Notre Dame 2024-25 Season

[Dillon77]

I like that with Westbeld's return we're going to have 15 fouls to give against teams with dominant bigs like Prince and Betts. Plus, Westbeld and Karlen can really run the court, which will be a challenge for bigs to keep up.

And both Karlen and Westbeld can extend their range, which is also difficult for most bigs to adjust to. Karlen demonstrated that against UNC, which both Coach Banghart and Alyssa Ustby commented on during the UNC post-game presser. Westbeld will start using and getting that distinctive stroke of hers shortly, I'm sure.

 

[sivad40]

And both Karlen and Westbeld can extend their range, which is also difficult for most bigs to adjust to. Karlen demonstrated that against UNC, which both Coach Banghart and Alyssa Ustby commented on during the UNC post-game presser. Westbeld will start using and getting that distinctive stroke of hers shortly, I'm sure.

You didn't feel slighted when Banghart pretty much said that ND had to shoot lights out to win and that ND has pretty great offensive team and she has a great defensive team. Notre Dame is ranked higher in most defensive categories that UNC is.

 

[Dillon77]

You didn't feel slighted when Banghart pretty much said that ND had to shoot lights out to win and that ND has pretty great offensive team and she has a great defensive team. Notre Dame is ranked higher in most defensive categories that UNC is.

Is there a question and/or an accusation in there?

Assuming it's a question: Did I take offense at Courtney Banghart's overall stance at her post-game press conference?
Several Benchers did, citing points you did and multiple others. A day or three removed from it:

• Banghart was obviously trying to pump up her team throughout the presser taking the "yes, we lost, but played really well" card throughout both her opening statement and in response to questions.
• As is her wont, for better or worse, her straight-forward answers can be both off-putting and/or confusing if you let them.
• She made a comment about telling her team to persevere despite the officials. Last anyone checked, ND had 12 fouls called on them and UNC 9. Plus, ND was called for some pretty strict traveling calls. Both teams probably had gripes.
• Also had a chuckle with a back-handed complement about ND's guards getting rebounds (Miles had 7), then slighting Hannah Hidalgo's physical play in getting them. HH only had 3 rebounds in that game (normally she gets 6).
• What I would've liked to have heard: some acknowledgement that both teams played hard and tip of the hat to ND for doing so and shooting well. Instead, the shooting almost seemed like an indictment. A brief show of graciousness can go a long way.

However, like Coach B, I'm more concerned about my team, ND. The Irish and Coach Ivey (who did give UNC credit as a very tough place to play), got another solid win for the resume. Time to play Wake Forest at home and Clemson on the road. Let's see how UNC and Duke do....

 

[DallasDomer]

Is there a question and/or an accusation in there?

Assuming it's a question: Did I take offense at Courtney Banghart's overall stance at her post-game press conference?
Several Benchers did, citing points you did and multiple others. A day or three removed from it:

• Banghart was obviously trying to pump up her team throughout the presser taking the "yes, we lost, but played really well" card throughout both her opening statement and in response to questions.
• As is her wont, for better or worse, her straight-forward answers can be both off-putting and/or confusing if you let them.
• She made a comment about telling her team to persevere despite the officials. Last anyone checked, ND had 12 fouls called on them and UNC 9. Plus, ND was called for some pretty strict traveling calls. Both teams probably had gripes.
• Also had a chuckle with a back-handed complement about ND's guards getting rebounds (Miles had 7), then slighting Hannah Hidalgo's physical play in getting them. HH only had 3 rebounds in that game (normally she gets 6).
• What I would've liked to have heard: some acknowledgement that both teams played hard and tip of the hat to ND for doing so and shooting well. Instead, the shooting almost seemed like an indictment. A brief show of graciousness can go a long way.

However, like Coach B, I'm more concerned about my team, ND. The Irish and Coach Ivey (who did give UNC credit as a very tough place to play), got another solid win for the resume. Time to play Wake Forest at home and Clemson on the road. Let's see how UNC and Duke do....

Was Banghart the one that said Hidalgo got away with very physical play because she's so short or am I thinking of someone else?

If so I don't see her point. Hidalgo drives and might get called for a charge but most times she will end up on the floor after taking contact from the bigs. Plus that's three or four shots at the refs so when does she get fined?

 

[Dillon77]

Was Banghart the one that said Hidalgo got away with very physical play because she's so short or am I thinking of someone else?

If so I don't see her point. Hidalgo drives and might get called for a charge but most times she will end up on the floor after taking contact from the bigs. Plus that's three or four shots at the refs so when does she get fined?

It was Banghart who thought HH got away with physical play, which I'm still trying to send some sense in, given that most Irish fans on these boards know that quickness and doggedness are her traits. Olivia is a physical rebounder, but once again not a major part of her game. Really think Banghart started grasping at straws by the end of the presser...

 

[cancontent]

Is there a question and/or an accusation in there?

Assuming it's a question: Did I take offense at Courtney Banghart's overall stance at her post-game press conference?
Several Benchers did, citing points you did and multiple others. A day or three removed from it:

• Banghart was obviously trying to pump up her team throughout the presser taking the "yes, we lost, but played really well" card throughout both her opening statement and in response to questions.
• As is her wont, for better or worse, her straight-forward answers can be both off-putting and/or confusing if you let them.
• She made a comment about telling her team to persevere despite the officials. Last anyone checked, ND had 12 fouls called on them and UNC 9. Plus, ND was called for some pretty strict traveling calls. Both teams probably had gripes.
• Also had a chuckle with a back-handed complement about ND's guards getting rebounds (Miles had 7), then slighting Hannah Hidalgo's physical play in getting them. HH only had 3 rebounds in that game (normally she gets 6).
• What I would've liked to have heard: some acknowledgement that both teams played hard and tip of the hat to ND for doing so and shooting well. Instead, the shooting almost seemed like an indictment. A brief show of graciousness can go a long way.

However, like Coach B, I'm more concerned about my team, ND. The Irish and Coach Ivey (who did give UNC credit as a very tough place to play), got another solid win for the resume. Time to play Wake Forest at home and Clemson on the road. Let's see how UNC and Duke do....

Coach Banghart seems to be working her way through her list of ways to "endear" herself with her ACC rivals. She covered NC State and Duke with comments about the Triad area and arena sizes. It was only a matter of time she expanded out of state.

Reminds me of the meme where the Grim Reaper is walking onto the next door. If there isn't a bingo card already, we could create one.

 

[Frankus]

A few thoughts from watching last night's game live.

I'll start with what is my biggest concern about this team. I don't know how highly regarded Wake's Hinds and Cowles are, but they had their way physically at the hoop with Karlen, Koval and Westbeld. Perhaps Ivey was looking to see how they'd match up without help, but they failed and were repeatedly outmuscled inside. Inside strength is our biggest weakness.

It was good to see Maddy score from 3 and pass inside from the elbow. She is thinner and quicker than she was two years ago.

OM and HH had a "showtime" type game. You could tell they were having fun and playing a bit looser than normally. This made for some fantastically fun moments and a few mistakes.

We have another gear defensively where we can quickly devastate teams. After our 10-0 start, Wake then outscored us something like 15-13. We then kicked in that defensive gear, forced turnovers, missed shots and got easy transition scores. It's a noticeable trait and is the result of our quick athleticism.

Emma R in boot. Watson with a noticeable limp. Bransford looks like they're transforming her as they did Maddy. A very scary moment with HH. She looked distraught for awhile on the bench, but then smiled that golden smile, which was (hopefully) a sign that her injury wasn't bad. I'd rather have her sit till she's 100% than have her return sooner.

Not a great game for Cass. She's a bit of an offense enigma.

Liatu is indispensable due to her ability to rebound and score inside. If Wake had two excellent guards, I wonder if she would have played the entire game. Her ability to quickly leap and quickly release the ball on her inside shot is what distinguishes her inside. Defensively she's stronger than she looks and has quick hands.

Until Koval can be more physical, she's going to struggle. Despite her height advantage, she got outmuscled last night. Work in progress, but I don't expect dramatic improvement by tourney time.

Another relatively quiet night for Soni. I think NI is checking out her depth and Soni is monitoring the landscape with her. OM hit her with an incredible pass for a back door cut layup.

Ivey has to be disappointed with Karlen's defense/rebounding last night. We have enough shooters. We need her to defend and rebound

 

[DallasDomer]

A few thoughts from watching last night's game live.

I'll start with what is my biggest concern about this team. I don't know how highly regarded Wake's Hinds and Cowles are, but they had their way physically at the hoop with Karlen, Koval and Westbeld. Perhaps Ivey was looking to see how they'd match up without help, but they failed and were repeatedly outmuscled inside. Inside strength is our biggest weakness.

It was good to see Maddy score from 3 and pass inside from the elbow. She is thinner and quicker than she was two years ago.

OM and HH had a "showtime" type game. You could tell they were having fun and playing a bit looser than normally. This made for some fantastically fun moments and a few mistakes.

We have another gear defensively where we can quickly devastate teams. After our 10-0 start, Wake then outscored us something like 15-13. We then kicked in that defensive gear, forced turnovers, missed shots and got easy transition scores. It's a noticeable trait and is the result of our quick athleticism.

Emma R in boot. Watson with a noticeable limp. Bransford looks like they're transforming her as they did Maddy. A very scary moment with HH. She looked distraught for awhile on the bench, but then smiled that golden smile, which was (hopefully) a sign that her injury wasn't bad. I'd rather have her sit till she's 100% than have her return sooner.

Not a great game for Cass. She's a bit of an offense enigma.

Liatu is indispensable due to her ability to rebound and score inside. If Wake had two excellent guards, I wonder if she would have played the entire game. Her ability to quickly leap and quickly release the ball on her inside shot is what distinguishes her inside. Defensively she's stronger than she looks and has quick hands.

Until Koval can be more physical, she's going to struggle. Despite her height advantage, she got outmuscled last night. Work in progress, but I don't expect dramatic improvement by tourney time.

Another relatively quiet night for Soni. I think NI is checking out her depth and Soni is monitoring the landscape with her. OM hit her with an incredible pass for a back door cut layup.

Ivey has to be disappointed with Karlen's defense/rebounding last night. We have enough shooters. We need her to defend and rebound

Koval fouled out a couple of games likely because of her physical play. She likely pulled back on her play and to stay in the game. Some of it is from inconsistent ACC refs, some from an unknown fouling bigger names, some of it is from her learning what to do in different situations. She needs to not get a reputation as a foul prone player so the tournament refs don't take the easy path. It will take time but you're right Karlen should have done better.

 

[Dillon77]

Koval fouled out a couple of games likely because of her physical play. She likely pulled back on her play and to stay in the game. Some of it is from inconsistent ACC refs, some from an unknown fouling bigger names, some of it is from her learning what to do in different situations. She needs to not get a reputation as a foul prone player so the tournament refs don't take the easy path. It will take time but you're right Karlen should have done better.

Wake's best quarter was the third, which was virtually a tie in terms of points. Both Gebbia and Ivey played their starters quite a bit so Wake's forwards were having success against Karlen and King. As good with her hands and rebounding that King is, she often is slightly out of place at times (me thinks she's looking at the ball or looking to double it up). As a result, you'll see a lot of weakside cuts on her. Or, people will do to King what she does: attack the boards. Can be cleaned up. I'll be interested to see what transpires against Clemson, who lost to UVA but beat both Cal and Stanford when they came to Littejohn Arena.

BTW, in just a few sequences, you could see how the addition of Westbeld will help Koval. Kate just positioned herself and Westbeld delivered the right kind of pass. This could be fun...

 

[Dillon77]

In her second game back of the 2024-25 season, Maddy Westbeld decided to do more than "fit in" against Wake Forest and scored 14 points in just under 18 pts (6-11 overall), while grabbing 6 boards. One of them was this three from the corner. Adding Westbeld's multi-level scoring is what Irish fans have been waiting for, as well has her unflappable demeanor.

 

[Frankus]

Wake's best quarter was the third, which was virtually a tie in terms of points. Both Gebbia and Ivey played their starters quite a bit so Wake's forwards were having success against Karlen and King. As good with her hands and rebounding that King is, she often is slightly out of place at times (me thinks she's looking at the ball or looking to double it up). As a result, you'll see a lot of weakside cuts on her. Or, people will do to King what she does: attack the boards. Can be cleaned up. I'll be interested to see what transpires against Clemson, who lost to UVA but beat both Cal and Stanford when they came to Littejohn Arena.

BTW, in just a few sequences, you could see how the addition of Westbeld will help Koval. Kate just positioned herself and Westbeld delivered the right kind of pass. This could be fun...

I see the fun offensively. Defensively not so much. We'll see. It's early, but it's a concern, because there are teams with powerul bigs who have athletic guards that will knock down kick out shots when we have to double inside due to our lack of inside power. I'm looking forward to seeing if there are any strategic changes when this happens again in ACC play, and more fight from Koval/Karlen/Westbeld.