Taking stock a bit:
1. We have won 13 games so far this year, against a schedule tougher than last year's. We have a good chance to win one or two more during the rest of the season and in the tourney. Last year we won a total of nine games.
2. Off of last year's team, we lost four seniors, three of whom (Frazier, Fleming, and Stokes) were talented (but underperforming) multi-year starters. Last year's team had more talent and depth than this year's, and almost no injuries.
3. This year's group of five freshman recruits was a virtual non-factor. One of the five (Muhammad) did not come to school, not sure why. Grob, Houseright, and Morgan (late signee) were injured all year and played almost no minutes. Only Booker played ... in fact, due to injuries to others she was our only point guard for much of the year.
4. Injured and unavailable much of the season were: Traynor, Washington, Blakeney, Ryan, Grob, Walker, Houseright, and Morgan. At least three of these were starters, and most would have played some if healthy. That left healthy all of the season only six players: Wanink, Pinholster, Corella, Booker, Lambdin, and Bayer. Frequently, these were the only six we had; most played over 38 minutes each game, and were full-court pressed by other teams trying to wear us down with superior depth. Not once during the year did coaches or these players bemoan our injuries or use them as an excuse, to their credit.
5. Most importantly, if you watched this team play, you saw improved morale, esprit, enthusiasm, and execution. There were many fewer turnovers and better defense and shot selection. Players performed closer to their ability.
6. Off of this year's team, we lose five seniors (Washington, Corella, Traynor, Pinholster, and Blakeney). These are five of our top six players; all except Blakeney were starters, and Blakeney was first off the bench. They will no doubt be missed.
7. However, we have recruited three strong players for next year (including two excellent guards/ball handlers), perhaps as good as any three-recruit class in a while. If we can get Houseright, Walker, Ryan, Morgan, and Grob healthy, then our returning group and the new recruits should combine for a better season next year; I have a strong hunch that these coaches will work to see that players improve from one year to the next. Point guard will be a key. Parenthetically, if there is any justice in the world, Wanink will be first team all SoCon this year; what a smart, feisty, talented player.
Celebration.
https://twitter.com/cwanink33?lang=enWanink.
http://www.leadertelegram.com/Sports/20 ... Comet.html