You know you are becoming a good team when you turned the ball over more times than your opponent and only out-rebounded the opponent by 2. This is what happened tonight. Towson play JMU tough in the first part of the first half. About halfway through the first half the two teams were in a slug fest and were knotted at 15 a piece. Whatever Coach Brooks told his team during a time out must have worked because that was the last time the team was tied and it was the point at which JMU began to pull away. By halftime, JMU would open up a 15 point lead and would lead 40-25.
The second half was a continuation of the first half and surprisingly the inside game was stout. It had been stout all game long. There were a few times when the team played sloppy, but for the most part the team was exceptional. When it was all said and done, 5 players would end up in double figures, a true testament of the strong inside game. Kirby Burkholder led the Dukes with 15 points, 6 rebonds, and 4 assist; Tarik Hislop with 14 points, 5 assist; Giggets was a beast inside, scoring a double-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds; Shepherd was outstanding inside with 12 points; and Hall
with 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assist.
Giggets played well today and she deserves all the accolades thrown her way, she was tough, chased after the ball, and showed why she is a player to reckon with. Shepherd, what can I say, this has got to be one of her best games. She shot the ball well and she wasn't afraid to make the turn around jumper. Over the last few games, she has really come on strong.
Final: JMU wins 75-61.
Note: Gwathmey finished the game with 7 points, 6 rebounds. With Drexel losing tonight, JMU moves into 2nd place in the CAA.
Next game is Sunday at William and Mary starting at 2 PM. The Tribe are on a 3 game winning streak. They beat a good ODU squad this past Sunday, so I am sure they are looking to shock the Dukes. The last meeting between the two squads, JMU won 82-52.
Game notes: http://www.jmusports.com/newLiveStats/Basketball/index.dbml?GAME_STAT_ID=715605&db_oem_id=14400
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Second Half Propels JMU Past Hofstra
If you watched the first half, you knew that JMU missed many opportunities. They would throw the ball away, turn the ball over because of steals, rebounds were far and few, and if it wasn't for Kirby Burkholder's hot hand, JMU would have gone into the half down, how much is something to debate. JMU found themselves down 8 points at one time in the first half, but would be able to put together a few stops, a few more rebounds, and some nice shots, especially from Kirby. Kirby who scored 11 of the first 16 points of the game would end up finishing the half with 16 points. It would be noted by Coach Kenny Brooks in the post game that the team was in fact taken back by how quick Hofstra was playing, and they certainly were playing fast and hard. Hoftra looked good, really good in the first half, however, JMU would come back and lead at the half 40-37.
The second half started off about the same as the first half, except this time, JMU went to the zone, pressed a little more, and was able to shut down their star center (Shante Evans) who was shredding JMU's defense in the first half down. From this, JMU began to rebound well, get a few more defensive stops, and build the lead to 23 points before the end of the game. It was a great second half effort by the Lady Dukes who held the Pride to 25 points. It was where Jazmon Gwathmey would shine. The stats won't show it, but she did a great job boxing out players, disrupting passes, and getting rebounds. Kirby Burkholder though, was the star of this game, she played 29 minutes and scored 28 points. She had nice moves that would fake out the defender and she shot the three really well, even with hands in her face. Tarik Hislop also had a strong game and gave the team some much needed shots when things were looking grim. She finished the game with 20 points. Hall also had a good game and finished the game with 16 points.
With this game, JMU improves to 6-1 in the conference and 12-7 overall. Next game is at Towson on Thursday at 7 PM. Towson is a team that has been struggling, especially with injuries. While they have only won one game in conference, JMU cannot sleep on them. Any team can beat another in conference play.
Final 85-62 JMU.
Side Note: Kanita Shepherd deserves some mad props. She was great defensively in this game. Had some wonderful blocks.
Game Notes: http://www.jmusports.com/newLiveStats/Basketball/index.dbml?GAME_STAT_ID=714338&db_oem_id=14400
The second half started off about the same as the first half, except this time, JMU went to the zone, pressed a little more, and was able to shut down their star center (Shante Evans) who was shredding JMU's defense in the first half down. From this, JMU began to rebound well, get a few more defensive stops, and build the lead to 23 points before the end of the game. It was a great second half effort by the Lady Dukes who held the Pride to 25 points. It was where Jazmon Gwathmey would shine. The stats won't show it, but she did a great job boxing out players, disrupting passes, and getting rebounds. Kirby Burkholder though, was the star of this game, she played 29 minutes and scored 28 points. She had nice moves that would fake out the defender and she shot the three really well, even with hands in her face. Tarik Hislop also had a strong game and gave the team some much needed shots when things were looking grim. She finished the game with 20 points. Hall also had a good game and finished the game with 16 points.
With this game, JMU improves to 6-1 in the conference and 12-7 overall. Next game is at Towson on Thursday at 7 PM. Towson is a team that has been struggling, especially with injuries. While they have only won one game in conference, JMU cannot sleep on them. Any team can beat another in conference play.
Final 85-62 JMU.
Side Note: Kanita Shepherd deserves some mad props. She was great defensively in this game. Had some wonderful blocks.
Game Notes: http://www.jmusports.com/newLiveStats/Basketball/index.dbml?GAME_STAT_ID=714338&db_oem_id=14400
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Precious Hall Shines In Win
Not too take away anything from the other great players JMU has on their roster, but you cannot miss how good of a player Precious "P" Hall is becoming. This is a freshman, a two-time CAA rookie of the week, and a player that just seems to get better and better with each game. Hall who lit it up in the 2nd half was able to hit three 3-pointers at the beginning of the second half to help the Dukes break open the game. She deserves some big time props tonight. Hall had 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 of the 12 team steals. If you are not on the Precious "P" Hall bandwagon, you may want to get on for the ride.
We shouldn't forget Kirby Burkholder. She was also instrumental in getting the Dukes going. At the end of the first half. Kirby would hit a heavily contested 3-point shot that would put the Dukes ahead for good. Kirby was 4-5 from the 3-point, mainly in the first half. She finished the game with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Congratulations to Kirby Burkholder for passing Tamera Young's 3-point total.
The first half was nothing to be proud of, in fact, JMU was being out-rebounded. It just didn't seem like the Dukes could get anything going and if it wasn't for the many George Mason turnovers and a stout JMU defense, JMU would probably be looking at a deficit. Instead, because mainly of Burkholder's timely shots and Hall's steals, JMU finished the half up 28-24.
The second half started fast a furious and it was in these defining minutes where JMU would jump to a 24 point lead. For the first 7 minutes of half, JMU used a 24-4 run to extend their lead to 50-28. From there the team started to get a little sloppy and would allow Mason to get back within 14 points. Ultimately, JMU would win this game 71-55.
Hofstra is going to be a good game. Both have a tendency to start off slow and both teams are 5-1. The game is also regionally televised on Comcast. Be there if you can and make the convo loud! Game starts at 5:30PM Sunday.
Game notes: http://www.jmusports.com/newLiveStats/Basketball/index.dbml?GAME_STAT_ID=709659&db_oem_id=14400
We shouldn't forget Kirby Burkholder. She was also instrumental in getting the Dukes going. At the end of the first half. Kirby would hit a heavily contested 3-point shot that would put the Dukes ahead for good. Kirby was 4-5 from the 3-point, mainly in the first half. She finished the game with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Congratulations to Kirby Burkholder for passing Tamera Young's 3-point total.
The first half was nothing to be proud of, in fact, JMU was being out-rebounded. It just didn't seem like the Dukes could get anything going and if it wasn't for the many George Mason turnovers and a stout JMU defense, JMU would probably be looking at a deficit. Instead, because mainly of Burkholder's timely shots and Hall's steals, JMU finished the half up 28-24.
The second half started fast a furious and it was in these defining minutes where JMU would jump to a 24 point lead. For the first 7 minutes of half, JMU used a 24-4 run to extend their lead to 50-28. From there the team started to get a little sloppy and would allow Mason to get back within 14 points. Ultimately, JMU would win this game 71-55.
Hofstra is going to be a good game. Both have a tendency to start off slow and both teams are 5-1. The game is also regionally televised on Comcast. Be there if you can and make the convo loud! Game starts at 5:30PM Sunday.
Game notes: http://www.jmusports.com/newLiveStats/Basketball/index.dbml?GAME_STAT_ID=709659&db_oem_id=14400
Sunday, January 20, 2013
JMU Wins 65-49.
The first half was anything but pretty and both teams struggled to hold on to the ball and have their shots fall. The first half ended with a combined 20 turnovers and a score of 23-17 in favor of JMU. The second half was a different story and only featured 9 combined turnovers. In this game, Precious Hall shined. She scored 18 points and had 8 rebounds, 2 assist, and 3 steals. Kirby Burkholder also had a good game and scored a total of 17 points and 7 rebounds. Tarik Hislop led the Dukes with 20 point and 4 assist. Other players of note, Jazmon Gwathmey had 9 rebounds and Crystal Ross with 5 rebounds.
The second half started slow and baskets were hard to come by. Georgia State would cut the lead down to 1 point with 10:50 to play. JMU from that point on, began to take the game over, scoring 7 points in a span of 2 minutes (7-0 run). Georgia State had one last mini-run against the Dukes, but would only get within 4 points. JMU's defense picked up, rebounding also picked up and the basket for the Dukes finally opened up. From about the 8 minute mark on, it was all JMU. What makes this contest interesting is the free throw shooting. Dukes only missed one free throw the entire game. The missed FT came from Precious Hall with about a minute to play. They went 16-17 from the FT line.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Georgia State/George Mason Previews
Georgia State/Fake GSU - Sunday at 12 Noon @ GSU
If you picked Georgia State to be last in the conference then you will be surprised that they are actually one of the better teams in the league. Their record stands at 9-6, but 1-3 in conference play. But let's be honest, their loses came to the top teams in the Conference, Northeastern, Old Dominion, and Hofstra. Their one win in the conference came against Towson who has yet to win a conference game. JMU cannot sleep on this team and to make things worse, this game was moved to 12 noon, in order to accommodate the Atlanta Falcons, therefore there probably will not be that many fans in the stands. They have two main scorers in Kendra Long who averages 11.1 ppg and 2.3 steals per game. The other scorer is Kayla Nolan who has been averaging about 10.5 ppg and close to 6 rebounds a game. Both can and do hit this 3-pointer, but Kendra is your better 3-point shooter. The other player to watch out for is their Center Cody Paulk who averages 9.6 ppg and 8.5 rebounds. This team does have a balanced offense and will certainly try to find the inside for points. They are also a good perimeter defensive team so there may be few opportunities for 3-point shots. Hopefully Crystal Ross and Kanita Shepherd will be able to keep Paulk at bay.
George Mason/GMCC - Thursday at 7 PM @ GMU
This team is 6-9 overall, 1-3 in conference play with their only win in conference play coming against Towson. Their three loses are to Northeastern Delaware, and Hofstra. This team struggles to make shots and are averaging a eFG% 35.9. They have three players that get 9 points or better per game. Their best shooter and greater 3 point threat is Rahneeka Saunders who averages 11.6 ppg and 2.6 assist per game. The next best shooter is Janaa Pickard who is averaging 9.1 ppg and 5.3 rebounds per game. The other player is Amber Easter who averages 9.5 ppg and 7 rebounds per game. Defensively JMU looks like the better team. Mason is allowing about 62 points per game, but are only scoring about 55 points per game. They are going to play JMU tough.
If you picked Georgia State to be last in the conference then you will be surprised that they are actually one of the better teams in the league. Their record stands at 9-6, but 1-3 in conference play. But let's be honest, their loses came to the top teams in the Conference, Northeastern, Old Dominion, and Hofstra. Their one win in the conference came against Towson who has yet to win a conference game. JMU cannot sleep on this team and to make things worse, this game was moved to 12 noon, in order to accommodate the Atlanta Falcons, therefore there probably will not be that many fans in the stands. They have two main scorers in Kendra Long who averages 11.1 ppg and 2.3 steals per game. The other scorer is Kayla Nolan who has been averaging about 10.5 ppg and close to 6 rebounds a game. Both can and do hit this 3-pointer, but Kendra is your better 3-point shooter. The other player to watch out for is their Center Cody Paulk who averages 9.6 ppg and 8.5 rebounds. This team does have a balanced offense and will certainly try to find the inside for points. They are also a good perimeter defensive team so there may be few opportunities for 3-point shots. Hopefully Crystal Ross and Kanita Shepherd will be able to keep Paulk at bay.
George Mason/GMCC - Thursday at 7 PM @ GMU
This team is 6-9 overall, 1-3 in conference play with their only win in conference play coming against Towson. Their three loses are to Northeastern Delaware, and Hofstra. This team struggles to make shots and are averaging a eFG% 35.9. They have three players that get 9 points or better per game. Their best shooter and greater 3 point threat is Rahneeka Saunders who averages 11.6 ppg and 2.6 assist per game. The next best shooter is Janaa Pickard who is averaging 9.1 ppg and 5.3 rebounds per game. The other player is Amber Easter who averages 9.5 ppg and 7 rebounds per game. Defensively JMU looks like the better team. Mason is allowing about 62 points per game, but are only scoring about 55 points per game. They are going to play JMU tough.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Collective Effort Puts The Tribe Away
This was another game in which everyone contributed. Everyone who played got at least one point and if they didn't score many points they rebounded the ball well. Tonight the team played well, tonight they rebounded well, and tonight they defended very well. Tarik Hislop led the way with 21 points, Precious Hall had 14 points-the majority of those points from the three point line and in the first half and 5 assist. Kirby Burkholder had 12 points and 9 rebounds. Toia Giggets while only scoring one point was a beast under the basket and grabbing 11 rebounds. Kanita Shepherd had another great pass block, Crystal Ross showed power under the basket, Jasmine Gill showed her agility driving to the basket and Jazmon Gwathmey continues to show her inside toughness. It truly was a fun game to watch.
Two players I would like to praise tonight Destiny Jones and Angela "Muff" Mickens both of whom deserve a lot of credit. First Destiny Jones, what a player she is becoming. She is tough and she has a great looking shot. Her tenacity under the basket in grabbing the ball and going up for shots is something to behold. It was fun watching her defend Emily Correal (21 pts, 11rbs). In the first half Correal had, I believe, 14 points. But when Destiny Jones was in the game, Correal had trouble getting to the basket. She is going to be a great player for JMU, one that is going to give you that hard nosed, grind it out, kind of player.
Angela "Muff" Mickens, oh my goodness, watching her come back in the game after being out for several games was amazing. Someone stated that she is a game changer and when she fully learns the college game, watch out. I have watched her several times already, but tonight was something special. This may have been the first game she had a good understanding of what is going on. She was only credited with 4 steals and 8 points, but it seemed like she had a lot more. Her speed and athleticism gave the Tribe a lot of fits. I remember at least two fast breaks after a steal and another where she was fighting for the ball and out of no where she comes out with the game driving toward the basket. Another amazing steal was like her being a cornerback on a football team. It felt like she was a good 5-10 ft away from the ball. But when the ball was passed she followed the ball and cut the pass off, then getting a fast break for 2 points.
Overall the team has been playing well and with the exception of letting the Drexel game slip past them, the future is bright. If this team continues to improve and consistently have their 3 best shooters shooting well, including an inside game, this team is going to be extremely tough to beat.
Final: JMU wins 82-52
Game notes: http://www.jmusports.com/newLiveStats/Basketball/index.dbml?GAME_STAT_ID=714153&db_oem_id=14400
Two players I would like to praise tonight Destiny Jones and Angela "Muff" Mickens both of whom deserve a lot of credit. First Destiny Jones, what a player she is becoming. She is tough and she has a great looking shot. Her tenacity under the basket in grabbing the ball and going up for shots is something to behold. It was fun watching her defend Emily Correal (21 pts, 11rbs). In the first half Correal had, I believe, 14 points. But when Destiny Jones was in the game, Correal had trouble getting to the basket. She is going to be a great player for JMU, one that is going to give you that hard nosed, grind it out, kind of player.
Angela "Muff" Mickens, oh my goodness, watching her come back in the game after being out for several games was amazing. Someone stated that she is a game changer and when she fully learns the college game, watch out. I have watched her several times already, but tonight was something special. This may have been the first game she had a good understanding of what is going on. She was only credited with 4 steals and 8 points, but it seemed like she had a lot more. Her speed and athleticism gave the Tribe a lot of fits. I remember at least two fast breaks after a steal and another where she was fighting for the ball and out of no where she comes out with the game driving toward the basket. Another amazing steal was like her being a cornerback on a football team. It felt like she was a good 5-10 ft away from the ball. But when the ball was passed she followed the ball and cut the pass off, then getting a fast break for 2 points.
Overall the team has been playing well and with the exception of letting the Drexel game slip past them, the future is bright. If this team continues to improve and consistently have their 3 best shooters shooting well, including an inside game, this team is going to be extremely tough to beat.
Final: JMU wins 82-52
Game notes: http://www.jmusports.com/newLiveStats/Basketball/index.dbml?GAME_STAT_ID=714153&db_oem_id=14400
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Dukes Hold Off The Huskies
Have to give props to Tarik Hislop for her game winning 3-point shot that left 2.9 seconds on the clock. It was a beautiful shot. A fan commented how it was very Michael Jordanesqe. She had two defenders guarding her and somehow still managed to get the shot off. So a lot of kudos to her for a good looking shot.
The first half was rough, no doubt about it. Shots were not falling, rebounds were few and Northeastern just seemed to have their way with the JMU defense. On many occasions Jewel Tuntsell would find a way to get open for easy layups. The same thing happened in the second half, but this time the team played with more energy and even with the lopsided foul deferential (12-6 I think in the second half) the team played strong. The ending almost reminded me of the Drexel game, but with a better ending. We were up by 8 points with about 4 minutes to play and would surrender the lead with 26 seconds left when Northeastern tied it up. But with seconds left, Tarik would hit the game winning 3-point shot and JMU would win 68-65.
Some critique and of course some pat on the backs. The critique-really felt there were times when players tried to do too much, such as Precious Hall and Tarik Hislop. Several times they drove to the basket with players being open. But I guess in the heat of the moment sometimes you are not thinking about that. Other critiques are ball handling under the basket. A few times when players went up for a shot, they would would lose possession of the ball or miss the basket completely. Other than those few things, the team did well. For starters, the team played with a greater intensity, the team really rallied around each other, and players became hot at the right moment. Kirby had some timely 3-point shots and scored 20 points and 10 rebounds. Tarik Hislop had 19 points and 4 assist. Precious Hall had 11 points and 5 assist. I would also like to give Kanita Shepherd props. On several possessions, she was the sole reason why JMU got defensive stops. I remember one stop she had when she blocked the pass and then right after the blocked pass disrupted another pass allowing her teammate to grab the loose ball. It was a very good play. She had a total of 4 offensive rebounds.
While this may not have been the prettiest game, it was a game with guts. It was a relief that the game did not end up like the Drexel game. Congratulations ladies and I hope you continue to play strong.
Notes: http://www.jmusports.com/newLiveStats/Basketball/index.dbml?GAME_STAT_ID=714150&db_oem_id=14400
Good article by Mathew Stoss on Rivals about today's win http://jamesmadison.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1459611
Congrats to Rookie Precious "P" Hall for being named CAA Rookie of the week for the 2nd time this season! http://www.jmusports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14400&ATCLID=205967867
The first half was rough, no doubt about it. Shots were not falling, rebounds were few and Northeastern just seemed to have their way with the JMU defense. On many occasions Jewel Tuntsell would find a way to get open for easy layups. The same thing happened in the second half, but this time the team played with more energy and even with the lopsided foul deferential (12-6 I think in the second half) the team played strong. The ending almost reminded me of the Drexel game, but with a better ending. We were up by 8 points with about 4 minutes to play and would surrender the lead with 26 seconds left when Northeastern tied it up. But with seconds left, Tarik would hit the game winning 3-point shot and JMU would win 68-65.
Some critique and of course some pat on the backs. The critique-really felt there were times when players tried to do too much, such as Precious Hall and Tarik Hislop. Several times they drove to the basket with players being open. But I guess in the heat of the moment sometimes you are not thinking about that. Other critiques are ball handling under the basket. A few times when players went up for a shot, they would would lose possession of the ball or miss the basket completely. Other than those few things, the team did well. For starters, the team played with a greater intensity, the team really rallied around each other, and players became hot at the right moment. Kirby had some timely 3-point shots and scored 20 points and 10 rebounds. Tarik Hislop had 19 points and 4 assist. Precious Hall had 11 points and 5 assist. I would also like to give Kanita Shepherd props. On several possessions, she was the sole reason why JMU got defensive stops. I remember one stop she had when she blocked the pass and then right after the blocked pass disrupted another pass allowing her teammate to grab the loose ball. It was a very good play. She had a total of 4 offensive rebounds.
While this may not have been the prettiest game, it was a game with guts. It was a relief that the game did not end up like the Drexel game. Congratulations ladies and I hope you continue to play strong.
Notes: http://www.jmusports.com/newLiveStats/Basketball/index.dbml?GAME_STAT_ID=714150&db_oem_id=14400
Good article by Mathew Stoss on Rivals about today's win http://jamesmadison.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1459611
Congrats to Rookie Precious "P" Hall for being named CAA Rookie of the week for the 2nd time this season! http://www.jmusports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14400&ATCLID=205967867
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Two Halves, Two Teams, One Result
It was the good, the unfortunate, and unlucky breaks that would ultimately cost JMU the game. What is funny is that JMU actually led the game in rebounds, but that wasn't enough as they would lose the lead in the last 4 seconds of the game. The JMU Dukes led at the half by 11 points, but would begin to surrender that lead at the beginning of the second half. The difference in the second half was several things. For one Drexel's Mershon was absolute money. In the first half, JMU was able to keep her at bay, but not the second half. The other was Drexel began to rebound the ball and get second chance shots, where in the first half it was all JMU. The other unfortunate breaks were a few bad passes, a few rushed shots, and a few break downs in defense that allowed Mershon and Johnson-Allen to get rebounds and score baskets.
It was a second half that left a sour taste in my mouth and I am sure it left the same in our players and coaches. It was a game that should have been won, but because of not executing well, the 11 point lead was surrendered. Keep this in mind, Drexel only led for a total of 4 seconds and that 4 seconds was the last 4 seconds. But this game wasn't lost then, it was lost as noted earlier at the beginning in the second half when Drexel came out with intensity and JMU did not.
With that noted, the team had a great first half. Drexel did a really good job keeping Kirby Burkholder (She had several good shots in the second half and a total of 10 rebounds) at bay, and because of that they left Precious Hall open for several 3-point shots. Hislop also had a descent game and at key moments in the game banked in some nice shots. We shouldn't forget Crystal Ross, absolutely loved her tenacity under the basket tonight. Ross is coming on nicely and I think she is going to be a player to look out for as the season progresses.
Final 48-46 Drexel
Box Score: http://admin.xosn.com/fls/14400/stats/wbasketball/2013/jmu0110.htm?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=14400
It was a second half that left a sour taste in my mouth and I am sure it left the same in our players and coaches. It was a game that should have been won, but because of not executing well, the 11 point lead was surrendered. Keep this in mind, Drexel only led for a total of 4 seconds and that 4 seconds was the last 4 seconds. But this game wasn't lost then, it was lost as noted earlier at the beginning in the second half when Drexel came out with intensity and JMU did not.
With that noted, the team had a great first half. Drexel did a really good job keeping Kirby Burkholder (She had several good shots in the second half and a total of 10 rebounds) at bay, and because of that they left Precious Hall open for several 3-point shots. Hislop also had a descent game and at key moments in the game banked in some nice shots. We shouldn't forget Crystal Ross, absolutely loved her tenacity under the basket tonight. Ross is coming on nicely and I think she is going to be a player to look out for as the season progresses.
Final 48-46 Drexel
Box Score: http://admin.xosn.com/fls/14400/stats/wbasketball/2013/jmu0110.htm?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=14400
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
The Next 3 Home Games
So what are we facing with these three teams and who should we look out for? By far the toughest team that we are going to see is Drexel, but Northeastern always seems to give us problems. I don't know much about William and Mary, but in the UNCW post game, Coach Brooks (Not Herb Brooks from the movie, ;-)) stated that he really thought W&M would be a tough draw this year and is playing really well. So lets take a look at these three teams and see how tough they are going to be for the Lady Dukes.
Drexel - 7 PM Thursday
Offensively on paper, Drexel is a far better shooting team. They are currently shooting the ball at 50.2% (eFG%) and JMU is currently at 41.1% (eFG%). Defensively, the two teams are about even. Drexel plays a slowdown type offense, so they will use their possessions wisely, nor are they going to foul much either. They have one main scorer in Hollie Mershon who scores about 18 points a game. While Mershon is their main scoring threat, they do have several other players that can score from deep. Both of their forwards score close to 9 points a game-Nicki Jones and Taylor Wootton. This appears to be a team that loves to shoot the three ball, but isn't afraid to take it inside when need be. Defensively, this is a team that can defend the perimeter well, allowing only about 22% of 3-point shots. Inside they are much weaker allowing close to 56% of shots. When this team wins, they usually win big, only two games were within 10 points, the others were blowouts. However, when they lose, they usually do not lose by very many.
Northeastern -2 PM Sunday
Ahh...the team that kept us out of the NCAA tournament last year. Whenever we play this team, or at least away, we tend to have bad games. But lucky for us, we have them home this year, and even better news, we do not play a return trip. With that stated, JMU and its fans should keep a close watch on how well this team does against William and Mary, given that JMU plays both teams back to back. At the moment, this team is 8-4 (1-0). Their RPI rating is almost the same as JMU's so looking at the RPI rankings will tell you that this will be another evenly matched game. This team likes to play the attack offense much like JMU. They have three scorers that score 12 points or more per game. They are Forward Jewel Tuntsull, Guard Deana Kerkhof, and Guard Kashaia Cannon. This is also a much better offensive team than JMU scoring close to 50% of their shots (eFG%). Defensively, this team is allowing just under 30% of shots from the 3-point and around 48% from the 2-point. Like Drexel, when this team wins, they were winning big, but when they lost, it was close.
William & Mary January 17 @ 7 PM
At the moment, this team has only won two games. They have three players to watch out for, Emily Correal (16.7 ppg), Talyor Hilton (8.7 ppg), and Janine Aldridge (13.2 ppg). Correal is also their best rebounder recording about 9 rebounds per game. Their best 3-point shooter is Janine Aldridge. They have two common opponents-Hofstra and UNCW. They lost to both teams. Hoftra they lost by 3 points and to UNCW by 9 points. The thing to remember with this team is that you are not going to blow them out of games. For most of their loses they have been in them. With the exception of two game (blowouts) they only lost by 3-9 points.
Notes: Congrats to Kirby Burkholder for being names this weeks CAA player of the week http://www.jmusports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14400&ATCLID=205881665
Good article in Tuesday's DNR by Matthew Stoss http://www.dnronline.com/article/jmu_playing_tougher_foes
UPDATE on Nikki Newman - She is definitely done for the season and will go for a Medical Red Shirt.
Brooks Monday Luncheon: http://www.jmusports.com//mediaPortal/player.dbml?POPOUT=1&db_oem_id=14400&id=1214705&catid=21611&start=926.068
Sunday, January 6, 2013
JMU Wins First CAA Road Game
In their first CAA conference game, the JMU Dukes beat UNCW 60-39. Overall it had good play from various players, including stout performances from Crystal Ross who was 100% from the floor and 1-1 from the FT line scoring a total of 9 points and 6 rebounds. Jasmine Gill had 6 points, but a game leading 12 rebounds from the floor. Two players scored in double figures, Toia Giggets had 11 points and Kirby Burkholder had 15 points and was one rebound away from getting 10 rebounds. I wish I could have a bigger analysis for you, but the game had no video, even on the UNCW website. With that said, the second half featured a different game, meaning that JMU did not play their best game in the half, but that didn't matter. Personally, if we are going to win the bigger games we are going to have to play for a full 40 minutes.
While Toia Giggets was great inside and Kirby Burkholder being her usual self. I am going to give my mad props to Crystal Ross. She deserves the mad props just for shear heart and for going 100% from the field. Other props should go to Jasmine Gill for her 12 rebounds.
Game notes: http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=12185
Notes: The JMU team was able to surprise Tamera Young during her high school HOF induction. Next game on Thursday against Drexel at JMU-7 PM. Be there and support your team!
CAA (1-0) Overall Record 7-6.
While Toia Giggets was great inside and Kirby Burkholder being her usual self. I am going to give my mad props to Crystal Ross. She deserves the mad props just for shear heart and for going 100% from the field. Other props should go to Jasmine Gill for her 12 rebounds.
Game notes: http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=12185
Notes: The JMU team was able to surprise Tamera Young during her high school HOF induction. Next game on Thursday against Drexel at JMU-7 PM. Be there and support your team!
CAA (1-0) Overall Record 7-6.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
CAA Standings as of 1/1/2013
As CAA Play begins, the standings are below. Make your decision on who is the team to beat this year. Is ODU back? With a healthy EDD, will UD get back into the rankings? Will JMU "Get It Back?" We certianly will find out beginning this month. Standings are from caasports.com
Here are the realtimerpi.com rpi standings. According to them, CAA is ranked 14, meaning that the CAA is a one bid league this year. This is as of December 31, 2012. The SOS is the third set of numbers that are not linked. Notice the three teams that had the toughest schedule. JMU has had the toughest, followed by Delaware, then Hofstra. ODU which is ranked first in CAA, has a SOS of 262. Even UNCW, which is last in CAA has a better SOS. But that doesn't matter because what does matter are wins and losses. ODU just may be back. Delaware with EDD is going to be tough. If JMU continues to play like they have the past couple of games, JMU will also be very tough to beat.
| Old Dominion | 0 - 0 | .000 | - | 9 - 2 | .818 | W2 |
| Delaware | 0 - 0 | .000 | - | 8 - 3 | .727 | W3 |
| Georgia State | 0 - 0 | .000 | - | 8 - 3 | .727 | L1 |
| Drexel | 0 - 0 | .000 | - | 7 - 4 | .636 | L2 |
| Northeastern | 0 - 0 | .000 | - | 6 - 4 | .600 | L2 |
| Towson | 0 - 0 | .000 | - | 6 - 5 | .545 | W2 |
| James Madison | 0 - 0 | .000 | - | 6 - 6 | .500 | W3 |
| George Mason | 0 - 0 | .000 | - | 5 - 5 | .500 | W1 |
| Hofstra | 0 - 0 | .000 | - | 3 - 7 | .300 | W2 |
| William & Mary | 0 - 0 | .000 | - | 2 - 8 | .200 | L5 |
| UNC Wilmington | 0 - 0 | .000 | - | 1 - 9 | .100 | L6 |
Here are the realtimerpi.com rpi standings. According to them, CAA is ranked 14, meaning that the CAA is a one bid league this year. This is as of December 31, 2012. The SOS is the third set of numbers that are not linked. Notice the three teams that had the toughest schedule. JMU has had the toughest, followed by Delaware, then Hofstra. ODU which is ranked first in CAA, has a SOS of 262. Even UNCW, which is last in CAA has a better SOS. But that doesn't matter because what does matter are wins and losses. ODU just may be back. Delaware with EDD is going to be tough. If JMU continues to play like they have the past couple of games, JMU will also be very tough to beat.
 | 42 | Delaware | 0-0 | 8-3 | 0.6071 | 31 | 0.5872 |
 | 98 | Drexel | 0-0 | 7-3 | 0.5424 | 194 | 0.4876 |
| 99 | James Madison | 0-0 | 5-6 | 0.5422 | 24 | 0.5988 |
| 106 | Old Dominion | 0-0 | 9-2 | 0.5339 | 262 | 0.4540 |
| 132 | Northeastern | 0-0 | 6-4 | 0.5142 | 224 | 0.4689 |
| 167 | Hofstra | 0-0 | 3-7 | 0.4965 | 48 | 0.5717 |
| 201 | George Mason | 0-0 | 5-5 | 0.4772 | 208 | 0.4788 |
| 215 | Georgia St. | 0-0 | 8-3 | 0.4719 | 330 | 0.4015 |
| 297 | Towson | 0-0 | 6-5 | 0.4142 | 339 | 0.3754 |
| 311 | N.C. Wilmington | 0-0 | 1-9 | 0.3963 | 161 | 0.5021 | |
| 322 | William & Mary | 0-0 | 1-8 | 0.3814 | 251 | 0.4580 |
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