2024-2025 WBB Team (2022-present)

[DarkCock]

I checked out what videos I could find of South Dakota State today. They're a well-coached defensive team. They held us to 62 last season, the 3rd lowest total of the season. This season they feature two low post players who can block/alter shots and take care of the defensive glass. They're one of the best in the country at defending the two; of course, you have to take into account they've played a weak schedule. They lost by one to Wisconsin on the road. Still, don't take it for granted we'll hit a 100 in the game. This team takes pride in their defense and they won't quit.

On the other side of the court....not so good. They only scored 44 against us last year. In their two wins this season, they only scored 55 points in both games. If they can only score 55 against UT-Martin, how many are they realistically good for against us at the CLA? In all the highlights I watched, their guards rely on the bigs getting doubled team and kicking the ball out to the open shooter. We don't double, so their guards will have to create their own shots. That will be difficult. I think they could have trouble just bringing the ball up the court against Raven and Fulwiley.

SD State's best chance to make this a game is to sag in the lane and hope we miss from the outside. They had the luxury of not guarding Fletcher until she got inside the free throw line last season. That won't fly this season. This would be a good game for Tessa Johnson to see some action. The open 3 will be there all night. Any word on her status?

 

[DarkCock]

Random note: Cameron Brink has made 72 consecutive free throws.

 

[Gamekem]

SD State's best chance to make this a game is to sag in the lane and hope we miss from the outside. They had the luxury of not guarding Fletcher until she got inside the free throw line last season. That won't fly this season. This would be a good game for Tessa Johnson to see some action. The open 3 will be there all night. Any word on her status?

 

[TN-Gamecock]

Should Dawn still go after Sarah Strong? Would that create a log jam at the forward position? Obviously Tac will take the Post. Dawn would then have Strong at the Power Forward and Edwards at the Small Forward position. Would that work? It would make for a heck of a frontcourt in 2 years.

I believe Dawn could snag her. Her mother is from SC and has stated on other sites that she wanted her to play for Dawn. It seems folks think she's UCONN's to lose. The Tarheels now think they have a shot since she just visited there. I don't want to see her at LSU or UNC.

 

[winloseortie]

I checked out what videos I could find of South Dakota State today. They're a well-coached defensive team. They held us to 62 last season, the 3rd lowest total of the season. This season they feature two low post players who can block/alter shots and take care of the defensive glass. They're one of the best in the country at defending the two; of course, you have to take into account they've played a weak schedule. They lost by one to Wisconsin on the road. Still, don't take it for granted we'll hit a 100 in the game. This team takes pride in their defense and they won't quit.

On the other side of the court....not so good. They only scored 44 against us last year. In their two wins this season, they only scored 55 points in both games. If they can only score 55 against UT-Martin, how many are they realistically good for against us at the CLA? In all the highlights I watched, their guards rely on the bigs getting doubled team and kicking the ball out to the open shooter. We don't double, so their guards will have to create their own shots. That will be difficult. I think they could have trouble just bringing the ball up the court against Raven and Fulwiley.

SD State's best chance to make this a game is to sag in the lane and hope we miss from the outside. They had the luxury of not guarding Fletcher until she got inside the free throw line last season. That won't fly this season. This would be a good game for Tessa Johnson to see some action. The open 3 will be there all night. Any word on her status?

SDS lost two starters before the season started with serious knee injuries. Haleigh Timmer 12ppg and started every gameKallie Theisen who was the first player off the bench 6ppg.

As you noted very well coached and fundamentally sound team. This is a great program, for who they are. They just do not have elite resources, height nor talent.

They played tough and smart last year and all things considered made it a very respectable game. I expect the same this year. Only problem for them is as you say we are just a different animal this year.

We get the experience of a smart and tough team that will do everything to frustrate us. How quick do we adjust?

 

[CockyGirl]

Should Dawn still go after Sarah Strong? Would that create a log jam at the forward position? Obviously Tac will take the Post. Dawn would then have Strong at the Power Forward and Edwards at the Small Forward position. Would that work? It would make for a heck of a frontcourt in 2 years.

I believe Dawn could snag her. Her mother is from SC and has stated on other sites that she wanted her to play for Dawn. It seems folks think she's UCONN's to lose. The Tarheels now think they have a shot since she just visited there. I don't want to see her at LSU or UNC.

I would love to know the behind the scenes info on Sarah Strong. From the outside it appears we never got any traction with her. Is it bc we were all in on Joyce?
Now that she has delayed her signing I wonder if she gives us more consideration.

 

[KingWard]

SDS lost two starters before the season started with serious knee injuries. Haleigh Timmer 12ppg and started every gameKallie Theisen who was the first player off the bench 6ppg.

As you noted very well coached and fundamentally sound team. This is a great program, for who they are. They just do not have elite resources, height nor talent.

They played tough and smart last year and all things considered made it a very respectable game. I expect the same this year. Only problem for them is as you say we are just a different animal this year.

We get the experience of a smart and tough team that will do everything to frustrate us. How quick do we adjust?

We'll crush them like bugs.

 

[DarkCock]

I would like to see a chart of Watkins' blocks. It seems like quite a few have been away from the basket. She should have more opportunities closer to the basket tonight.

 

[winloseortie]

View attachment 453900

I would like to see a chart of Watkins' blocks. It seems like quite a few have been away from the basket. She should have more opportunities closer to the basket tonight.

Couple of questions/thoughts. Fulwiley is averaging 33 points per 40 minutes, how is her rank in that stat.
I was stunned by Brink’s free throw stat when they talked about it. Just Wow!
Did Stanford’s guards look slow to you yesterday? Also can you explain Tara’s substitution pattern? Iriafen should be on the floor much more. She is killing it and also their guard sub pattern??

tia

 

[winloseortie]

We'll crush them like bugs.

Yes we will

BUT One of the things I really like about SDS is that are willing to play us and they don’t view the game as just a payday. They want to test themselves and they come to compete.

Hardly any P5 schools want to play them. Wary of the upset or even a close game and what it does for SOS and team psyche.

Hats off to the Jackrabbits

 

[adcoop]

Should Dawn still go after Sarah Strong? Would that create a log jam at the forward position? Obviously Tac will take the Post. Dawn would then have Strong at the Power Forward and Edwards at the Small Forward position. Would that work? It would make for a heck of a frontcourt in 2 years.

I believe Dawn could snag her. Her mother is from SC and has stated on other sites that she wanted her to play for Dawn. It seems folks think she's UCONN's to lose. The Tarheels now think they have a shot since she just visited there. I don't want to see her at LSU or UNC.

Don't discount NC State for Strong. Her father is from Great Falls, but played at NC State. Mother is the great Allison Feaster from Chester. She played at Harvard. There is a SC connection, but both parents have traveled a lot due to basketball. So, that connection may not be as strong as you think.

 

[DarkCock]

Couple of questions/thoughts. Fulwiley is averaging 33 points per 40 minutes, how is her rank in that stat.
I was stunned by Brink’s free throw stat when they talked about it. Just Wow!
Did Stanford’s guards look slow to you yesterday? Also can you explain Tara’s substitution pattern? Iriafen should be on the floor much more. She is killing it and also their guard sub pattern??

tia

Fuliwiley is 17th in points per 40 minutes and 16th in field goals made per 40.

Yes, Stanford once again lacks athleticism at the guard spot. The Cardinal dominated inside, but Duke's guards kept them in the game.

I'm not sure about Iriafen. Betts left because Tara didn't play her bigs together often enough (in her opinion). Maybe the lack of athleticism at the guard spot causes Tara to be reluctant to play two bigs and make the lineup even slower. Stanford has a really good fan board. I'll have to check them out. They are on top of all the team's issues.

 

[DarkCock]

This is a Stanford fan, not my thoughts, in case that's not clear.

 

[Gamekem]

Should Dawn still go after Sarah Strong? Would that create a log jam at the forward position? Obviously Tac will take the Post. Dawn would then have Strong at the Power Forward and Edwards at the Small Forward position. Would that work? It would make for a heck of a frontcourt in 2 years.

I believe Dawn could snag her. Her mother is from SC and has stated on other sites that she wanted her to play for Dawn. It seems folks think she's UCONN's to lose. The Tarheels now think they have a shot since she just visited there. I don't want to see her at LSU or UNC.

Only if Sarah is seriously interested. I still think it's a tough sell to get both Sarah and Joyce on the same team. Especially when we have numerous 4s already. The only way I see this working is if the goal is to make Sarah a wing primarily. I trust Dawn over most other coaches help her transition in that role if she wants that.

 

[Gamekem]

Unanimous #1 this week

 

[CockyGirl]

Don't discount NC State for Strong. Her father is from Great Falls, but played at NC State. Mother is the great Allison Feaster from Chester. She played at Harvard. There is a SC connection, but both parents have traveled a lot due to basketball. So, that connection may not be as strong as you think.

I read on another board (I think the-boneyard) that something has turned Strong and her family off of NC State. Of course could just be a rumor and they did not elaborate on what that "something" was. At this point its still really anyone's guess. She is not big on social media so its hard to learn anything about her recruitment except when others have reported seeing her at a school or women's basketball game.

 

[DarkCock]

No Tessa or Paopao tonight

 

[vacock]

No Tessa or Paopao tonight

Why no Paopao?

 

[DarkCock]

Why no Paopao?

Cautionary. I think she was limited against Clemson. She didn't play much in the 2nd half.

 

[DarkCock]

Chloe needs to be more aggressive on offense.

 

[Whiterockcock69]

View attachment 453900

I would like to see a chart of Watkins' blocks. It seems like quite a few have been away from the basket. She should have more opportunities closer to the basket tonight.

Watkins is a talented big strong player that can press a guard bringing the ball down court. She can play like a guard. Tonight she was just taking the ball from the offensive player. Very quick hands just like Raven and Fulwiley except she’s 6 2! She blocked one shot so hard tonight you could hear it in the stands and I’m 18 rows up. Sanja Jah is another one. She’s a beast defensively and is fast as hell built like a linebacker. And she’s dead on it every play. On defense she is smothering.

 

[Whiterockcock69]

Yes we will

BUT One of the things I really like about SDS is that are willing to play us and they don’t view the game as just a payday. They want to test themselves and they come to compete.

Hardly any P5 schools want to play them. Wary of the upset or even a close game and what it does for SOS and team psyche.

Hats off to the Jackrabbits

Yes we will

BUT One of the things I really like about SDS is that are willing to play us and they don’t view the game as just a payday. They want to test themselves and they come to compete.

Hardly any P5 schools want to play them. Wary of the upset or even a close game and what it does for SOS and team psyche.

Hats off to the Jackrabbits

Agree 100%. Very well coached and did not back down.

Don't discount NC State for Strong. Her father is from Great Falls, but played at NC State. Mother is the great Allison Feaster from Chester. She played at Harvard. There is a SC connection, but both parents have traveled a lot due to basketball. So, that connection may not be as strong as you think.

Danny Strong. Gamecocks wanted him I believe. Good player at NCSU.

 

[Whiterockcock69]

Chloe needs to be more aggressive on offense.

She’s seems quite aggressive to me. She’s a fighter and a good rebounder/assister. Little mean streak too. She’s a dawg.

 

[DarkCock]

She’s seems quite aggressive to me. He’s a fighter and a good rebounder/assister. Little mean streak too. She’s a dawg.

I mean shoot more. They were giving her the open shot in the mid-range. She was only 2-7 tonight, but I would be OK with her to continue looking to score, if the shot is there. No need to be tentative. She just need to find her confidence.

 

[SCcocks4ever]

South Carolina basketball won, but it also emphasized importance of Te-Hina Paopao

South Carolina women's basketball went 0-for-12 on 3-pointers with Te-Hina Paopao out, but it missed more than just her shot vs South Dakota State.

www.yahoo.com

Good win last night. However our 3 pt. shooting was a bit perplexing.

 

[Evilchicken]

It was the kind of performance that gets you bounced from the tourney.

 

[Gamecock Lincoln]

It was the kind of performance that gets you bounced from the tourney.

Good Lord, it was the 4th game with us missing two of our of 3 point shooters. We relied on defense which was stellar. Good lesson on how to win in different ways. If you've been paying attention to other teams, none are tournament ready and they don't have to be at this point. smh

 

[DarkCock]

Impressive performance. My scouting report was pretty good. I warned not to expect hit a hundred because they are a good defensive team. They'll be in the tournament. And I predicted that when I thought Paopao was playing. With her, we score more points. But she's also our weakest defender. Dawn turned up the pressure defense in her absence, forcing SD State into 21 turnovers. We also blocked 16 shots.They were worn out at the end, only scoring 6 in the 4th quarter.

If Tessa and Paopao didn't play last night, I doubt they play against Mississippi Valley. We don't play UNC until the 30th.

 

[Cockburn]

It was the kind of performance that gets you bounced from the tourney.

“40 point win”

 

[winloseortie]

It was the kind of performance that gets you bounced from the tourney.

Some truth to your statement but with no context and skewed so badly it has very little credence. It is a throwaway line from someone who is demonstrably negative.

shot horrendously from 3 and from ft line. You ignore the 3, bad night and missing your 2 best shooters. FT ARE A CONCERN. Injuries also become a concern, but that is just beyond control.

Fulwiley looked like a freshman and at 4 games into the season is not ready to run the point and still needs work on when to go and when to no.

I have concerns over Bree Hall’s offensive game and can envision Johnson or Fulwiley getting more minutes there IF they can step up their defensive game

CONTEXT

Beat a very tough, disciplined, defensive oriented team that will win their league and be in the tournament BY 40.

Only scored 78 BUT on a team that was only giving up 48ppg AND held them 20 points below their offensive average

Forced 21 turnovers and only had 7 on a night your second best ball handler sat.

16 BLOCKS and held them to 27% from the field.

it was a dominating but flawed performance

 

[DarkCock]

Some truth to your statement but with no context and skewed so badly it has very little credence. It is a throwaway line from someone who is demonstrably negative.

shot horrendously from 3 and from ft line. You ignore the 3, bad night and missing your 2 best shooters. FT ARE A CONCERN. Injuries also become a concern, but that is just beyond control.

Fulwiley looked like a freshman and at 4 games into the season is not ready to run the point and still needs work on when to go and when to no.

I have concerns over Bree Hall’s offensive game and can envision Johnson or Fulwiley getting more minutes there IF they can step up their defensive game

CONTEXT

Beat a very tough, disciplined, defensive oriented team that will win their league and be in the tournament BY 40.

Only scored 78 BUT on a team that was only giving up 48ppg AND held them 20 points below their offensive average

Forced 21 turnovers and only had 7 on a night your second best ball handler sat.

16 BLOCKS and held them to 27% from the field.

it was a dominating but flawed performance

Honestly, Fulwiley already has a much better defensive rating and defensive win share than Hall. I've watched Bree closely on defense the last 2 games to see if I can witness poor defense. I can't say anything stood out, but she isn't getting a lot of steals or defensive rebounds for a 3, certainly when compared to Beal last season, which is probably why her defensive rating is so low. She did rebound better last night, though.

I think Bree's role is to be the dependable veteran. She fills that role well. If Dawn is looking for more dynamic play, she has options this season. Hopefully, Tessa can come back soon and get prepared for the conference season.

 

[Prestonyte]

Angel Reese - Locker Room Issues according to the Dime Store Queen?

Reese is bad mouthing/blaming her teammates or her teammates are bad mouthing/blaming Reese?
Or did they just lock her out of the locker room?

LSU's Reese absent again as Mulkey keeps mum

LSU star forward Angel Reese was absent for a second straight game as the No. 7 Tigers beat Texas Southern 106-47. The team has not disclosed a reason.

www.espn.com

 

[adcoop]

Some truth to your statement but with no context and skewed so badly it has very little credence. It is a throwaway line from someone who is demonstrably negative.

shot horrendously from 3 and from ft line. You ignore the 3, bad night and missing your 2 best shooters. FT ARE A CONCERN. Injuries also become a concern, but that is just beyond control.

Fulwiley looked like a freshman and at 4 games into the season is not ready to run the point and still needs work on when to go and when to no.

I have concerns over Bree Hall’s offensive game and can envision Johnson or Fulwiley getting more minutes there IF they can step up their defensive game

CONTEXT

Beat a very tough, disciplined, defensive oriented team that will win their league and be in the tournament BY 40.

Only scored 78 BUT on a team that was only giving up 48ppg AND held them 20 points below their offensive average

Forced 21 turnovers and only had 7 on a night your second best ball handler sat.

16 BLOCKS and held them to 27% from the field.

it was a dominating but flawed performance

You can take very little from this game. It's a glorified practice where you get to see all of your players in a game-like situation and rest the ones that needs some recovery time from early-season injuries. Who cares if we beat this team by 30 or 70 points. Just get the "W" and continue to prepare for your next real game against UNC.

 

[winloseortie]

Angel Reese - Locker Room Issues according to the Dime Store Queen?

Reese is bad mouthing/blaming her teammates or her teammates are bad mouthing/blaming Reese?
Or did they lock her out of the locker room?

LSU's Reese absent again as Mulkey keeps mum

LSU star forward Angel Reese was absent for a second straight game as the No. 7 Tigers beat Texas Southern 106-47. The team has not disclosed a reason.

www.espn.com

I am trying to remember the last player DS suspended. I believe it was Te’a Cooper in the 18-19 season. Tried to look it up but couldn’t run it down

I am not sure but I believe it was either a 1 or 2 game suspension and Cooper sat with the team on the bench but not in uniform for the games. Staley was pretty up front as I remember.

I mention this because of Mulkey’s handling of the Reese situation. From her language I can’t decipher if Reese is suspended OR if Reese just decided to leave the team OR what?

Her handling of it could signal almost anything.
Thoughts?
Please also help me out on the Cooper situation from 18-19

 

[The Coast is Clear]

I am trying to remember the last player DS suspended. I believe it was Te’a Cooper in the 18-19 season. Tried to look it up but couldn’t run it down

I am not sure but I believe it was either a 1 or 2 game suspension and Cooper sat with the team on the bench but not in uniform for the games. Staley was pretty up front as I remember.

I mention this because of Mulkey’s handling of the Reese situation. From her language I can’t decipher if Reese is suspended OR if Reese just decided to leave the team OR what?

Her handling of it could signal almost anything.
Thoughts?
Please also help me out on the Cooper situation from 18-19

Was Rivers suspended in the NCAA tournament? And maybe during the season for a game or two? Or just did not play on a "coach's decision?"

 

[Prestonyte]

I am trying to remember the last player DS suspended. I believe it was Te’a Cooper in the 18-19 season. Tried to look it up but couldn’t run it down

I am not sure but I believe it was either a 1 or 2 game suspension and Cooper sat with the team on the bench but not in uniform for the games. Staley was pretty up front as I remember.

I mention this because of Mulkey’s handling of the Reese situation. From her language I can’t decipher if Reese is suspended OR if Reese just decided to leave the team OR what?

Her handling of it could signal almost anything.
Thoughts?
Please also help me out on the Cooper situation from 18-19

Just my thought but the ''locker room issue'' comment/excuse gives the insinuation of team dissention in the locker room. If not, I'm not sure what that means. The usual team rules violation or academic issues doesn't seem to fit the narrative.

 

[Gamecock Lincoln]

Was Rivers suspended in the NCAA tournament? And maybe during the season for a game or two? Or just did not play on a "coach's decision?"

Was never called a suspension but she did sit a game. When Dawn was asked about it, she said "coaches decision". She played the next game and no other mention was made. I don't remember if it was during the tournament or regular season.

 

[DarkCock]

Her play is outstanding right now.

 

[Dreaus]

If I would recommend any improvement in Cardoso's game at the moment, it would be on the defensive end. She doesn't need to swing down to get the impressive block. That gets you fouls. Just be big, stay vertical. The blocks will come to you. We may need to play a little more zone to help her against guards seeking her out in pick & roll situations. Otherwise, we will have to be in drop coverage and may be vulnerable to good shooters. She is a big girl, we can't expect her to be able to do everything.

I agree. I believe that she also needs another year in Dawn's system which will allow her to get stronger before WNBA play. She needs to get stronger in her lower body.

 

[TN-Gamecock]

ESPN Gurlz Hoops Recruiting Rankings by Team updated:

12124972.jpeg (1080×1080) (247sports.com)