I've been mulling the thought of when to write this over in my mind. My real thoughts were focused on what to write. In the past we pretty much knew what we had returning and had hopes concerning the incoming class of recruits. While this year isn't any different I "feel" that it is.
Just picture the last few recruiting classes. There always seems to have been a "sure bet" in the group. 2013 and the sure thing was Jadda with hopes for Seanna (although those hopes couldn't have imagined how good she was!). 2012 it was Kidd and a project named Maddy. 2011 was Moody and hopes for Brynn. 2010 was a gangly frosh named Christofferson. You see the pattern...typically one sure thing and a supporting cast of question marks.
So how is this year different? Unlike past classes there appears to be several sure bets. When you have a top 25 recruiting class you would hope there would be several contributors. To make things even more tantalizing, we got a preview during the trip to Italy (perhaps a bigger preview than planned with Jadda being out). We saw three of the group step up and perform (not consistently) at a high level during the trip. Emily Durr was perhaps the most consistent and it appears she has already earned a spot in the rotation. If you watched any of her video, you know this lady is a bit like Tracy Gahan. She moves well, hustles, and may have a better skill set out of high school. That speaks volumes considering Gahan ended up playing pro ball for several years. During the 2nd game the star was Nakiah Bell. We've seen smaller guards cause us fits in the past. Quick slashers. Defensive steals. Bell is all of that and more. Left open she will drain a 3. Move out on her and you'll wonder where she went as she slices around you heading for the hoop. Finally, the one person who will have to be an impact player is Bryanna Fernstrom. She brings height and a solid build to the floor. She's going to play because of this and fortunately she showed promise during the European tour. And shades of Angie Welle, she's left handed. What difference does that make? If any of you were around to see the greatest player in ISU history you would have seen opposing players having a difficult time adjusting to following a lefty's moves. I'm hoping that is the case here.
The story could end with those three and it would leave you filled with giddiness at the possibilities. But you have to wonder what Claire Ricketts will bring to the table. Blaire Thomas is an outstanding athlete and a three time All State selection. They just get relegated to the shadows by the others. Yet, if they can provide a few quality minutes (which means Coach F. trusts them to be on the floor) each during games that additional depth could be crucial to our success. Even better would be for them to force the coaches to let them play.
In the end, I have to admit I'm as excited about this season as practically any other and yet I feel a tone of caution underlying it. After all, they are relatively unproven freshmen. We return quality players in the other three classes. Maddy is coming back from that knee injury. The potential for this team to be very, very good is all there. The only thing we have to wait on are the actual games. I can't wait to see the possible rotations from five smalls to three bigs on the floor at the same time. Will we use full court pressure to turn the tide in a game? Will we bomb teams into submission from beyond the arc? The possibility for all of the above is there. Let's bring it on Sisters!
Thoughts everyone? What are your hopes and expectations? How will these frosh do?
Just picture the last few recruiting classes. There always seems to have been a "sure bet" in the group. 2013 and the sure thing was Jadda with hopes for Seanna (although those hopes couldn't have imagined how good she was!). 2012 it was Kidd and a project named Maddy. 2011 was Moody and hopes for Brynn. 2010 was a gangly frosh named Christofferson. You see the pattern...typically one sure thing and a supporting cast of question marks.
So how is this year different? Unlike past classes there appears to be several sure bets. When you have a top 25 recruiting class you would hope there would be several contributors. To make things even more tantalizing, we got a preview during the trip to Italy (perhaps a bigger preview than planned with Jadda being out). We saw three of the group step up and perform (not consistently) at a high level during the trip. Emily Durr was perhaps the most consistent and it appears she has already earned a spot in the rotation. If you watched any of her video, you know this lady is a bit like Tracy Gahan. She moves well, hustles, and may have a better skill set out of high school. That speaks volumes considering Gahan ended up playing pro ball for several years. During the 2nd game the star was Nakiah Bell. We've seen smaller guards cause us fits in the past. Quick slashers. Defensive steals. Bell is all of that and more. Left open she will drain a 3. Move out on her and you'll wonder where she went as she slices around you heading for the hoop. Finally, the one person who will have to be an impact player is Bryanna Fernstrom. She brings height and a solid build to the floor. She's going to play because of this and fortunately she showed promise during the European tour. And shades of Angie Welle, she's left handed. What difference does that make? If any of you were around to see the greatest player in ISU history you would have seen opposing players having a difficult time adjusting to following a lefty's moves. I'm hoping that is the case here.
The story could end with those three and it would leave you filled with giddiness at the possibilities. But you have to wonder what Claire Ricketts will bring to the table. Blaire Thomas is an outstanding athlete and a three time All State selection. They just get relegated to the shadows by the others. Yet, if they can provide a few quality minutes (which means Coach F. trusts them to be on the floor) each during games that additional depth could be crucial to our success. Even better would be for them to force the coaches to let them play.
In the end, I have to admit I'm as excited about this season as practically any other and yet I feel a tone of caution underlying it. After all, they are relatively unproven freshmen. We return quality players in the other three classes. Maddy is coming back from that knee injury. The potential for this team to be very, very good is all there. The only thing we have to wait on are the actual games. I can't wait to see the possible rotations from five smalls to three bigs on the floor at the same time. Will we use full court pressure to turn the tide in a game? Will we bomb teams into submission from beyond the arc? The possibility for all of the above is there. Let's bring it on Sisters!
Thoughts everyone? What are your hopes and expectations? How will these frosh do?
