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Notre Dame 2023-24 Season (merged)

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Dillon77 said:
Notre Dame Rout Over Northwestern Marred by 3rd Qtr. Injury to Sonia Citron

After scoring 19 points in the first half and adding another 4 in the third quarter, Sonia Citron's knee was hit by teammate Cass Prosper, who fell into it. Citron lied on the floor for a few minutes, while the ND team huddled and the arena went silent.

ND went on to (more than) double up N'Western, 110-52. Citron's 23 and Hidalgo's 21 led the Irish, who had 5 players in double figures.
Everyone on the Irish scored and KK Bransford made her first appearance of the year. Still, it's a bittersweet win for the Irish, who have to wait on a report for the player Niele Ivey refers to as the "glue" of her Irish squad.

Best to Soni.
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No way…how horrible. They can’t catch a break.

Hoping for the best. She is a great player and has always seemed like a consummate teammate.
 
Geew1992 said:
Ugh…. Way too many injuries. Let’s hope it isn’t serious
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I watched the game and it seemed like it could be serious based on how the hit was taken. She was standing with straight legs under the basket and her teammate fell into her right leg around the knee area, pushing it in the wrong direction. I am no doctor but I feel like that is a recipe for a ACL or MCL tear or strain. But hopefully it is minor.
 
GamecockFam said:
I watched the game and it seemed like it could be serious based on how the hit was taken. She was standing with straight legs under the basket and her teammate fell into her right leg around the knee area, pushing it in the wrong direction. I am no doctor but I feel like that is a recipe for a ACL or MCL tear or strain. But hopefully it is minor.
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Your description mirrors everyone that has rewatched portions of this sequence. Kind of reminds me of when someone rolls up on an unsuspecting offensive lineman. At best, a hyperextension...at worst, what you described. Soni is considered the ultimate teammate and "the glue" by Coach Ivey, so everyone connected with the ND WBB program is holding their breath.

Next morning edit: Here's the play that led to the inury:

 
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GamecockFam said:
I watched the game and it seemed like it could be serious based on how the hit was taken. She was standing with straight legs under the basket and her teammate fell into her right leg around the knee area, pushing it in the wrong direction. I am no doctor but I feel like that is a recipe for a ACL or MCL tear or strain. But hopefully it is minor.
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Saw it as well and that was my first thought. Like you, hoping it's minor.
 
Dillon77 said:
Notre Dame Rout Over Northwestern Marred by 3rd Qtr. Injury to Sonia Citron

After scoring 19 points in the first half and adding another 4 in the third quarter, Sonia Citron's knee was hit by teammate Cass Prosper, who fell into it. Citron lied on the floor for a few minutes, while the ND team huddled and the arena went silent.

ND went on to (more than) double up N'Western, 110-52. Citron's 23 and Hidalgo's 21 led the Irish, who had 5 players in double figures.
Everyone on the Irish scored and KK Bransford made her first appearance of the year. Still, it's a bittersweet win for the Irish, who have to wait on a report for the player Niele Ivey refers to as the "glue" of her Irish squad.

Best to Soni.
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Dang!! I flipped to another game before all this happened. Sonia was cooking in that 1st half. I feel bad for her and hope that it isn't anything too serious.
 
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CardsWBBfan said:
This is terrible. Hoping for the best for Sonia. I never want to see a player injured.
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It's got to be pure anguish for Coach Ivey. Olivia Miles and Sonia Citron committed to Ivey within a week of Ivey getting the HC job and those commitments meant the world to her, not just on the court but as an emotional boost. You can see the affection Ivey has whenever they're together and the reliance she has on her play. Sigh.
 
Good play for Kylee Watson of Notre Dame: a rebound-tip pass to Maddy Westbeld, followed by two lay-ups vs. Illiinois.

 


Irish led by 24 each by Maddy Westbeld (pictured above) and Hannah Hidalgo, who also had 8 assists and 6 steals. Maddy shot 10-16 from the field, including 3-3 from three-pt. land, and snared 8 rebounds.

Guard KK Bransford, in only her second game back from injury, played 28 minutes and scored 11 points. Many of those were as a result of her 6 offensive rebounds in which she was fouled, making 6-8 free throws. KK played quite a bit with the absence of Sonia Citron.

Best news of the post-game was that Coach Ivey said Citron suffered a knee sprain, will not need surgery and is expected back within a few weeks. Will follow that closely, but if the prognosis is firm, that's great news for all concerned.
 
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Worrisome that ND was not able to control the drives of Illinois' top three scorers and given the crazy refereeing most drives ended with a foul call. This spiralled into being more careful defending drives and the cycle continues.

Some of that will sort out as ND gets used to playing without Sonia but I think the defense has work to do.
 
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DallasDomer said:
Worrisome that ND was not able to control the drives of Illinois' top three scorers and given the crazy refereeing most drives ended with a foul call. This spiralled into being more careful defending drives and the cycle continues.

Some of that will sort out as ND gets used to playing without Sonia but I think the defense has work to do.
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It’s a little puzzling because I thought ND’s defense was pretty good last year and Hidalgo is a huge upgrade over Mabrey.
 
GoChips20 said:
It’s a little puzzling because I thought ND’s defense was pretty good last year and Hidalgo is a huge upgrade over Mabrey.
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I think you gotta look at it like Hidalgo is replacing Miles and Dewolfe is replacing Mabrey.

Miles was a pretty good defender, ans has the potential to be better. Her defense is closer to Hidalgo's, but Hannah's is obviously better. Dewolfe is replacing Mabrey and seems to be a similar defender. If Miles and Hidalgo played the 1 and 2 their defense would be a lot better.

Prosper showed promise as a 3 defensively last season when she entered early, but she has been struggling so far. She has the physical tools, she just needs to get her fundamentals down. She is going from a 4 in HS to a 3 in college. There's going to be a learning curve.

Bransford is coming back from injury and is a smart and good defender. I think she should be in the starting lineup instead of Prosper while Citron is out. And honestly remain a starter when she comes back and replace Dewolfe.
 
Geew1992 said:
Any news on citron
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At the post-game press conference, Coach Ivey said Citron had suffered a "knee sprain" and expects her back in "in a few weeks." Now "a few" is somewhat open-ended, but the good news is they expect her back and relatively soon. If she can come back by the ACC portion of the schedule, all the better.
 
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Reypl21 said:
I think you gotta look at it like Hidalgo is replacing Miles and Dewolfe is replacing Mabrey.

Miles was a pretty good defender, ans has the potential to be better. Her defense is closer to Hidalgo's, but Hannah's is obviously better. Dewolfe is replacing Mabrey and seems to be a similar defender. If Miles and Hidalgo played the 1 and 2 their defense would be a lot better.

Prosper showed promise as a 3 defensively last season when she entered early, but she has been struggling so far. She has the physical tools, she just needs to get her fundamentals down. She is going from a 4 in HS to a 3 in college. There's going to be a learning curve.

Bransford is coming back from injury and is a smart and good defender. I think she should be in the starting lineup instead of Prosper while Citron is out. And honestly remain a starter when she comes back and replace Dewolfe.
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Everything you and @DallasDomer point out about the defense is accurate.
However, I think there are two main things at play:
1) ND's lineup is in flux, which is obvious, but needs to be (re)stated. Citron was/is not just the glue of the team on offense, but also is on defense. She takes on the toughest player on the opposition if the Irish go man and is a key defender in the 2-3 zone.

With Soni out, Niele had a decision to go with Cass Prosper or Kiki Bransford, who would be playing in only her second game. She went with Prosper, which didn't look like such a good move as the Illini's McKenzie blew by her time and again.

2) I think ND was betwixt and between on how to defend the Illini. They came into the game shooting very well from outside. Plus, Hidalgo is something of a weapon defensively, but that's best done with the Irish man on man or in match-ups So the Illini decided to go at the rest of the Irish and boy, did they ever.

The saving grace? Illinois only had 5 -- that's right -- five assists. Plus they had more than 20 turnovers. While ND gave up drives, they sure did put pressure on Illinois' ballhandlers.

You should come over to The Bench and see how that group of Irish supporters think time allotments should be allocated. Bransford has the ability to man several position -- she had 6 offensive rebounds -- so she'll get a lot of playing time, even when Sonia comes back.
At this point, I'm not even thinking of what happens if and when Miles comes back.
Until then, enjoy the Hidalgo train.
 
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Dillon77 said:
At the post-game press conference, Coach Ivey said Citron had suffered a "knee sprain" and expect her back in "in a few weeks." Now "a few" is somewhat open-ended, but the good news is they expect her back and relatively soon. If she can come back by the ACC portion of the schedule, all the better.
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The text I heard was a couple of weeks. I interpreted that as two but ???
 
DallasDomer said:
The text I heard was a couple of weeks. I interpreted that as two but ???
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Virtually the entire McGraw's Bench is going on the premise of a "few." As noted in my earlier post, "few" could/should mean 2-4 (at most) in my mind; but I've seen some say 6. The key to me -- beyond good health -- is getting her back in gear for the ACC portion of the schedule. With a little luck, a game before that. Fits the high end of the time frame. We'll see ....
 
Dillon77 said:
Virtually the entire McGraw's Bench is going on the premise of a "few." As noted in my earlier post, "few" could/should mean 2-4 (at most) in my mind; but I've seen some say 6. The key to me -- beyond good health -- is getting her back in gear for the ACC portion of the schedule. With a little luck, a game before that. Fits the high end of the time frame. We'll see ....
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Though an avid WBB fan I mostly lurk on this forum, but I had left you a previous reply on this one so I would catch any updates.

I was so hoping to hear something good because. I felt bummed thinking about how snake-bitten both these UConn and ND teams have been. Then it was announced Azzi has yet another knee issue and I am dreading bad news again.

While the number of weeks might be in question, I am just so relieved to see it’s not going to be a year! How refreshing just for once, to see a player’s knee injury turned out to be less severe than expected. Happy she will be back on the court this season.

I can only pray Azzi will be as fortunate as this. This is a sign that makes me believe in knee miracles. Crossing my fingers.
 
Jumper33 said:
Though an avid WBB fan I mostly lurk on this forum, but I had left you a previous reply on this one so I would catch any updates.

I was so hoping to hear something good because. I felt bummed thinking about how snake-bitten both these UConn and ND teams have been. Then it was announced Azzi has yet another knee issue and I am dreading bad news again.

While the number of weeks might be in question, I am just so relieved to see it’s not going to be a year! How refreshing just for once, to see a player’s knee injury turned out to be less severe than expected. Happy she will be back on the court this season.

I can only pray Azzi will be as fortunate as this. This is a sign that makes me believe in knee miracles. Crossing my fingers
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Thanks for the note.
Back in the day, my family doctor referred to this kind of injury as a "wrench" as in something wrenched past the normal axis of functionality, but not torn (well, no MRI's then). I had a few of them (knee, elbow) playing sports. I was praying Soni wrenched her knee when I saw it, as opposed to getting it blown up, like an offensive lineman when rolled into by a falling teammate.

Knock on wood, we'll see if this plays out with Soni. As for Azzi, boy...it's been pins and needles for quite a few years for her, right? Hope for some good news in Storrs, too.
 
High praise from The Athletic's Sabreena Marchant regarding Hannah Hidlago's defensive performances and effect on Notre Dame, overall.

Notre Dame’s one-woman wrecking crew​

"From a fifth-year senior to an audacious rookie, the state of guard play in college basketball is at an all-time high. It’s hard to believe that Hidalgo is in her first year at Notre Dame, because she has commanded that team on both ends of the floor like a seasoned veteran. The injuries to Olivia Miles and now Sonia Citron (though coach Niele Ivey was relieved to reveal that Citron should be back in a few weeks) have given Hidalgo more responsibility for the Irish, but it seems like — with her confidence — she would have seized a larger role regardless.

"Hidalgo has been a one-woman wrecking crew for Notre Dame, and it’s fitting that the player who sealed a gold medal for Team USA at the FIBA U-19 World Cup this summer with a steal has brought that level of defensive prowess to South Bend. She is averaging nearly seven takeaways per game — for context, 117 teams in Division I are recording fewer — and had a 12-steal night that tied a program record with fellow New Jersey fireball Marina Mabrey.

"It’s baffling to see opposing teams try to bring the ball up against her full-court pressure or go right at Hidalgo on defense without attempting to screen her off the ball. She has an unending motor as a point of attack defender and tremendous instincts in help defense. Notre Dame is 22.1 points per 100 possessions better on defense alone when Hidalgo is on the court, which seems like a misprint until you realize opponents turn over the ball 11 percent more often in those minutes. Two weeks into her college career, Hidalgo might be the most exciting defensive playmaker in the country."

Dillon druthers:

- Commentators and posters here on the Boneyard and The Bench have also scratched their head on why teams have not set high screens all the time or have a forward come back to receive a pass then give it to another guard. At the very least, you save time on the shot clock. At the best, avoid a turnover.

- With Olivia Miles still sidelined and now Sonia Citron out for awhile, one shudders to think where the Irish would be without the Queen, as CocoHusky used to refer to Hidalgo. Luckily, Maddy Westbeld stepped up big time against Illini and will continue to do so. But the Queen is ruling so far.

- "...fellow New Jersey fireball Marina Mabrey." ;)
 
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ND Will Unveil a Statue of Muffet McGraw Outside the Joyce Center Prior to Purdue Game in December

Appropriate that it will happen before the recurrence of the Purdue game. MM-led teams played the Boilermakers often; including ND (and McGraw's) first National Championship, which included Ruth Riley and the current Irish coach, Niele Ivey.

There are a number of statues of coaches outside of the football stadium (Rockne, Leahy, Parseghian, Holz) and one of an athletic director (Moose Krause) by the ACC (Joyce Center), but this is the first of a basketball coach...and woman.

Congrats to Muffet McGraw, family, friends, former players and ND.

P.S. Wonder if the statue will catch her in the (impossible to me) pose of kneeling down in heels, which she did for most of every game. :eek:;)

fightingirish.com

Notre Dame to Unveil Muffet McGraw Statue on Dec. 17

fightingirish.com fightingirish.com
 
Dillon77 said:
High praise from The Athletic's Sabreena Marchant regarding Hannah Hidlago's defensive performances and effect on Notre Dame, overall.

Notre Dame’s one-woman wrecking crew​

"From a fifth-year senior to an audacious rookie, the state of guard play in college basketball is at an all-time high. It’s hard to believe that Hidalgo is in her first year at Notre Dame, because she has commanded that team on both ends of the floor like a seasoned veteran. The injuries to Olivia Miles and now Sonia Citron (though coach Niele Ivey was relieved to reveal that Citron should be back in a few weeks) have given Hidalgo more responsibility for the Irish, but it seems like — with her confidence — she would have seized a larger role regardless.

"Hidalgo has been a one-woman wrecking crew for Notre Dame, and it’s fitting that the player who sealed a gold medal for Team USA at the FIBA U-19 World Cup this summer with a steal has brought that level of defensive prowess to South Bend. She is averaging nearly seven takeaways per game — for context, 117 teams in Division I are recording fewer — and had a 12-steal night that tied a program record with fellow New Jersey fireball Marina Mabrey.

"It’s baffling to see opposing teams try to bring the ball up against her full-court pressure or go right at Hidalgo on defense without attempting to screen her off the ball. She has an unending motor as a point of attack defender and tremendous instincts in help defense. Notre Dame is 22.1 points per 100 possessions better on defense alone when Hidalgo is on the court, which seems like a misprint until you realize opponents turn over the ball 11 percent more often in those minutes. Two weeks into her college career, Hidalgo might be the most exciting defensive playmaker in the country."

Dillon druthers:

- Commentators and posters here on the Boneyard and The Bench have also scratched their head on why teams have not set high screens all the time or have a forward come back to receive a pass then give it to another guard. At the very least, you save time on the shot clock. At the best, avoid a turnover.

- With Olivia Miles still sidelined and now Sonia Citron out for awhile, one shudders to think where the Irish would be without the Queen, as CocoHusky used to refer to Hidalgo. Luckily, Maddy Westbeld stepped up big time against Illini and will continue to do so. But the Queen is ruling so far.

- "...fellow New Jersey fireball Marina Mabrey." ;)
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Hannah is a THAT young lady!! Holy smokes! She got game for days.
 
Notre Dame Goes on the Road and Gets A Post-Thanksgiving Win

According to the attached ND press release, "In a Black Friday road contest, No. 17 Notre Dame (5-1) beat a previously undefeated Ball State (5-1) squad, 90-59. The Irish have posted at least 90 points in four of the last five games."

Hidalgo's final stat line was: 25 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 8 steals, a great deal of which came in the first half. ,Anna DeWolfe had her best game in an Irish uniform with 17 points, 5 assists and 6 rebounds. She was 3-5 from deep. Additionally, Nat Marshall had 12 points, marking the first time in her career that she’s been in double-figures in back-to-back games.

ND outscored Ball State 42-16 in the paint, many of which came on 13 second-chance points, led by Nat Marshalls three offensive rebounds. While ND had 15 steals, Ball State had 13 of their own.

Next up for the Irish is a trip to Tennessee on Nov. 29th.



fightingirish.com

DeWolfe, Hidalgo Stuff Stat Sheet in 90-59 Win Over Cardinals

fightingirish.com fightingirish.com
 
Dillon77 said:
Notre Dame Goes on the Road and Gets A Post-Thanksgiving Win

According to the attached ND press release, "In a Black Friday road contest, No. 17 Notre Dame (5-1) beat a previously undefeated Ball State (5-1) squad, 90-59. The Irish have posted at least 90 points in four of the last five games."

Hidalgo's final stat line was: 25 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 8 steals, a great deal of which came in the first half. ,Anna DeWolfe had her best game in an Irish uniform with 17 points, 5 assists and 6 rebounds. She was 3-5 from deep. Additionally, Nat Marshall had 12 points, marking the first time in her career that she’s been in double-figures in back-to-back games.

ND outscored Ball State 42-16 in the paint, many of which came on 13 second-chance points, led by Nat Marshalls three offensive rebounds. While ND had 15 steals, Ball State had 13 of their own.

Next up for the Irish is a trip to Tennessee on Nov. 29th.



fightingirish.com

DeWolfe, Hidalgo Stuff Stat Sheet in 90-59 Win Over Cardinals

fightingirish.com fightingirish.com
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Go Irish beat the Vols!
 
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