Oklahoma, in Vegas

[XU-PA]

The wrap up to their 3 gamer in Vegas, a monster hill to climb.
overall, the first half was a killer, 27% shooting and a dozen turovers.

BUT< this crew as has ben the case all year, out manned, out shot and out played, did not give in. Sounded like they fought like hell and left it all on the court. Senior Sabrina Johnson had a huge game, scoring a dozen, mostly in the second half, Lynette Holmes showed range from every where on the court, hit 17 points and 12 boards, Mossy and Amber had 9 a piece,,
Xavier did outrebound the sooners 47-36, 22 turnovers in all. Final was 73-51.

Really got to think it was a decent result, very very tough opponent, and they showed they've got the spirit.

[HomerCecil]

Do we know why Shatyra only played 8 minutes?

Also, Moss shot 4-for-20. We just don't have enough consistent offense around her. The ladies are working very hard, but unfortunately, as good a coach as McGuff was, he didn't leave much of a roster to work with this year. At this point, the record at 3-8 is starting to get away from the ladies.

[xavierj]

Do we know why Shatyra only played 8 minutes?

Also, Moss shot 4-for-20. We just don't have enough consistent offense around her. The ladies are working very hard, but unfortunately, as good a coach as McGuff was, he didn't leave much of a roster to work with this year. At this point, the record at 3-8 is starting to get away from the ladies.

Kevin McGuff seemed like a nice guy. He had a ton of talent for a few years and most people on this board would have looked good with 3 McDonald's All-Americans and 2 first round WNBA draft picks on the same team. Heck you could have rolled out of bed and accompomplished what he did the last few years. He took is money and ran though and left Xavier with a talent gap. Seems unfortunate that he really did not capitalize on his success and leave more talent for the next coach. I am afraid Amy is facing a tough uphill battle to get the attention of current high school talent.

[cinskyline]

I don't really take too much from this game. I expected to lose big after the team played a double overtime game yesterday. The team had to be completely gassed today. I'd love to know what Coach Waugh is thinking though after going 0-for-Vegas.

[Bigbluebrotha]

A couple of points of perspective. From the roster stand point, it's somewhat expected that when a long-time coach leaves there's going to be transition.

Rutan's transfer still puzzles me and I'm not sure anyone saw that coming, especially after she was quoted saying she'd stay if Waugh was hired. Also, the post recruit from Seattle decommitted after McGuff resigned. Taj Wilson also disappeared, so there's three sources of help that should've been here. Ty O'Neill, too, but injuries happen, so there's not much to complain about there.

Hopefully, Crouch will be able to contribute something this season, I don't know her status , but at Musketeer Madness it was mentioned she may be available in January. If that happens, it will give her at least one game before the team gets into A-10 play.

As for Las Vegas, two losses were by a combined eight points. I think they know they gave away the Ohio game and most likely Syracuse, too. I don't think anyone expected the team to beat Oklahoma, especially after playing two games the previous two days. Yes, it was a 22 point loss, but it sounded as if the effort was better than last year's 89-52 beat down at Stanford when the team was ranked fourth with all stars. I think it's encouraging that the team kept trying after going down 21 in the first five minutes against Oklahoma. I'm sure Oklahoma played differently with a big lead, but that's all conjecture. If you look at the minutes though, the Sooner starters played a lot of the game.

We have what we have at this point. The team is still committing way too many turnovers. That has to be remedied if they're going to have any success.

From the recruiting aspect, however, it may be easier to get better players with a losing record because recruits know if they play well, they'll get immediate minutes, which won't be the case everywhere.

Who knows. I hope the ladies get well rested over this break and come out swinging next week. I think UNCW and Eastern Illinois are strong chances to right the ship.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

[XU-PA]

Homer,,,,,Xavierj,,,, really?? The McGuff issue again?? How long ago was that??
Be a fan guys, this team is working it's collective ass off, and deserves our support.


From Coach Dale,
" I would hope you would support who we are. Not, who we are not. These six individuals have made a choice to work, a choice to sacrifice, to put themselves on the line 23 nights for the next 4 months, to represent you, this high school. That kind of commitment and effort deserves and demands your respect. This is your team. "

[cinskyline]

A couple of points of perspective. From the roster stand point, it's somewhat expected that when a long-time coach leaves there's going to be transition.

Rutan's transfer still puzzles me and I'm not sure anyone saw that coming, especially after she was quoted saying she'd stay if Waugh was hired. Also, the post recruit from Seattle decommitted after McGuff resigned. Taj Wilson also disappeared, so there's three sources of help that should've been here. Ty O'Neill, too, but injuries happen, so there's not much to complain about there.

Hopefully, Crouch will be able to contribute something this season, I don't know her status , but at Musketeer Madness it was mentioned she may be available in January. If that happens, it will give her at least one game before the team gets into A-10 play.

As for Las Vegas, two losses were by a combined eight points. I think they know they gave away the Ohio game and most likely Syracuse, too. I don't think anyone expected the team to beat Oklahoma, especially after playing two games the previous two days. Yes, it was a 22 point loss, but it sounded as if the effort was better than last year's 89-52 beat down at Stanford when the team was ranked fourth with all stars. I think it's encouraging that the team kept trying after going down 21 in the first five minutes against Oklahoma. I'm sure Oklahoma played differently with a big lead, but that's all conjecture. If you look at the minutes though, the Sooner starters played a lot of the game.

We have what we have at this point. The team is still committing way too many turnovers. That has to be remedied if they're going to have any success.

From the recruiting aspect, however, it may be easier to get better players with a losing record because recruits know if they play well, they'll get immediate minutes, which won't be the case everywhere.

Who knows. I hope the ladies get well rested over this break and come out swinging next week. I think UNCW and Eastern Illinois are strong chances to right the ship.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Excellent post and I agree with most of your points. As disappointed as the fans are with the results of this tournament (and the season overall), I'm sure the players feel a hundred times worse. I hope they stick with it, because I do think things will get better if they do. Most games have been extremely close and the only game I would put in the bad loss category is Ohio U (250 RPI).

As far as Rutan goes, I have a strong feeling that this was not a happy divorce. It took a very long time for her name to be taken off the roster and no announcement was made. The official reason given by Rutan was to play closer to her family. I don't believe that for a minute. I'm suspicious. Especially about the team she transferred to and it's coach.

Merry Christmas to you too!

[HomerCecil]

Homer,,,,,Xavierj,,,, really?? The McGuff issue again?? How long ago was that??
Be a fan guys, this team is working it's collective ass off, and deserves our support.


From Coach Dale,
" I would hope you would support who we are. Not, who we are not. These six individuals have made a choice to work, a choice to sacrifice, to put themselves on the line 23 nights for the next 4 months, to represent you, this high school. That kind of commitment and effort deserves and demands your respect. This is your team. "

I guess I missed where I questioned the team's effort. Thanks for being patronizing, though. Last time I checked we were all allowed to have opinions.

[xu_fan]

I always was a big McGuff supporter but there is no doubt with the inexperience alone the cup was pretty bare. I wouldn't consider that a knock on McGuff homer! :-)