Jm04

Agreed kyhoopfever! It will be interesting to see what those 9th region teams look like once we get to regionals! There's just a ton of talent in this part of the state (even though quite a bit of it is younger)...it's gonna be fun!!

Not sure where the quick to judge comes in when they lose, but I'll bite. It was one game for sure, but it's certainly a trend for Stamm's teams that they shoot the 3 ball too much over the years. We're not just looking at one partial view of a season here. Note RCC's point that it's no surprise that you're going to see the 3 ball flying when you play Conner...even when there are times that it's exactly what the defense wants you to do (as in last night). You both are right that they have a younger team with some different responsibilities for players, which belays my point that the staff has to step in, providing guidance, recognition, and discipline. If you were at the game RCC, this wasn't a game lost completely due to youth...even with Taylor, they would've struggled bc teams rarely see a 2-1-2 zone. Honestly, she would've made a bigger difference defensively keeping Scott from penetrating so much in the 2nd half. Remember too that while they're young age-wise, 2 of those starting sophomores are juniors in experience now and the other 3 starters played a significant amount of minutes last year (albeit in different roles to your point RCC). Here's what I'll be watching for from Conner here on out...for the most part, they'll be in their district/regional games with most of the teams really knowing each other. How does Conner handle their offense when teams game plan to take Hurst off her ability to spot up and shoot the 3? Highlands was extremely effective at it earlier in the season, as was Mason County. She can put it on the floor, but she's definitely not as consistent there. Will they run more sets for Duncan/Jordan or look to run more of a dribble-drive derivative? Relax BigZig...sometimes players have bad games, and sometimes coaches have bad games. Last night, they didn't get it done as a staff IMHO. Doesn't mean their season is over and it doesn't mean that they won't get it figured out. They had a great game plan defensively against GRC during their tourney and I gave kudos for their staff. Anyway, thanks for the discussion guys...love to talk hoops!!

Definitely didn't have anything to do with pace or pressure, just a GREAT 2nd half game plan by Klette and the Scott coaching staff! Switched out of a 1-2-2 zone in the first half to a 2-1-2 or hybrid 2-3 zone in the second half that completely baffled the Conner sideline. Conner took the bait and tried to consistently shoot over the top of the zone...chucking up bad 3 after bad 3 (especially late in the game). The baseline was wide open for cuts/easy buckets and they rarely exploited it. #30 from Scott (Clephane?) had a monster second half & OT...quite often putting her head down and driving hard to the basket. Conner players just got out of the way frankly. Scott fans, you should be very proud of that team and that coaching staff for the adjustments made at half time and the discipline the team showed in following the game plan! Perhaps one day, the Conner coaching staff will figure out that you don't need to live and die by the 3. It's becoming readily apparent when they face really good coaching staffs, that their undisciplined style of offense/defense causes them major problems, even with all the talent they have...and they are extremely talented! At the end of the day, it was a GREAT win for Scott...congrats!!

That's partially it RCC...there are a couple that just need a little adjusting. After seeing them several games now, Jordan and McLemore both tend to shoot it flat. Their shots look good just need a bit more arch...a little more drive from their legs. Their big, Duncan, doesn't have bad form, but seems to have a bit too much pressure from her off-hand...ball can have a funky spin at times. The other thing that would help their FT % is to get Hurst to the line more. She's their best FT shooter but doesn't drive to the basket much. She's also been the focus of the other team's defense, so that hasn't helped her. It is definitely something they can and probably will improve on. As a coach, I'd be more concerned about their inefficiency on offense.

This was a very exciting game to watch...just like most district games should be! 2 big keys to this game were the inside play of Duncan (Ryle really struggled to contain her) and the defense played on Scheer/Schwartz to frustrate them (lot of face guarding and denial of the ball). Both are really excellent players! Ryle needs to continue to develop at least a third option to help offset the defenses those girls will face. Truly believe that's a big reason Scheer fouled out and Schwartz had 4 early in the 4th. Not sure which post it was, but I disagree that they're evenly matched...the scoreboard might have shown that, but Conner frankly left a bunch of points at the free throw line (they were much more aggressive driving to the basket and Ryle just doesn't have the same defenders back there to protect the rim). Looking forward to seeing the continued development of McGregor...she should definitely be that 3rd option IMO. I don't think Hurst or Jordan need more shots, they need more efficient shots. Would like to see them run some curls or double screens, pick & pops, pick & rolls...they have quite a few decent mid-range shooters. Feel like that team needs to learn that quite often less is more. Less 3 pt shots off the cuff while taking more efficient shots in the flow of the offense. Did love the fact that Aaron had them working the ball inside that game...they had a serious advantage there and it played out well for them. Really fun game to watch...congrats to both teams! Next time they meet should be just as interesting!

Hats off to Coach Richey and her game plan...they really had the blueprint for beating this Conner team. Don't let Hurst get comfortable from 3 and force them to play half court defense & offense. Pretty sure Hurst only had 1 three all night...kudos to the players that checked her! Conner's offensive game plan looks like it was drawn up on the playground frankly. Too many one pass chuck it or one-on-one drives...no real imagination on offense (which really hurts when your best outside shot has been defended so well)! Highlands was much more efficient in design and execution...the coach in me loves that motion offense for their team this year...really fits that group! Unlike Conner, they get after it on the boards (collectively as a team)! RCC...looked like many of the Conner players are just rushing...playing too fast! Not sure if that's because their offensive weapon in Hurst was shut down, or it was just a case of nerves. It's the second game of theirs I've seen where starters just fumble the ball out of bounds driving in transition or with an open lane. EZ - after watching last night, I'm not sure how you'd replace all 5 starters that are missing free throws, layups, or fumbling the ball out of bounds/producing turnovers. Each of their starters fit into one of those categories. Honestly, they don't look like they believe in their offense. After watching it now for a couple of games, I understand why. It's a shame...they're a talented, athletic bunch. Would be nice to see them run a similar offense to Highlands. JMHO though!

True, but most coaches would prefer to have somewhat more of a balance. It also depends on your definition of "strong" guards...I probably should have qualified that they're "loaded" in the backcourt with numbers. Not to say that they're not talented, just have a lot of players that do the same thing in that group. For example, they lack a slasher/scorer at the 3. I think they're going to have a pretty good season...just saying that it's a tough district for them to get out of. Thanks for the discussion! Love to talk hoops!!

For what it's worth, here's my assesment of Conner this year.... Looks like they should have plenty of senior leadership...lots of hustle and hard work out of that senior class frankly. They are pretty thin in the frontcourt...backcourt is loaded. They have a junior (last name is Duncan) that is a pretty good post player, but they usually don't feed the post all that well. Would be nice to see them pair Hendricks on that side for more of an inside-out game between those two. Hendricks will be a nice addition back for this team...really has nice form on her shot and she can light it up. They really lack size and aren't a strong rebounding team, so that can hurt them against teams with size (Ryle). They're a team that can fall in love with the 3 pt line and it costs them at times. They do look like a decent defensive team, so that may help their offense generate easier transition baskets. They should be much improved over last year, but they're in a tough district! Good luck to the Cougars!