First, it was incredible to finally see this team play. So much anticipation leading up to the start of the season. Overall, an average effort at best. Some really great things, especially early, and some messy things to work on as well. BUT… the season has begun!
After coming out gangbusters in Q1, the rest of the game was largely disappointing. Again, this is a DIVISION 2 TEAM. 29-21 in Q2, 19-17 in Q3 – that is troubling. But with the reserves in for Q4, much better. And the FT shooting – flat out awful. But Q1 and Q4 were things of beauty.
Ft Hayes State plays HARD and they are very well coached. Really impressed with them.
Paige was Paige. 9 assists. Passed up numerous shots to dish to teammates. She may not even average 15 PPG this season if this game is any indication, but man, can she do everything.
Dorka – better than anticipated. To my eyes, she’s the most complete post player on the team. A wide variety of post moves, better mid-range and deep shooting than Liv or Liya, and solid defense as well. Really liking her game a lot.
Olivia – Not sure I saw any real improvement over last season. Geno threw down the gauntlet last season saying that if Olivia plays this year like she did last year, she will lose minutes to others (or he will look to others for scoring etc.). Rooting for her, but not sure she’s any better than last season.
Aaliyah – Getting more minutes now and more of a chance to show what she can do. Not a ton of post moves, but so strong and able to get open around the basket, and the guards were great about finding her. I see her getting a lot of time this season. I can see her and Dorka on the floor a lot together.
Azzi – didn’t notice her defense much, and she missed a few shots. Mostly I saw was her knocking down 3 point shots. Tremendous shooting in the 1st half. 2nd half, not so much.. And some nice court vision for a great pass to Liya in Q4.
Christyn – had a 3 point shot that was an air-ball, but other than that, her offense looked tight. Didn’t notice her much on defense. Almost 30 minutes for her in the exhibition game was surprising.
Evina – some solid shooting early on. Very smooth.
Caroline - ragged early on - missed everything, but really put together a terrific Q4 and showed a lot of what she is capable of doing.
Nika - if she is disappointed in losing out starting spot, it didn't show. Played noticeably hard defense and showed a deft passing touch and some good scoring when she had the change.
Mir - great seeing her get minutes. Could not tell if she worked on her mid-range game at all
Piath - You go girl!!
Amari - Looked solid, but like a freshman
Overall, great to see the team out there playing. Some really good things to grow on, but definitely some things to work on. Defense was surprisingly porous n Q2 and Q3.
