent in the tournament in Puerto Rico.
Last year Shah was worthless, this year her value was rising.
I hope she can make it back, next year.
Final Grade: Incomplete (but there's something there, I hope she keep working hard!)
Sophomore Guard Margaret Richards
If this kid ever really wanted to play, she'd be a quality player.
Margaret can play this game, but something tells me she doesn't really care that much.
She has the skills, but her conditioning is poor, her attitude is suspect and her performances more often than not are wanting.
Final Grade: F (When this kid decides its really important she'll play, and she's running out of time)
Sophomore Guard Paige Sutton.
Paige came in with many people looking at her as somebody who could be an All Big-12 player.
Three years later she's still at about the same place, last person on the bench and would rather be anywhere else than a basketball court.
Paige Sutton just doesn't care that much.
Final Grade: Incomplete (She doesn't play enough to get a grade)
Junior Forward Stephanie "Charo" Jones
If all the 1999 WBCA High School All-Americans, Nebraska has the one that has made the least impact on her team.
In defense, Stephanie suffered a major injury in her freshman year. She blew out an ACL doing something Stephanie does, trying to make a play.
But between rehab and returning last season, Stephanie lost her ganas or confidence or something. Last season Stephanie was rusty sometimes, in a funk other times. I think she lost some heart.
This season, Stephanie was switched between start and bench, there tensions between her and head coach Paul Sanderford. Overall, this was a lost season in many ways.
And then there were the bizarre moments. The technical foul vs. Missouri. The suspension before the Oklahoma game. There was the response to its in their next game where she play somewhat well, but then the marginal performances in the final five games of the year. In fifteen minutes last night, Stephanie scored 0 points and had 2 rebounds.
Stephanie Jones is a good basketball player, but at times she has put herself above team. At times she has sulked rather than proceded when things aren't working well. At times she's lost focus.
Final Grade: F (Steph, get it together in the offseason You are a better player than this!)
Head Coach Paul Sanderford.
You earned a failing grade with this schedule that start with. You put together a bunch of Jabronis, and yes you beat 'em, and you still ended up 14-16.
Don't be fooled by the two game improvement. This team is just as bad as last years.
Paul Sanderford hasn't shown the strategic, tactical or organizational leadership that a head coach must show.
He changes lineups the way Erica Kane changes spouses. He seems to not have his finger on the pulse of this team at all. I don't even think he has the kids' attention anymore.
The talent is there, but I don't seem him develop it. But I will give it to him, he's learned the art of coachspeak very well in four years.
The first year Paul Sanderford would have said it point blank, "This team isn't very good."
This years Paul Sanderford has more excuses than a hack politician trying to explain why taxes are going up.
"I wrote three things on the board (after the game)," Sanderford said. "Commitment was one of them, discipline was the second one, and selflessness was the third thing. I think those are three things every team needs, and we're no exception to that. I think we have to look in the mirror and be unselfish.
"We have to have a lot of discipline in the next six months if we're going to compete in this league."
The best thing I've heard Sanderfraud say all year. But again, attitude reflects leadership.. There's nothing in Paul Sanderford's coaching this year that tells me he can instill a winning attitude.
But Bill Byrne believe he can, so calling for his head is pointless. Paul will have another year. I hope he grabs this team by the scruff of the neck and gets real about it.
This ballclub is embarassing the uniform, and embarassing themselves.
Final Grade: F (Paul isn't earning his six-figure paycheck)
Overall Final Team Grade: D- (A two game improvement and we did beat a ranked team)
--ChipperF1