I've managed to catch segments of Wednesday's and Friday's practices as the team prepares for tomorrow's trip to the UK and Spain, and thought I'd post a few thoughts on what I observed:
The squad looks like it's going to have more team speed than last year's group. Red shirt freshman Mikaela Boyd is completely healed from the ACL injury she incurred during her senior season in high school and kept her off of the active roster last season. She is going full tilt in the drills and appears to be the quickest/fastest player we've had on the court in some time.
Also showing serious wheels are freshmen guards Halee Printz and Sarah St-Fort. I think fans will take to both players once the season begins, especially Printz who was putting just about ever thing she threw up through the hoop. She's picked up Cullop's offense quickly and has a toughness about her that should stand her in good stead with Cullop.
Senior Brenae Harris will be a starter at one of the guard spots come the season, and last year's MAC FOY Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott will combine with the freshmen to make Toledo strong on the perimeter. Boyd appears to be the one true point guard but Printz is an excellent passer and may get a chance to direct the offense. I think that Boyd does need to work on her shooting before the season begins.
Sophie Reecher needs to have a break-out season at center as Toledo needs some muscle down on the low block. Freshman Kaayla McIntyre is a smooth post player, but if she is 6-2 as listed, then Reecher and center Nancy Kessler are both 6-5. I'm guessing that Mcntyre is a shade over 6-0. There was an article posted on this forum earlier this summer about Kessler working out at the wing. Whether that's in the cards for her this winter or not, she was working with the post players in the drills
Ana Capotosto is back for her final season and will probably be slotted at the wing. She brings a ton experience and leadership to the floor and, hopefully, her long distance shooting eye.
Junior Janice Monakana is still in the UK waiting for her teammates to arrive and she has to fit somewhere in Cullop's final rotation plans.
Sophomores Michaela Rasmussin and Jada Woody are also on the practice floor but they are question marks as to how they are going to help this squad.
I had hoped to see sophomore Lindsay Dorr participating in the drills but she is still rehabbing her knee and she may be a couple of months out from seeing the practice floor.
Former Rockets Inma Zanoguera and Haylie Linn were assisting the coaching staff with drills and advising the new players. Inma, of course, will be playing professionally in Europe and Linn is now the Director of Basketball Operations at South Dakota State University. Naama Shafir is also in Toledo but she was not at the Saturday practice, probably because of the Jewish Sabbath.
I like the two new assistant coaches, Tony Greene and Tiffany Swofford. Greene, especially, is active and vocal on the floor.
Great info as always! Thanks Fred!
Fred, You've seen more Lady Rocket basketball than anyone I know. What does your crystal ball say? Does this team have "it" to win? It's been a while since we've been the ncaa tournament.
(08-08-2015 07:28 AM)San Giuseppe Jato Rocket Wrote: [ -> ]Fred, You've seen more Lady Rocket basketball than anyone I know. What does your crystal ball say? Does this team have "it" to win? It's been a while since we've been the ncaa tournament.
Ah Signor Uomo Razzo:
Ball State and Ohio should be the preseason division favorites based on last season's performances and the returning talent on both clubs. The crystal ball says that if Toledo can get some consistent competent minutes from the low-post players and the perimeter players can contribute like I think they can, Toledo will have it's collective feet in the door and seriously challenge for conference supremacy.
Reecher just has to become more consistent; she's capable of putting up a double-double, ala 22 points and 11 rebounds against Eastern Michigan, or finishing a game with two or four points as was the case a number of times in 2014-15. McIntyre will also get plenty of opportunity to show why she was Co POY in Ohio season.
Playing a few games on the European trip will also lessen the hangover of losing Inma to graduation.
If the stars and planets align just right, and if the team can avoid any serious injuries, Toledo has more than a puncher's chance to go the distance.
It does seems like forever since that Ohio State escapee Tara Mitchem dropped 40 points on Toledo way back in 2001 to give SW Missouri State a win over UT in the first round of the NCAA Tourney.
McIntyre may be shorter than the listed 6'2", but I still think she's capable of playing the post for us. If that ends up being the case, then we would only need Reecher to be a solid back-up, which she is certainly capable of. The 4 spot would go to Monakana or Rasmussen, unless the Rockets wanted to go small, in which case Capotosto could play the 4 with Printz one of three guards in the lineup.
(08-08-2015 11:32 AM)Dwight Wrote: [ -> ]McIntyre may be shorter than the listed 6'2", but I still think she's capable of playing the post for us. If that ends up being the case, then we would only need Reecher to be a solid back-up, which she is certainly capable of. The 4 spot would go to Monakana or Rasmussen, unless the Rockets wanted to go small, in which case Capotosto could play the 4 with Printz one of three guards in the lineup.
McIntyre is quite capable of playing the post and probably has a greater array of post moves then the rest of the bigs, but my guess is that Reecher gets the start early on and it will play out after a few games. I like Monakana over Rasmussen at the 4 and Capotosto will play/can play any where except the point.
The team practiced from 3 until 5 today before preparing to leave on their trip.
Mikaela Boyd is still a streak if she stays healthy.
Melissa Goodall was at practice and looked ready for a game.
Goody and the coaching staff.
Another opinion from an OLD coach.
Fred made a lot of solid points. Here are a few of my observations from practice.
There were no players who stood out over the other players and no player who looked like a weak link. The good news is, that means the talent is deep which should help when injuries and fatigue set in.
I was impressed with how advanced the team is offensively and defensively. It looked like the coaches have picked up where they left off last season. The coaches are working on smaller details that couldn't be worked on the past two seasons. They can work on these things now because of the experience the returning players have and a freshmen class, who are blending in so fast. Last season there was more hesitation to everything because the players were trying to learn so much so fast. Now they are reacting to situations.
Fred was right. The team has good over all quickness, which means a faster moving offense and more intensity on the defensive end.
I am not going to go into each player but had a few observations. It is obvious that Sophie Reecher spend the summer working on her foot work, much improved. She is also the verbal and inspirational leader of the team. Nancy Kessler came back in great shape, stronger, and more confident. Michaela Rasmussen looks like she has grow at least an inch and half or more. That makes her even more of threat than we saw at times last seasons. I agree that Mikaela Boyd is the quickest player we have had in a long time. Of all the new players she is the one closest to having an immediate impact. She just needs time to learn the offensive and defensive sets. Now my opinion of the freshman everyone seems to be interested in, Kaayla McIntyre. Having watched her for years, I can honestly say she is the real deal. She has unlimited potential. Right now she is having trouble dealing with Sophie, Nancy, and Michaela. It is a tough adjustment for number 5 players coming out of high school. All of a sudden they are playing against players as tall or taller and some with more experience. I don't see her contributing like most want her too, including myself, until late in the season. There is a bigger learning curve for post players than perimeter players.
I like the freshmen class a lot and know the coaches do too. But I don't see any of them in the starting line until later in the season. That is a luxury the coaching staff didn't have the past two years. They can let the freshmen develop instead of having to force feed them.
I think Tony Greene will be a huge benefit to the program. He is a nice combination of enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience.
I wonder if Kaayla will get a chance to play on a wing much? I think her athleticism and quickness could be a weapon from outside the key?
Thanks everyone I just eat up any info on WBB
(08-10-2015 11:16 AM)bcunn3128 Wrote: [ -> ]I wonder if Kaayla will get a chance to play on a wing much? I think her athleticism and quickness could be a weapon from outside the key?
Great idea! I think she has all of the ability to play facing the basket. Right now she her outside shoot is very weak. It is something she didn't have to develop in high school. It would take some time for her to develop an outside shot, understand passing lanes, and driving lanes to the basket. The idea is a good one that can be accomplished with the good coaching she will receive with the Lady Rockets. The transition would be slow but she has the athletic ability to make it happen. Her height on the perimeter would give the Rockets a real passing threat entering the ball to post players.
(08-10-2015 10:37 AM)hwut1 Wrote: [ -> ]Another opinion from an OLD coach.
Fred made a lot of solid points. Here are a few of my observations from practice.
There were no players who stood out over the other players and no player who looked like a weak link. The good news is, that means the talent is deep which should help when injuries and fatigue set in.
I was impressed with how advanced the team is offensively and defensively. It looked like the coaches have picked up where they left off last season. The coaches are working on smaller details that couldn't be worked on the past two seasons. They can work on these things now because of the experience the returning players have and a freshmen class, who are blending in so fast. Last season there was more hesitation to everything because the players were trying to learn so much so fast. Now they are reacting to situations.
Fred was right. The team has good over all quickness, which means a faster moving offense and more intensity on the defensive end.
I am not going to go into each player but had a few observations. It is obvious that Sophie Reecher spend the summer working on her foot work, much improved. She is also the verbal and inspirational leader of the team. Nancy Kessler came back in great shape, stronger, and more confident. Michaela Rasmussen looks like she has grow at least an inch and half or more. That makes her even more of threat than we saw at times last seasons. I agree that Mikaela Boyd is the quickest player we have had in a long time. Of all the new players she is the one closest to having an immediate impact. She just needs time to learn the offensive and defensive sets. Now my opinion of the freshman everyone seems to be interested in, Kaayla McIntyre. Having watched her for years, I can honestly say she is the real deal. She has unlimited potential. Right now she is having trouble dealing with Sophie, Nancy, and Michaela. It is a tough adjustment for number 5 players coming out of high school. All of a sudden they are playing against players as tall or taller and some with more experience. I don't see her contributing like most want her too, including myself, until late in the season. There is a bigger learning curve for post players than perimeter players.
I like the freshmen class a lot and know the coaches do too. But I don't see any of them in the starting line until later in the season. That is a luxury the coaching staff didn't have the past two years. They can let the freshmen develop instead of having to force feed them.
I think Tony Greene will be a huge benefit to the program. He is a nice combination of enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience.
Has Sophie worked on catching the basketball????
The guards would not throw it inside to her because they knew she wouldn't catch it........
(08-10-2015 05:13 PM)hwut1 Wrote: [ -> ] (08-10-2015 11:16 AM)bcunn3128 Wrote: [ -> ]I wonder if Kaayla will get a chance to play on a wing much? I think her athleticism and quickness could be a weapon from outside the key?
Great idea! I think she has all of the ability to play facing the basket. Right now she her outside shoot is very weak. It is something she didn't have to develop in high school. It would take some time for her to develop an outside shot, understand passing lanes, and driving lanes to the basket. The idea is a good one that can be accomplished with the good coaching she will receive with the Lady Rockets. The transition would be slow but she has the athletic ability to make it happen. Her height on the perimeter would give the Rockets a real passing threat entering the ball to post players.
I would guess she will be a power forward, so I'm not sure an outside shot will be the #1 priority.
(08-10-2015 06:25 PM)Terry Wrote: [ -> ] (08-10-2015 10:37 AM)hwut1 Wrote: [ -> ]Another opinion from an OLD coach.
Fred made a lot of solid points. Here are a few of my observations from practice.
There were no players who stood out over the other players and no player who looked like a weak link. The good news is, that means the talent is deep which should help when injuries and fatigue set in.
I was impressed with how advanced the team is offensively and defensively. It looked like the coaches have picked up where they left off last season. The coaches are working on smaller details that couldn't be worked on the past two seasons. They can work on these things now because of the experience the returning players have and a freshmen class, who are blending in so fast. Last season there was more hesitation to everything because the players were trying to learn so much so fast. Now they are reacting to situations.
Fred was right. The team has good over all quickness, which means a faster moving offense and more intensity on the defensive end.
I am not going to go into each player but had a few observations. It is obvious that Sophie Reecher spend the summer working on her foot work, much improved. She is also the verbal and inspirational leader of the team. Nancy Kessler came back in great shape, stronger, and more confident. Michaela Rasmussen looks like she has grow at least an inch and half or more. That makes her even more of threat than we saw at times last seasons. I agree that Mikaela Boyd is the quickest player we have had in a long time. Of all the new players she is the one closest to having an immediate impact. She just needs time to learn the offensive and defensive sets. Now my opinion of the freshman everyone seems to be interested in, Kaayla McIntyre. Having watched her for years, I can honestly say she is the real deal. She has unlimited potential. Right now she is having trouble dealing with Sophie, Nancy, and Michaela. It is a tough adjustment for number 5 players coming out of high school. All of a sudden they are playing against players as tall or taller and some with more experience. I don't see her contributing like most want her too, including myself, until late in the season. There is a bigger learning curve for post players than perimeter players.
I like the freshmen class a lot and know the coaches do too. But I don't see any of them in the starting line until later in the season. That is a luxury the coaching staff didn't have the past two years. They can let the freshmen develop instead of having to force feed them.
I think Tony Greene will be a huge benefit to the program. He is a nice combination of enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience.
Has Sophie worked on catching the basketball????
The guards would not throw it inside to her because they knew she wouldn't catch it........
I would put her between two defenders and throw 100 passes to her with them swatting at the ball. At times that really hurt our offense. Then there were those magical, tantalizing moments like EMU. BTW, I'd do the same thing with Janice except I'd have two defenders swatting at her as she drives for 100 lay ups. Not sure what technique I'd use to help her make wide open lay ups with no one near her. That one's a puzzlement.
(08-10-2015 06:25 PM)Terry Wrote: [ -> ] (08-10-2015 10:37 AM)hwut1 Wrote: [ -> ]Another opinion from an OLD coach.
Fred made a lot of solid points. Here are a few of my observations from practice.
There were no players who stood out over the other players and no player who looked like a weak link. The good news is, that means the talent is deep which should help when injuries and fatigue set in.
I was impressed with how advanced the team is offensively and defensively. It looked like the coaches have picked up where they left off last season. The coaches are working on smaller details that couldn't be worked on the past two seasons. They can work on these things now because of the experience the returning players have and a freshmen class, who are blending in so fast. Last season there was more hesitation to everything because the players were trying to learn so much so fast. Now they are reacting to situations.
Fred was right. The team has good over all quickness, which means a faster moving offense and more intensity on the defensive end.
I am not going to go into each player but had a few observations. It is obvious that Sophie Reecher spend the summer working on her foot work, much improved. She is also the verbal and inspirational leader of the team. Nancy Kessler came back in great shape, stronger, and more confident. Michaela Rasmussen looks like she has grow at least an inch and half or more. That makes her even more of threat than we saw at times last seasons. I agree that Mikaela Boyd is the quickest player we have had in a long time. Of all the new players she is the one closest to having an immediate impact. She just needs time to learn the offensive and defensive sets. Now my opinion of the freshman everyone seems to be interested in, Kaayla McIntyre. Having watched her for years, I can honestly say she is the real deal. She has unlimited potential. Right now she is having trouble dealing with Sophie, Nancy, and Michaela. It is a tough adjustment for number 5 players coming out of high school. All of a sudden they are playing against players as tall or taller and some with more experience. I don't see her contributing like most want her too, including myself, until late in the season. There is a bigger learning curve for post players than perimeter players.
I like the freshmen class a lot and know the coaches do too. But I don't see any of them in the starting line until later in the season. That is a luxury the coaching staff didn't have the past two years. They can let the freshmen develop instead of having to force feed them.
I think Tony Greene will be a huge benefit to the program. He is a nice combination of enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience.
Has Sophie worked on catching the basketball????
The guards would not throw it inside to her because they knew she wouldn't catch it........
That has not been the case. Her hands have been good. Any post player has problems with passes inside that are too low or too late. At times in the past, she has had a habit of holding the ball too low, something she could get away with in high school, but that isn't a problem catching the ball. I think you have confused her with Richardson. If you go to practices, listen how many times Coach Cullop has gotten up set with the perimeter players for not looking for her and the other post players inside. While I am at practice there are repeated comments made about the perimeter players not looking inside numerous times. In fact she has tried to get the point across in many ways. Sometimes humorous and sometimes with line drills as a punishment. If I were to be critical of Sophia it would be for her passing up shoots and looking to pass the ball outside too quickly. I do want to add that working on her foot work has helped her to receive the ball better inside. Proper foot work puts post players in the proper position to catch a pass easier. Catching the ball in the proper position makes it easier to shoot or pass better. Those are some of the small things I mentioned earlier that are being worked on in practice this season.
(08-10-2015 11:03 PM)hwut1 Wrote: [ -> ] (08-10-2015 06:25 PM)Terry Wrote: [ -> ] (08-10-2015 10:37 AM)hwut1 Wrote: [ -> ]Another opinion from an OLD coach.
Fred made a lot of solid points. Here are a few of my observations from practice.
There were no players who stood out over the other players and no player who looked like a weak link. The good news is, that means the talent is deep which should help when injuries and fatigue set in.
I was impressed with how advanced the team is offensively and defensively. It looked like the coaches have picked up where they left off last season. The coaches are working on smaller details that couldn't be worked on the past two seasons. They can work on these things now because of the experience the returning players have and a freshmen class, who are blending in so fast. Last season there was more hesitation to everything because the players were trying to learn so much so fast. Now they are reacting to situations.
Fred was right. The team has good over all quickness, which means a faster moving offense and more intensity on the defensive end.
I am not going to go into each player but had a few observations. It is obvious that Sophie Reecher spend the summer working on her foot work, much improved. She is also the verbal and inspirational leader of the team. Nancy Kessler came back in great shape, stronger, and more confident. Michaela Rasmussen looks like she has grow at least an inch and half or more. That makes her even more of threat than we saw at times last seasons. I agree that Mikaela Boyd is the quickest player we have had in a long time. Of all the new players she is the one closest to having an immediate impact. She just needs time to learn the offensive and defensive sets. Now my opinion of the freshman everyone seems to be interested in, Kaayla McIntyre. Having watched her for years, I can honestly say she is the real deal. She has unlimited potential. Right now she is having trouble dealing with Sophie, Nancy, and Michaela. It is a tough adjustment for number 5 players coming out of high school. All of a sudden they are playing against players as tall or taller and some with more experience. I don't see her contributing like most want her too, including myself, until late in the season. There is a bigger learning curve for post players than perimeter players.
I like the freshmen class a lot and know the coaches do too. But I don't see any of them in the starting line until later in the season. That is a luxury the coaching staff didn't have the past two years. They can let the freshmen develop instead of having to force feed them.
I think Tony Greene will be a huge benefit to the program. He is a nice combination of enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience.
Has Sophie worked on catching the basketball????
The guards would not throw it inside to her because they knew she wouldn't catch it........
That has not been the case. Her hands have been good. Any post player has problems with passes inside that are too low or too late. At times in the past, she has had a habit of holding the ball too low, something she could get away with in high school, but that isn't a problem catching the ball. I think you have confused her with Richardson. If you go to practices, listen how many times Coach Cullop has gotten up set with the perimeter players for not looking for her and the other post players inside. While I am at practice there are repeated comments made about the perimeter players not looking inside numerous times. In fact she has tried to get the point across in many ways. Sometimes humorous and sometimes with line drills as a punishment. If I were to be critical of Sophia it would be for her passing up shoots and looking to pass the ball outside too quickly. I do want to add that working on her foot work has helped her to receive the ball better inside. Proper foot work puts post players in the proper position to catch a pass easier. Catching the ball in the proper position makes it easier to shoot or pass better. Those are some of the small things I mentioned earlier that are being worked on in practice this season.
I am not confused. Sophie Reecher and Yolonda Richardson look nothing alike........ I've seen Sophie miss many passes inside as well as rebounds directly to her.
(08-11-2015 07:15 PM)Terry Wrote: [ -> ] (08-10-2015 11:03 PM)hwut1 Wrote: [ -> ] (08-10-2015 06:25 PM)Terry Wrote: [ -> ] (08-10-2015 10:37 AM)hwut1 Wrote: [ -> ]Another opinion from an OLD coach.
Fred made a lot of solid points. Here are a few of my observations from practice.
There were no players who stood out over the other players and no player who looked like a weak link. The good news is, that means the talent is deep which should help when injuries and fatigue set in.
I was impressed with how advanced the team is offensively and defensively. It looked like the coaches have picked up where they left off last season. The coaches are working on smaller details that couldn't be worked on the past two seasons. They can work on these things now because of the experience the returning players have and a freshmen class, who are blending in so fast. Last season there was more hesitation to everything because the players were trying to learn so much so fast. Now they are reacting to situations.
Fred was right. The team has good over all quickness, which means a faster moving offense and more intensity on the defensive end.
I am not going to go into each player but had a few observations. It is obvious that Sophie Reecher spend the summer working on her foot work, much improved. She is also the verbal and inspirational leader of the team. Nancy Kessler came back in great shape, stronger, and more confident. Michaela Rasmussen looks like she has grow at least an inch and half or more. That makes her even more of threat than we saw at times last seasons. I agree that Mikaela Boyd is the quickest player we have had in a long time. Of all the new players she is the one closest to having an immediate impact. She just needs time to learn the offensive and defensive sets. Now my opinion of the freshman everyone seems to be interested in, Kaayla McIntyre. Having watched her for years, I can honestly say she is the real deal. She has unlimited potential. Right now she is having trouble dealing with Sophie, Nancy, and Michaela. It is a tough adjustment for number 5 players coming out of high school. All of a sudden they are playing against players as tall or taller and some with more experience. I don't see her contributing like most want her too, including myself, until late in the season. There is a bigger learning curve for post players than perimeter players.
I like the freshmen class a lot and know the coaches do too. But I don't see any of them in the starting line until later in the season. That is a luxury the coaching staff didn't have the past two years. They can let the freshmen develop instead of having to force feed them.
I think Tony Greene will be a huge benefit to the program. He is a nice combination of enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience.
Has Sophie worked on catching the basketball????
The guards would not throw it inside to her because they knew she wouldn't catch it........
That has not been the case. Her hands have been good. Any post player has problems with passes inside that are too low or too late. At times in the past, she has had a habit of holding the ball too low, something she could get away with in high school, but that isn't a problem catching the ball. I think you have confused her with Richardson. If you go to practices, listen how many times Coach Cullop has gotten up set with the perimeter players for not looking for her and the other post players inside. While I am at practice there are repeated comments made about the perimeter players not looking inside numerous times. In fact she has tried to get the point across in many ways. Sometimes humorous and sometimes with line drills as a punishment. If I were to be critical of Sophia it would be for her passing up shoots and looking to pass the ball outside too quickly. I do want to add that working on her foot work has helped her to receive the ball better inside. Proper foot work puts post players in the proper position to catch a pass easier. Catching the ball in the proper position makes it easier to shoot or pass better. Those are some of the small things I mentioned earlier that are being worked on in practice this season.
I am not confused. Sophie Reecher and Yolonda Richardson look nothing alike........ I've seen Sophie miss many passes inside as well as rebounds directly to her.
I am glad you know the difference. Then you are aware the Yolanda didn't start until her Junior year and Sophia has been forced to start since her freshmen year. Other than Linda Janicki she is the only number five to start as a freshmen. Yolanda had small hands that caused her to drop passed. But we all loved her. She was great shot blocker for her size. I can tell you, the coaches have been critical for two years about the perimeter players not looking inside to Sophie. It has nothing to do with the perimeter players not trusting Sophie to catch their passes. There is no time in a game for that kind of thinking, because the play is so fast. Plus the players have coaches yelling at them in practice to make that pass. Don't take my word on that, talk to the coaches about it. I am sure you know that the timing of an entering pass to a post player is extremely important. Last season the passes were not made at the right time. Too soon or too late will make catching a pass extremely difficult and if caught even more difficult to shoot or pass. Timing is everything. It is easy to find fault. The coaches have been working at correcting the problem. Think back to how many times in post game interviews the coaches made comments about the players not looking inside to post players. I am not building Sophia up but I am being realistic. Timing in life is everything. In basketball it is just as important. Sometimes pass have to made as players are in the process of making a cut. That is tough for in experienced players to do. I am glad you are helping keep interest in our Rockets going! Thank you!
(08-11-2015 09:27 PM)hwut1 Wrote: [ -> ] (08-11-2015 07:15 PM)Terry Wrote: [ -> ] (08-10-2015 11:03 PM)hwut1 Wrote: [ -> ] (08-10-2015 06:25 PM)Terry Wrote: [ -> ] (08-10-2015 10:37 AM)hwut1 Wrote: [ -> ]Another opinion from an OLD coach.
Fred made a lot of solid points. Here are a few of my observations from practice.
There were no players who stood out over the other players and no player who looked like a weak link. The good news is, that means the talent is deep which should help when injuries and fatigue set in.
I was impressed with how advanced the team is offensively and defensively. It looked like the coaches have picked up where they left off last season. The coaches are working on smaller details that couldn't be worked on the past two seasons. They can work on these things now because of the experience the returning players have and a freshmen class, who are blending in so fast. Last season there was more hesitation to everything because the players were trying to learn so much so fast. Now they are reacting to situations.
Fred was right. The team has good over all quickness, which means a faster moving offense and more intensity on the defensive end.
I am not going to go into each player but had a few observations. It is obvious that Sophie Reecher spend the summer working on her foot work, much improved. She is also the verbal and inspirational leader of the team. Nancy Kessler came back in great shape, stronger, and more confident. Michaela Rasmussen looks like she has grow at least an inch and half or more. That makes her even more of threat than we saw at times last seasons. I agree that Mikaela Boyd is the quickest player we have had in a long time. Of all the new players she is the one closest to having an immediate impact. She just needs time to learn the offensive and defensive sets. Now my opinion of the freshman everyone seems to be interested in, Kaayla McIntyre. Having watched her for years, I can honestly say she is the real deal. She has unlimited potential. Right now she is having trouble dealing with Sophie, Nancy, and Michaela. It is a tough adjustment for number 5 players coming out of high school. All of a sudden they are playing against players as tall or taller and some with more experience. I don't see her contributing like most want her too, including myself, until late in the season. There is a bigger learning curve for post players than perimeter players.
I like the freshmen class a lot and know the coaches do too. But I don't see any of them in the starting line until later in the season. That is a luxury the coaching staff didn't have the past two years. They can let the freshmen develop instead of having to force feed them.
I think Tony Greene will be a huge benefit to the program. He is a nice combination of enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience.
Has Sophie worked on catching the basketball????
The guards would not throw it inside to her because they knew she wouldn't catch it........
That has not been the case. Her hands have been good. Any post player has problems with passes inside that are too low or too late. At times in the past, she has had a habit of holding the ball too low, something she could get away with in high school, but that isn't a problem catching the ball. I think you have confused her with Richardson. If you go to practices, listen how many times Coach Cullop has gotten up set with the perimeter players for not looking for her and the other post players inside. While I am at practice there are repeated comments made about the perimeter players not looking inside numerous times. In fact she has tried to get the point across in many ways. Sometimes humorous and sometimes with line drills as a punishment. If I were to be critical of Sophia it would be for her passing up shoots and looking to pass the ball outside too quickly. I do want to add that working on her foot work has helped her to receive the ball better inside. Proper foot work puts post players in the proper position to catch a pass easier. Catching the ball in the proper position makes it easier to shoot or pass better. Those are some of the small things I mentioned earlier that are being worked on in practice this season.
I am not confused. Sophie Reecher and Yolonda Richardson look nothing alike........ I've seen Sophie miss many passes inside as well as rebounds directly to her.
I am glad you know the difference. Then you are aware the Yolanda didn't start until her Junior year and Sophia has been forced to start since her freshmen year. Other than Linda Janicki she is the only number five to start as a freshmen. Yolanda had small hands that caused her to drop passed. But we all loved her. She was great shot blocker for her size. I can tell you, the coaches have been critical for two years about the perimeter players not looking inside to Sophie. It has nothing to do with the perimeter players not trusting Sophie to catch their passes. There is no time in a game for that kind of thinking, because the play is so fast. Plus the players have coaches yelling at them in practice to make that pass. Don't take my word on that, talk to the coaches about it. I am sure you know that the timing of an entering pass to a post player is extremely important. Last season the passes were not made at the right time. Too soon or too late will make catching a pass extremely difficult and if caught even more difficult to shoot or pass. Timing is everything. It is easy to find fault. The coaches have been working at correcting the problem. Think back to how many times in post game interviews the coaches made comments about the players not looking inside to post players. I am not building Sophia up but I am being realistic. Timing in life is everything. In basketball it is just as important. Sometimes an entry pass have to made as player is in the process of making a cut. That is tough for in experienced players to do. I am glad you are helping to keep interest in our Rockets going! I am sorry if you thought I was being serious about Sophie and Yolanda, I was just trying to make a point. You are a true Rocket fan. We need more like you! Go Blue!
Another plus of all that ht available in the post is the opportunity for "put backs" and offensive rebounds, be it from the center or a miscalculated outside shot. Am optimistic about this team once they are more in sync, hopefully early in OOC play.