After rushing for 89 yards and a touchdown against North Carolina Central University on Saturday, JMU senior tailback Eugene Holloman is being withheld from practice this week due to a quadricep injury.
Apparently, Holloman injured his quad at Duke but neglected to alert the JMU coaching staff. After struggling to maintain stride in the open field against NCCU, Holloman told his coaches what was bothering him.
JMU coach Mickey Matthews said he couldn't estimate when Holloman will begin practicing again, or if he will be able to play Saturday in Madison's conference opener against Massachusetts.
Meanwhile, sophomore tailback Jamal Sullivan met with a doctor today to have an apparatus attached to his left thumb, which he injured in August. Sullivan may be able to make his season debut Saturday, but the coaching staff will evaluate his status in the coming days as well.
With Madison's top two running backs both day-to-day for Saturday's game, JMU's chances are hanging in the balance.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Nats What I'm Talking About
After being disappointed by Ken Griffey Jr.'s absence this weekend at Nationals Park, I witnessed a pleasant surprise Saturday: a 10-6 win over the Cincinnati Reds.
The Nationals won for the second time in 11 games while I was in attendance Saturday, after they broke a nine-game losing streak Friday. On Sunday, the Nats completed their first sweep since June 13-15 with a 4-2 win. June 15 is also my birthday; would you call that a coincidence, or am I just good luck?
I also saw the Nats win earlier this season against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, May 4. The Nats went on to lose their next five of six, but are 2-0 while I'm in attendance this season. They should have acquired me before the trade deadline.
The Nationals won for the second time in 11 games while I was in attendance Saturday, after they broke a nine-game losing streak Friday. On Sunday, the Nats completed their first sweep since June 13-15 with a 4-2 win. June 15 is also my birthday; would you call that a coincidence, or am I just good luck?
I also saw the Nats win earlier this season against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, May 4. The Nats went on to lose their next five of six, but are 2-0 while I'm in attendance this season. They should have acquired me before the trade deadline.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
What's Good for Ken Griffey Jr. isn't for Me
My weekend visit to Nationals Park was destined to be historic, despite the abysmal team that calls it home.
I was going to Saturday's game between the Washington Nationals and the Cincinnati Reds, with Reds star Ken Griffey Jr. one home run away from tying Sammy Sosa for fifth all-time at 609.
But then a blockbuster deal happened.
Griffey approved a trade to the Chicago White Sox on Thursday before the 4 p.m. trade deadline, meaning another missed milestone for me. I had the opportunity to spend about six weeks in Spain this summer, and I enjoyed soaking in the glory of Spain's run to the EuroCup championship. There was only one problem: my flight home was scheduled for the day of the Euro 2008 championship game between Spain and Germany. The hassle of re-scheduling wasn't worth it to me — but I missed Spain's first EuroCup title since 1964, in the most popular European sport.
So missing Griffey is just another walk in the park. Unfortunately, I won't see his 609th home run leave the park — that historic shot will happen in a White Sox uniform.
I was going to Saturday's game between the Washington Nationals and the Cincinnati Reds, with Reds star Ken Griffey Jr. one home run away from tying Sammy Sosa for fifth all-time at 609.
But then a blockbuster deal happened.
Griffey approved a trade to the Chicago White Sox on Thursday before the 4 p.m. trade deadline, meaning another missed milestone for me. I had the opportunity to spend about six weeks in Spain this summer, and I enjoyed soaking in the glory of Spain's run to the EuroCup championship. There was only one problem: my flight home was scheduled for the day of the Euro 2008 championship game between Spain and Germany. The hassle of re-scheduling wasn't worth it to me — but I missed Spain's first EuroCup title since 1964, in the most popular European sport.
So missing Griffey is just another walk in the park. Unfortunately, I won't see his 609th home run leave the park — that historic shot will happen in a White Sox uniform.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Stormy Results for Lacrosse Team
In a game JMU needed to qualify for its conference tournament, last second heroics in the first half didn't provide enough momentum for the Dukes to beat George Mason for the fourth Colonial Athletic Association spot.
With three seconds left in the first half, sophomore midfielder Kim Griffin passed from behind the goal to senior attacker Emily Haller, who stuck it in for an 8-7 JMU lead. Haller's score came after three failed JMU attempts in the final minute, in a display JMU lacrosse coach Shelley Klaes-Bawcombe pointed to as a sign of progress.
But after a lightning storm delayed the game for about an hour and a half with the score tied at eight, JMU never captured the lead against George Mason, which qualified for the CAA tournament with an 11-10 victory.
"In the beginning of the year, we struggled to get one shot," Klaes-Bawcombe said with 22:56 left in the second half, before walking to the Festival Ballroom where both teams waited out the storm. "The fact that we were able to get four shots in the last minute and 30 seconds shows our progress."
But GMU scored three straight goals after play resumed, and the Patriots improved to 12-4 overall, 5-2 in the CAA with the win. JMU (8-9, 3-4) fell to sixth place in the CAA with the loss, when it needed to finish in the top four to qualify for the conference tournament.
With three seconds left in the first half, sophomore midfielder Kim Griffin passed from behind the goal to senior attacker Emily Haller, who stuck it in for an 8-7 JMU lead. Haller's score came after three failed JMU attempts in the final minute, in a display JMU lacrosse coach Shelley Klaes-Bawcombe pointed to as a sign of progress.
But after a lightning storm delayed the game for about an hour and a half with the score tied at eight, JMU never captured the lead against George Mason, which qualified for the CAA tournament with an 11-10 victory.
"In the beginning of the year, we struggled to get one shot," Klaes-Bawcombe said with 22:56 left in the second half, before walking to the Festival Ballroom where both teams waited out the storm. "The fact that we were able to get four shots in the last minute and 30 seconds shows our progress."
But GMU scored three straight goals after play resumed, and the Patriots improved to 12-4 overall, 5-2 in the CAA with the win. JMU (8-9, 3-4) fell to sixth place in the CAA with the loss, when it needed to finish in the top four to qualify for the conference tournament.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Young Realizes Dream
After breaking school and conference scoring records, Tamera Young has made her mark again.
Young was projected to go in the first round of the 2008 WNBA Draft, and Wednesday she was taken eighth overall by the Atlanta Dream, an expansion franchise. She is the first JMU player taken since the WNBA was started in 1997. Read about her selection here.
Young gave a press conference in Atlanta today, along with three players from the Dream. She is scheduled to return to Harrisonburg on Friday, and is currently finalizing her contract with an agent.
Young was projected to go in the first round of the 2008 WNBA Draft, and Wednesday she was taken eighth overall by the Atlanta Dream, an expansion franchise. She is the first JMU player taken since the WNBA was started in 1997. Read about her selection here.
Young gave a press conference in Atlanta today, along with three players from the Dream. She is scheduled to return to Harrisonburg on Friday, and is currently finalizing her contract with an agent.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Young Prepped for Draft Lottery
Laney High School coach Sherri Tynes thought Tamera Young's decision to attend James Madison was "terrific" when she found out. Not surprising, considering Tynes was once former JMU coach Shelia Moorman's assistant.
But what is surprising is that Young actually chose JMU over high-profile schools. Her talent has always been apparent, and now WNBA officials are on the verge of affirming those skills. Young is slated to go in the first round of the 2008 WNBA Draft on Wednesday.
This prediction posted on the WNBA website Monday projects Young to go 11th overall. She would be the first JMU player to play in the WNBA. Meredith Alexis signed a contract with the Washington Mystics last year, but was cut before the season began. She now plays in France.
The first round of the draft (picks 1-14) will be televised Wednesday on ESPN2 starting at 1 p.m. Young said she's prepared to go anywhere, but would prefer to stay on the east coast.
But what is surprising is that Young actually chose JMU over high-profile schools. Her talent has always been apparent, and now WNBA officials are on the verge of affirming those skills. Young is slated to go in the first round of the 2008 WNBA Draft on Wednesday.
This prediction posted on the WNBA website Monday projects Young to go 11th overall. She would be the first JMU player to play in the WNBA. Meredith Alexis signed a contract with the Washington Mystics last year, but was cut before the season began. She now plays in France.
The first round of the draft (picks 1-14) will be televised Wednesday on ESPN2 starting at 1 p.m. Young said she's prepared to go anywhere, but would prefer to stay on the east coast.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Wildcats Oust Madison in WNIT
Its season is over, but the JMU women’s basketball team made a statement this season by winning its first postseason games in eight years.
James Madison (24-10) lost 84-76 at Kentucky in the third round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament on Wednesday, but not before history was made. Tamera Young broke the Colonial Athletic Association scoring record and set the new mark at 2,121.
The senior forward needed 20 points to break the record, and she scored 28 to enter the CAA record books. The previous record of 2,112 points was held by Celeste Hill, who played at Old Dominion from 1990-94.
While Young set another record, freshman point guard Dawn Evans tied her school record of seven 3-pointers in a game as she scored 23 points, and senior forward Jennifer Brown scored 10 and had eight rebounds. Young chipped in 17 rebounds to go along with her record-breaking point total.
After beating Radford and Indiana in the first two rounds of the WNIT, Madison lost to a Kentucky team ranked No. 65 in the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI). The Wildcats improved their record to 17-15, but they have a schedule ranked 14th in difficulty nationwide.
James Madison (24-10) lost 84-76 at Kentucky in the third round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament on Wednesday, but not before history was made. Tamera Young broke the Colonial Athletic Association scoring record and set the new mark at 2,121.
The senior forward needed 20 points to break the record, and she scored 28 to enter the CAA record books. The previous record of 2,112 points was held by Celeste Hill, who played at Old Dominion from 1990-94.
While Young set another record, freshman point guard Dawn Evans tied her school record of seven 3-pointers in a game as she scored 23 points, and senior forward Jennifer Brown scored 10 and had eight rebounds. Young chipped in 17 rebounds to go along with her record-breaking point total.
After beating Radford and Indiana in the first two rounds of the WNIT, Madison lost to a Kentucky team ranked No. 65 in the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI). The Wildcats improved their record to 17-15, but they have a schedule ranked 14th in difficulty nationwide.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Senior Leader not Going Lightly
Tamera Young stepped to the free throw line unsure why she was taking the technical shots.
The senior forward didn’t realize that JMU coach Kenny Brooks chose her over point guard Dawn Evans – who usually takes technical shots – because Young was on the cusp of another JMU scoring record.
“When coach made me shoot the technical foul I was kind of surprised being with my free throw percentage that he told me to ‘shoot ’em,’” Young said. “Everybody was celebrating and I’m like, ‘what are they celebrating for?’”
While she only averages 64.8 percent from the stripe, Brooks chose her because she was one point from breaking JMU’s former scoring record of 35 points in a game. After Young made both technical shots and another free throw, she set the new mark at 38 in Madison’s 80-58 win over Radford in the first round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.
“We didn’t want to sacrifice sportsmanship to try to get her the record, but the way that it happened it was beautiful,” Brooks said. “And she had no idea.”
With the win, Madison (23-9) advances to play Indiana on Saturday. In addition to her scoring outburst, Young had 14 rebounds and 5 assists against Radford while she made 14-of-24 shots. She didn’t realize what she had accomplished until after the crowd of 2,109 erupted when she made the record-setting technical shot. Point guard Dawn Evans relayed the news.
But Radford coach Jeri Porter was surprised by something else.
“I didn’t realize she was as good a rebounder as she is,” Porter said. “We knew they were a great rebounding team, we had talked about that. She’s a heck of a rebounder though; does a great job. Just has a nose for the ball, which most great players do.”
Radford (23-12) was led in scoring by freshman guard Taleia Moton, who got eight of her 14 points from the free throw line. Senior center Kelli Darden and senior forward Corrie Fertitta had 11 and 10, respectively. Radford shot only 30 percent in the game.
The win was JMU’s first postseason victory in eight years, a possibility Brooks made clear before the game by writing in on a whiteboard in their locker room.
“These kids, they listen,” Brooks said. “It’s funny to hear them up here and listen to them talk, because they sound just like me. …They know what the task is, they know what we have to do to become successful.”
Young was joined in double figures by senior forward Jennifer Brown and junior forward Kisha Stokes, who scored 11 and 9 points, respectively. Brown also chipped in 11 rebounds and Stokes had 10, as JMU out-rebounded Radford 54-37.
The Dukes travel to Indiana tomorrow for a Saturday game against the Hoosiers in the second round of the NIT. Indiana (18-14) had a first-round bye as one of the region’s top four seeds.
The senior forward didn’t realize that JMU coach Kenny Brooks chose her over point guard Dawn Evans – who usually takes technical shots – because Young was on the cusp of another JMU scoring record.
“When coach made me shoot the technical foul I was kind of surprised being with my free throw percentage that he told me to ‘shoot ’em,’” Young said. “Everybody was celebrating and I’m like, ‘what are they celebrating for?’”
While she only averages 64.8 percent from the stripe, Brooks chose her because she was one point from breaking JMU’s former scoring record of 35 points in a game. After Young made both technical shots and another free throw, she set the new mark at 38 in Madison’s 80-58 win over Radford in the first round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.
“We didn’t want to sacrifice sportsmanship to try to get her the record, but the way that it happened it was beautiful,” Brooks said. “And she had no idea.”
With the win, Madison (23-9) advances to play Indiana on Saturday. In addition to her scoring outburst, Young had 14 rebounds and 5 assists against Radford while she made 14-of-24 shots. She didn’t realize what she had accomplished until after the crowd of 2,109 erupted when she made the record-setting technical shot. Point guard Dawn Evans relayed the news.
But Radford coach Jeri Porter was surprised by something else.
“I didn’t realize she was as good a rebounder as she is,” Porter said. “We knew they were a great rebounding team, we had talked about that. She’s a heck of a rebounder though; does a great job. Just has a nose for the ball, which most great players do.”
Radford (23-12) was led in scoring by freshman guard Taleia Moton, who got eight of her 14 points from the free throw line. Senior center Kelli Darden and senior forward Corrie Fertitta had 11 and 10, respectively. Radford shot only 30 percent in the game.
The win was JMU’s first postseason victory in eight years, a possibility Brooks made clear before the game by writing in on a whiteboard in their locker room.
“These kids, they listen,” Brooks said. “It’s funny to hear them up here and listen to them talk, because they sound just like me. …They know what the task is, they know what we have to do to become successful.”
Young was joined in double figures by senior forward Jennifer Brown and junior forward Kisha Stokes, who scored 11 and 9 points, respectively. Brown also chipped in 11 rebounds and Stokes had 10, as JMU out-rebounded Radford 54-37.
The Dukes travel to Indiana tomorrow for a Saturday game against the Hoosiers in the second round of the NIT. Indiana (18-14) had a first-round bye as one of the region’s top four seeds.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Three and Out
James Madison was bounced from the 2008 CAA Women's Basketball Championship tournament Saturday, losing 69-60 to Virginia Commonwealth.
The loss means JMU won't get a third meeting with Old Dominion, the conference's 16-time defending champion. ODU beat Towson 74-51 in the other CAA semifinal game.
VCU senior guard Krystal Vaughn had 19 points to lead all scorers, and JMU senior forward Tamera Young led the Dukes with 16 points. Despite out-rebounding the Rams 40-25, JMU lost for the third time in as many meetings with VCU this season.
The early exit means JMU will have to rely on an at-large bid to qualify for the NCAA tournament. JMU is ranked 44 in the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI), which takes into account a team’s winning percentage, its opponents’ winning percentage and the winning percentage of those opponents’ opponents.
The Dukes have wins over nationally-ranked George Washington and Old Dominion this season, but failing to beat VCU could prove costly.
The loss means JMU won't get a third meeting with Old Dominion, the conference's 16-time defending champion. ODU beat Towson 74-51 in the other CAA semifinal game.
VCU senior guard Krystal Vaughn had 19 points to lead all scorers, and JMU senior forward Tamera Young led the Dukes with 16 points. Despite out-rebounding the Rams 40-25, JMU lost for the third time in as many meetings with VCU this season.
The early exit means JMU will have to rely on an at-large bid to qualify for the NCAA tournament. JMU is ranked 44 in the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI), which takes into account a team’s winning percentage, its opponents’ winning percentage and the winning percentage of those opponents’ opponents.
The Dukes have wins over nationally-ranked George Washington and Old Dominion this season, but failing to beat VCU could prove costly.
Friday, March 14, 2008
One More Chance
The JMU women's basketball team will have another shot at Virginia Commonwealth. Both teams escaped with narrow victories in the Colonial Athletic Association Championship quarterfinals Friday.
William & Mary had a 26-20 lead at halftime against the Dukes, but JMU fought back to win 53-46 in the teams' third meeting of the season. JMU completed the season sweep by outrebounding the Tribe 39-22, while senior forward Tamera Young led the Dukes in scoring and rebounding with 12 and 10, respectively.
Tribe senior forward Kyra Kaylor had a game-high 16 points and led her team with seven rebounds. William & Mary got to the free throw line only six times to Madison's 16 attempts.
Young, the 2008 CAA Player of the Year, will lead the Dukes in their third meeting with VCU in the CAA Championship semifinals Saturday. JMU lost at home in overtime 61-60 on Jan. 21, and lost 62-56 on Feb. 28.
William & Mary had a 26-20 lead at halftime against the Dukes, but JMU fought back to win 53-46 in the teams' third meeting of the season. JMU completed the season sweep by outrebounding the Tribe 39-22, while senior forward Tamera Young led the Dukes in scoring and rebounding with 12 and 10, respectively.
Tribe senior forward Kyra Kaylor had a game-high 16 points and led her team with seven rebounds. William & Mary got to the free throw line only six times to Madison's 16 attempts.
Young, the 2008 CAA Player of the Year, will lead the Dukes in their third meeting with VCU in the CAA Championship semifinals Saturday. JMU lost at home in overtime 61-60 on Jan. 21, and lost 62-56 on Feb. 28.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
The Waiting Game
After James Madison lost Friday to Northeastern 73-55, the Dean Keener era is officially over at JMU. Read more about the game here.
But while the Dukes await the announcement of a new coach, Virginia Commonwealth is now in postseason tournament limbo. The Rams lost Sunday to William & Mary 56-54 in the first semifinal matchup of the CAA Championship tournament, bringing their record to 24-7 overall, 15-3 in the Colonial Athletic Association.
VCU has quality non-conference wins against Houston and Maryland, but an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament might be elusive for the Rams after losing to a team with an RPI of 181 in the conference semis. At the post-game press conference, VCU coach Anthony Grant wouldn't speculate, saying it would be a waste of anyone's time to hear him form a judgment.
William & Mary will play the winner of Sunday's UNC-Wilmington-George Mason game Monday in the CAA championship. And while VCU's loss jeopardizes its NCAA tournament eligibility, the slip also makes it possible that the CAA will place two teams in the NCAA tournament for the third straight year.
But while the Dukes await the announcement of a new coach, Virginia Commonwealth is now in postseason tournament limbo. The Rams lost Sunday to William & Mary 56-54 in the first semifinal matchup of the CAA Championship tournament, bringing their record to 24-7 overall, 15-3 in the Colonial Athletic Association.
VCU has quality non-conference wins against Houston and Maryland, but an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament might be elusive for the Rams after losing to a team with an RPI of 181 in the conference semis. At the post-game press conference, VCU coach Anthony Grant wouldn't speculate, saying it would be a waste of anyone's time to hear him form a judgment.
William & Mary will play the winner of Sunday's UNC-Wilmington-George Mason game Monday in the CAA championship. And while VCU's loss jeopardizes its NCAA tournament eligibility, the slip also makes it possible that the CAA will place two teams in the NCAA tournament for the third straight year.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Keener's Countdown
Coach Dean Keener's leadership of JMU is nearing a close, as he will step down following Madison's involvement in the Colonial Athletic Association tournament.
With three out of four opening round games in the books, JMU plays Northeastern in Friday's last matchup for the right to face George Mason in the quarterfinals. Madison and Northeastern both have 13-16 records, but the Huskies have nine conference wins to Madison's five.
It's anybody's guess how JMU will respond to the situation, but the Dukes won 68-65 at Northeastern in their first conference game of the season Dec. 1.
Ironically, the song "The Final Countdown" by the 80s band Europe started playing before player introductions began. Is that a coincidence or a tribute to JMU's lame duck coach?
With three out of four opening round games in the books, JMU plays Northeastern in Friday's last matchup for the right to face George Mason in the quarterfinals. Madison and Northeastern both have 13-16 records, but the Huskies have nine conference wins to Madison's five.
It's anybody's guess how JMU will respond to the situation, but the Dukes won 68-65 at Northeastern in their first conference game of the season Dec. 1.
Ironically, the song "The Final Countdown" by the 80s band Europe started playing before player introductions began. Is that a coincidence or a tribute to JMU's lame duck coach?
Winding Down, Towson Wins
Hofstra just forced a timeout with its full court press, after senior guard Antoine Agudio made two free throws to bring the Pride within five points. With just over five minutes remaining, Towson leads 55-50.
Agudio was called for a foul as the shot clock wound down for the Tigers, sending Thornton to the free throw line.
Durant just threw down a slam dunk as Towson broke Hofstra's press and extended the Tigers' lead to eight. That gives him 12 points. Towson's really trying to extend the game, moving the ball inside, outside, and all around the perimeter.
After a Hofstra shot got lodged between the rim and the backboard, the possession arrow gave the Tigers the ball. Things are really going their way.
With just under two minutes left, Durant has scored 16 points and Towson leads 68-55. Hofstra resorted to fouling already, fouling C.C. Williams in the backcourt and sending him to the free throw line.
First Team All-CAA guard Antoine Agudio may have taken his last shot with just over a minute left, as he spotted up five feet beyond the arc. But no, the senior got another one with 2.7 seconds remaining, and this one was a swish. Towson wins 81-66.
Agudio was called for a foul as the shot clock wound down for the Tigers, sending Thornton to the free throw line.
Durant just threw down a slam dunk as Towson broke Hofstra's press and extended the Tigers' lead to eight. That gives him 12 points. Towson's really trying to extend the game, moving the ball inside, outside, and all around the perimeter.
After a Hofstra shot got lodged between the rim and the backboard, the possession arrow gave the Tigers the ball. Things are really going their way.
With just under two minutes left, Durant has scored 16 points and Towson leads 68-55. Hofstra resorted to fouling already, fouling C.C. Williams in the backcourt and sending him to the free throw line.
First Team All-CAA guard Antoine Agudio may have taken his last shot with just over a minute left, as he spotted up five feet beyond the arc. But no, the senior got another one with 2.7 seconds remaining, and this one was a swish. Towson wins 81-66.
Tony the Tiger: Live Blog
My colleague Tim Chapman asked me the question, 'Is Kevin Durant in the house?," after we sat down for the second half of Hofstra's game against Towson. Kevin's older brother Tony is a junior forward for the Tigers, but he's just their sixth-leading scorer.
Kevin plays for the Seattle Supersonics, who are actually in Philadelphia for a 7:00 p.m. game against the 76ers. This game should end at about 2:00 p.m., but it's a four and a half hour drive to Philly from Richmond, where the Colonial Athletic Association tourmament is taking place. That would give Kevin half an hour to get ready for his game.
While it's unlikely that he's even here, he would need a private jet to make the about 250 mile trip in time for game preparations.
But after holding a 31-13 lead at halftime, Tony and the Tigers are only up 41-33 with just over 12 minutes left. Towson calls a 30 second timeout, after its lead is cut to less than 10 for the first time since the opening period.
Kevin plays for the Seattle Supersonics, who are actually in Philadelphia for a 7:00 p.m. game against the 76ers. This game should end at about 2:00 p.m., but it's a four and a half hour drive to Philly from Richmond, where the Colonial Athletic Association tourmament is taking place. That would give Kevin half an hour to get ready for his game.
While it's unlikely that he's even here, he would need a private jet to make the about 250 mile trip in time for game preparations.
But after holding a 31-13 lead at halftime, Tony and the Tigers are only up 41-33 with just over 12 minutes left. Towson calls a 30 second timeout, after its lead is cut to less than 10 for the first time since the opening period.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Dukes Eke it Out
James Madison improved to 19-7 overall, 12-3 in the conference with a 64-55 win over Delaware (7-20, 6-9). The Blue Hens didn't score in the last four minutes, as JMU broke away with four players reaching double figures.
Only eight players saw action for the Dukes, and the status of senior forward Jennifer Brown is unknown.
At the post-game press conference, Delaware coach Tina Martin calls it a "disappointing loss" and says that Tamera Young took over the game offensively with her rebounding. Young finished with 14 rebounds.
Martin refers to Brown and says she's unsure of that situation, and that the trio of her, Young, and Lawrence has carried JMU this year. Eight freshmen and sophomores are playing consistently for Delaware, according to Martin. Interestingly enough, JMU has only played eight in the last two games.
Only eight players saw action for the Dukes, and the status of senior forward Jennifer Brown is unknown.
At the post-game press conference, Delaware coach Tina Martin calls it a "disappointing loss" and says that Tamera Young took over the game offensively with her rebounding. Young finished with 14 rebounds.
Martin refers to Brown and says she's unsure of that situation, and that the trio of her, Young, and Lawrence has carried JMU this year. Eight freshmen and sophomores are playing consistently for Delaware, according to Martin. Interestingly enough, JMU has only played eight in the last two games.
Keeping it Close
Madison is holding on to a 43-41 lead with 10:01 left, as Brooks calls a timeout. Delaware senior guard Kyle DeHaven has made six of 14 shots, and leads all scorers. Evans has 12, all from 3-pointers.
Young is shooting just 3-of-14, but has 10 points and 10 rebounds. Don't ever doubt her ability to get a double-double, even when she's off.
I just talked with Coach Brooks' wife, and she says she can't tell me why Brown is missing, other than for "personal reasons." We'll see how much Brooks divulges at the press conference, but Brown also missed Thursday's game at Hofstra. In the last game she played, Brown shot 0-of-5 against Drexel on Feb. 17.
Young is shooting just 3-of-14, but has 10 points and 10 rebounds. Don't ever doubt her ability to get a double-double, even when she's off.
I just talked with Coach Brooks' wife, and she says she can't tell me why Brown is missing, other than for "personal reasons." We'll see how much Brooks divulges at the press conference, but Brown also missed Thursday's game at Hofstra. In the last game she played, Brown shot 0-of-5 against Drexel on Feb. 17.
Where's Brown?
The JMU women's basketball team leads Delaware 27-24 at halftime, in the Dukes' second to last home game.
Delaware is playing suffocating zone defense, and no player has reached double figures in the game. JMU freshman point guard Dawn Evans leads all scorers with 9 points on 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc. Actually, she hasn't taken any other shots, but that's no surprise: Coming into the game, almost two thirds of her shots (157-of-247) were from 3-point range.
JMU senior forward Jennifer Brown's absence is glaring, and helps explain why the Dukes (18-7 overall, 11-3 in the conference) hold only a slim lead over Delaware (7-19, 6-8). I'm not sure why she's out, but Brown isn't even on the bench. Hope it's nothing serious.
Delaware is playing suffocating zone defense, and no player has reached double figures in the game. JMU freshman point guard Dawn Evans leads all scorers with 9 points on 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc. Actually, she hasn't taken any other shots, but that's no surprise: Coming into the game, almost two thirds of her shots (157-of-247) were from 3-point range.
JMU senior forward Jennifer Brown's absence is glaring, and helps explain why the Dukes (18-7 overall, 11-3 in the conference) hold only a slim lead over Delaware (7-19, 6-8). I'm not sure why she's out, but Brown isn't even on the bench. Hope it's nothing serious.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Post-game Press Conference
One of Morehead State's assistant coaches found out about JMU coach Dean Keener's resignation while he was on his computer last night, and gave the Eagles head coach a heads up. His response was straightforward.
"That's either bad for us or good for us, and usually it's bad," MSU coach Donnie Tyndall said.
He analogized Keener's resignation to John Brady's firing at LSU, where Tyndall coached as an assistant from 1997-2001.
Tyndall called the performance a "tribute to Dean and his staff" but acknowledged that the Eagles did a poor job of defending Swanston early.
"I thought about four of the six [3-pointers] he made were uncontested and we did a poor job guarding him," Tyndall said.
He also recognized JMU's solid defensive performance and said that aspects of it caught the Eagles off guard. The MSU coaching staff had observed that JMU usually drops into zone defense out of the 1-2-2 three quarter court press, but today they dropped into man-to-man.
Keener emphasized the resiliency of his team after losing big to Old Dominion on Wednesday; he didn't think the Dukes' performance had anything to do with any attempts to support their coach.
"You know when you're embarrased; when you just dont have it," Keener said, referring to the loss against ODU. "I think they knew it, and they were ready to come back and prove themselves."
Hot shooting paved the way for Madison to set its press, and it paid dividends.
"When you're making shots you're not in transition defense," Keener said. "It allows you to 'jump into your defense.'"
Keener also talked about having pride in your job, and said that coaching a day after his resignation didn't affect him in any significant way.
"It is what it is, so let's continue to look forward," he said.
"That's either bad for us or good for us, and usually it's bad," MSU coach Donnie Tyndall said.
He analogized Keener's resignation to John Brady's firing at LSU, where Tyndall coached as an assistant from 1997-2001.
Tyndall called the performance a "tribute to Dean and his staff" but acknowledged that the Eagles did a poor job of defending Swanston early.
"I thought about four of the six [3-pointers] he made were uncontested and we did a poor job guarding him," Tyndall said.
He also recognized JMU's solid defensive performance and said that aspects of it caught the Eagles off guard. The MSU coaching staff had observed that JMU usually drops into zone defense out of the 1-2-2 three quarter court press, but today they dropped into man-to-man.
Keener emphasized the resiliency of his team after losing big to Old Dominion on Wednesday; he didn't think the Dukes' performance had anything to do with any attempts to support their coach.
"You know when you're embarrased; when you just dont have it," Keener said, referring to the loss against ODU. "I think they knew it, and they were ready to come back and prove themselves."
Hot shooting paved the way for Madison to set its press, and it paid dividends.
"When you're making shots you're not in transition defense," Keener said. "It allows you to 'jump into your defense.'"
Keener also talked about having pride in your job, and said that coaching a day after his resignation didn't affect him in any significant way.
"It is what it is, so let's continue to look forward," he said.
Second half
MSU starts out with the ball in the second half, and junior forward Leon Buchanan scores a layup early. Buchanan dishes to forward Kenneth Faried on the Eagles' next possession for another layup.
Jalloh gets fouled on a runner and hits two free throws, 41-33 JMU. Next possession, Jalloh hits a 3-pointer and reaches double figures with 11 points.
Carter gets fouled and hits a circus shot runner in the lane that must have gone as high as the shot clock above the backboard — ridiculous arc, and he hits the free throw.
With 16:38 left JMU forces a 10 seconds call with its three quarter court press, as MSU fails to advance the ball past halfcourt with at least 25 seconds left on the shot clock.
Now it's Curtis's turn to hit a crazy runner in the lane, and he increases his point total to six. Jalloh is called for a foul on the ensuing possession as Madison's press nearly forces another Eagle turnover.
James gets fouled and crashes into the student section seating, and winds up sitting next to a cheerleader. Nice gesture. Swanston and Jalloh both miss 3-pointers, and Jalloh is called for an offensive foul on a baseline runner off the inbounds play. That's his third of the game with 14:45 remaining.
Swanston has lost his touch — he misses another 3-pointer. JMU calls a timeout after MSU scores a layup.
MSU senior guard Jamyron Steward hits a 3-pointer to bring the Eagles within 13, but Ratner responds with his second 3-pointer on JMU's next possession.
Curtis uses a nice crossover to create some space and hit a jumper from the left elbow, and JMU forces another turnover with its press, as Swanston swipes the ball away from MSU and dishes to James for a two-handed slam. 67-44 JMU with under seven minutes remaining.
Jalloh hits a 3-pointer with 4:49 left, increasing his point total to 16. He still trails Swanston, who has 19. Thornton hits his fourth layup and makes it 79-51 JMU. The crowd responds particularly well when he scores, as he provides a glimmer of hope that the two words "post presence" and JMU could somehow be associated.
Thornton comes out of the game with 3:17 remaining, to a modest applause. Curtis hits a 3-pointer with 2:31 remaining as the shot clock winds down. He's been holding back from those until now, opting instead to penetrate and shoot floaters. Curtis and Carter sub out with 2:17 left.
Keener seems relaxed in Madison's first game since his resignation was announced. He's been sitting for most of the game, as opposed to pacing the sideline and throwing up his arms like he was last Saturday in a loss to Hofstra.
Assistant coach Jon Babul trots alongside Keener as they walk off the court and gives him a congratulatory pat. 89-57 JMU.
Jalloh gets fouled on a runner and hits two free throws, 41-33 JMU. Next possession, Jalloh hits a 3-pointer and reaches double figures with 11 points.
Carter gets fouled and hits a circus shot runner in the lane that must have gone as high as the shot clock above the backboard — ridiculous arc, and he hits the free throw.
With 16:38 left JMU forces a 10 seconds call with its three quarter court press, as MSU fails to advance the ball past halfcourt with at least 25 seconds left on the shot clock.
Now it's Curtis's turn to hit a crazy runner in the lane, and he increases his point total to six. Jalloh is called for a foul on the ensuing possession as Madison's press nearly forces another Eagle turnover.
James gets fouled and crashes into the student section seating, and winds up sitting next to a cheerleader. Nice gesture. Swanston and Jalloh both miss 3-pointers, and Jalloh is called for an offensive foul on a baseline runner off the inbounds play. That's his third of the game with 14:45 remaining.
Swanston has lost his touch — he misses another 3-pointer. JMU calls a timeout after MSU scores a layup.
MSU senior guard Jamyron Steward hits a 3-pointer to bring the Eagles within 13, but Ratner responds with his second 3-pointer on JMU's next possession.
Curtis uses a nice crossover to create some space and hit a jumper from the left elbow, and JMU forces another turnover with its press, as Swanston swipes the ball away from MSU and dishes to James for a two-handed slam. 67-44 JMU with under seven minutes remaining.
Jalloh hits a 3-pointer with 4:49 left, increasing his point total to 16. He still trails Swanston, who has 19. Thornton hits his fourth layup and makes it 79-51 JMU. The crowd responds particularly well when he scores, as he provides a glimmer of hope that the two words "post presence" and JMU could somehow be associated.
Thornton comes out of the game with 3:17 remaining, to a modest applause. Curtis hits a 3-pointer with 2:31 remaining as the shot clock winds down. He's been holding back from those until now, opting instead to penetrate and shoot floaters. Curtis and Carter sub out with 2:17 left.
Keener seems relaxed in Madison's first game since his resignation was announced. He's been sitting for most of the game, as opposed to pacing the sideline and throwing up his arms like he was last Saturday in a loss to Hofstra.
Assistant coach Jon Babul trots alongside Keener as they walk off the court and gives him a congratulatory pat. 89-57 JMU.
Live Blog: JMU vs. Morehead State
I'm going to do something different today, given this is a special occasion.
JMU released a statement yesterday that confirmed basketball coach Dean Keener's resignation, saying that he will coach the remainder of the season.
Junior forward Kyle Swanston hits the first shot of the game, a 3-pointer from the left side of the arc. He falls down after he shoots it, a common occurrence, but the referee isn't buying it.
Morehead State counters with two easy layups, and then Swanston hits his second 3-pointer, this time from the middle.
On JMU's next possession, what would you expect? Swanston hits a 3-pointer from the right side.
Morehead State misses a shot, JMU junior forward Juwann James grabs the rebound and junior guard Abdulai Jalloh hits a 3-pointer to make it a 12-4 JMU lead. MSU calls a timeout.
MSU gets nothing out of the timeout, and on JMU's next possession Swanston is looking for his shot but he's blanketed by two defenders. Madison turns it over on a three second call.
JMU freshman guard Heiden Ratner comes in for Jalloh and JMU runs the 2-2-1 three quarter court press, forcing a turnover the first time they show that pressure. JMU senior forward Terrance Carter scores a layup, and Madison sets the press again. It doesn't work this time, but JMU counters with another Swanston 3-pointer: 4-of-4 from beyond the arc so far.
JMU freshman point guard Pierre Curtis gets a steal and takes it the length for a layup, but he gets fouled and shoots free throws instead. Swanston and Curtis sub out after the free throws with 13:16 left in the half.
After JMU senior center Gabriel Chami blocks a shot with 11:48 left, there's another timeout. Freshman guard Ben Louis comes in for Ratner after the timeout, but Louis and Chami are replaced by Curtis and James with under 11 minutes remaining.
Jalloh gets fouled on a 3-pointer and hits all three free throws. After a missed MSU shot, JMU takes the ball in transition and Jalloh kicks it out to Swanston on the right wing for a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer. JMU:25 MSU:11 Swanston: 15.
James forces a pass across the pait on JMU's next possession and MSU steals it, only to throw up an airball from behind the arc. Curtis gets fouled on a baseline runner, hits it and makes the free throw.
MSU throws an errant pass out of bounds, the second or third time they've done that. Curtis gets the ball on the baseline again but can't hit.
Swanston has the ball on the right wing again, but he's covered closely. Almost immediately after he passes inside to James, he gets double-teamed on the baseline. On JMU's next possession though, Swanston gets the ball on the right wing and hits his sixth 3-pointer, passing his career high of five last Saturday against Hofstra. In that game he was 5-of-9 from behind the arc.
With the score at 35-21 JMU, Swanston picks up his dribble near the Duke paw behind the arc, but holds the trigger. JMU gets the ball back and Curtis throws a lob to Swanston, who grabs rim but can't push it through.
There's a timeout on the floor with 3:54 left and the score at 37-21 JMU, and both teams go to their huddles. MSU huddles on the left wing of the court — I don't know how many times I've seen that. Not too many.
At this point Swanston leads all scorers with 18, and MSU doesn't have anyone on the floor with more than four points. Swanston misses his first shot with 2:30 left, a 3-point attempt, to the dismay of the belligerent fans sitting in the front row behind me.
With 1:41 left, the score is 37-27 JMU. It seems like Madison should have a larger lead at this point with Swanston's hot hand and MSU's turnovers.
JMU sophomore forward Matt Parker heaves up a 3-pointer as the clock runs out before halftime, and Swanston grabs the rim as he tries to follow but the ball bounces elsewhere. 39-29 JMU.
JMU released a statement yesterday that confirmed basketball coach Dean Keener's resignation, saying that he will coach the remainder of the season.
Junior forward Kyle Swanston hits the first shot of the game, a 3-pointer from the left side of the arc. He falls down after he shoots it, a common occurrence, but the referee isn't buying it.
Morehead State counters with two easy layups, and then Swanston hits his second 3-pointer, this time from the middle.
On JMU's next possession, what would you expect? Swanston hits a 3-pointer from the right side.
Morehead State misses a shot, JMU junior forward Juwann James grabs the rebound and junior guard Abdulai Jalloh hits a 3-pointer to make it a 12-4 JMU lead. MSU calls a timeout.
MSU gets nothing out of the timeout, and on JMU's next possession Swanston is looking for his shot but he's blanketed by two defenders. Madison turns it over on a three second call.
JMU freshman guard Heiden Ratner comes in for Jalloh and JMU runs the 2-2-1 three quarter court press, forcing a turnover the first time they show that pressure. JMU senior forward Terrance Carter scores a layup, and Madison sets the press again. It doesn't work this time, but JMU counters with another Swanston 3-pointer: 4-of-4 from beyond the arc so far.
JMU freshman point guard Pierre Curtis gets a steal and takes it the length for a layup, but he gets fouled and shoots free throws instead. Swanston and Curtis sub out after the free throws with 13:16 left in the half.
After JMU senior center Gabriel Chami blocks a shot with 11:48 left, there's another timeout. Freshman guard Ben Louis comes in for Ratner after the timeout, but Louis and Chami are replaced by Curtis and James with under 11 minutes remaining.
Jalloh gets fouled on a 3-pointer and hits all three free throws. After a missed MSU shot, JMU takes the ball in transition and Jalloh kicks it out to Swanston on the right wing for a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer. JMU:25 MSU:11 Swanston: 15.
James forces a pass across the pait on JMU's next possession and MSU steals it, only to throw up an airball from behind the arc. Curtis gets fouled on a baseline runner, hits it and makes the free throw.
MSU throws an errant pass out of bounds, the second or third time they've done that. Curtis gets the ball on the baseline again but can't hit.
Swanston has the ball on the right wing again, but he's covered closely. Almost immediately after he passes inside to James, he gets double-teamed on the baseline. On JMU's next possession though, Swanston gets the ball on the right wing and hits his sixth 3-pointer, passing his career high of five last Saturday against Hofstra. In that game he was 5-of-9 from behind the arc.
With the score at 35-21 JMU, Swanston picks up his dribble near the Duke paw behind the arc, but holds the trigger. JMU gets the ball back and Curtis throws a lob to Swanston, who grabs rim but can't push it through.
There's a timeout on the floor with 3:54 left and the score at 37-21 JMU, and both teams go to their huddles. MSU huddles on the left wing of the court — I don't know how many times I've seen that. Not too many.
At this point Swanston leads all scorers with 18, and MSU doesn't have anyone on the floor with more than four points. Swanston misses his first shot with 2:30 left, a 3-point attempt, to the dismay of the belligerent fans sitting in the front row behind me.
With 1:41 left, the score is 37-27 JMU. It seems like Madison should have a larger lead at this point with Swanston's hot hand and MSU's turnovers.
JMU sophomore forward Matt Parker heaves up a 3-pointer as the clock runs out before halftime, and Swanston grabs the rim as he tries to follow but the ball bounces elsewhere. 39-29 JMU.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Evans Back in Starting Lineup
Thursday night against William and Mary, JMU freshman point guard Dawn Evans made her first start since a Jan. 13 game at Old Dominion.
She missed the next four contests after that game with a stress fracture in her left foot, and including her Jan. 31 return from that injury against George Mason, she came off the bench four straight games leading up to Thursday’s matchup.
Evans said she felt 85 percent against the Tribe, but her long-range prowess continued as she connected on four of eight 3-pointers. She scored 14 points and had a game-high five assists, and her chemistry with freshman guard Courtney Hamner was impressive.
“Courtney runs the floor extremely well, so it’s easy to get the ball to her because she’s out there in front of everybody,” Evans said. “I just give it to her because she’s out there.”
That chemistry bodes well for the future of the team. The Dukes are riding a season-high seven game win streak, their best of the season, and are 17-6 overall, 10-2 in the Colonial Athletic Association.
She missed the next four contests after that game with a stress fracture in her left foot, and including her Jan. 31 return from that injury against George Mason, she came off the bench four straight games leading up to Thursday’s matchup.
Evans said she felt 85 percent against the Tribe, but her long-range prowess continued as she connected on four of eight 3-pointers. She scored 14 points and had a game-high five assists, and her chemistry with freshman guard Courtney Hamner was impressive.
“Courtney runs the floor extremely well, so it’s easy to get the ball to her because she’s out there in front of everybody,” Evans said. “I just give it to her because she’s out there.”
That chemistry bodes well for the future of the team. The Dukes are riding a season-high seven game win streak, their best of the season, and are 17-6 overall, 10-2 in the Colonial Athletic Association.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Will Pierre be Back Saturday?
If urgency is a factor for James Madison, one would think so.
JMU sophomore point guard Pierre Curtis, who has a sprain and a bone bruise in his left knee, was warming up Wednesday before the game at VCU. Unfortunately for the Dukes, his injury bothered him enough that he sat out his third straight contest.
“Being on the road without our starting point guard, we knew we would have to do an awful lot right,” JMU coach Dean Keener said. “Unfortunately we didn’t there in the first half where we had some critical turnovers, as well as allowing four offensive rebounds that really got them going.”
Curtis leads the team in free throw percentage and averages 10.7 points and a team-high 4.2 assists per game. Without him, JMU struggled to run its half-court offense at VCU.
“Ben [Louis] and Abdulai [Jalloh] really had some key turnovers in the first half that were live-ball and led to some run-outs and transition baskets for them, and then that allowed them again to set their defense,” Keener said.
JMU (11-13 overall, 4-10 in the conference) will regroup and prepare for a home game Saturday against Hofstra (8-16, 5-9), one of four conference games left for the Dukes. Keener said Curtis might be back for that game, but indicated that the situation is day-to-day.
JMU sophomore point guard Pierre Curtis, who has a sprain and a bone bruise in his left knee, was warming up Wednesday before the game at VCU. Unfortunately for the Dukes, his injury bothered him enough that he sat out his third straight contest.
“Being on the road without our starting point guard, we knew we would have to do an awful lot right,” JMU coach Dean Keener said. “Unfortunately we didn’t there in the first half where we had some critical turnovers, as well as allowing four offensive rebounds that really got them going.”
Curtis leads the team in free throw percentage and averages 10.7 points and a team-high 4.2 assists per game. Without him, JMU struggled to run its half-court offense at VCU.
“Ben [Louis] and Abdulai [Jalloh] really had some key turnovers in the first half that were live-ball and led to some run-outs and transition baskets for them, and then that allowed them again to set their defense,” Keener said.
JMU (11-13 overall, 4-10 in the conference) will regroup and prepare for a home game Saturday against Hofstra (8-16, 5-9), one of four conference games left for the Dukes. Keener said Curtis might be back for that game, but indicated that the situation is day-to-day.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Treys key Tribe Victory
James Madison lost its fifth straight game of the season and its eighth consecutive matchup with William & Mary, as the Tribe shot 10-of-15 on 3-pointers and Madison couldn't hit one to tie the game as time ran out Thursday night.
Junior guard Abdulai Jalloh led JMU with 19 points on 5-of-10 shooting, but also turned the ball over nine times. Jalloh and junior forward Juwann James tied for the team lead with seven rebounds.
William & Mary senior guard Nathan Mann led the Tribe with 19 points on 5-of-8 shooting. His 3-pointer with 2:15 left in the game put W&M up 57-52 and stymied JMU's comeback for good.
JMU fell to 10-10 overall, 3-7 in the Colonial Athletic Association, and the Tribe improved to 11-9, 7-3. Madison has eight games left to pick up the pieces before the CAA tournament starts in early March.
Junior guard Abdulai Jalloh led JMU with 19 points on 5-of-10 shooting, but also turned the ball over nine times. Jalloh and junior forward Juwann James tied for the team lead with seven rebounds.
William & Mary senior guard Nathan Mann led the Tribe with 19 points on 5-of-8 shooting. His 3-pointer with 2:15 left in the game put W&M up 57-52 and stymied JMU's comeback for good.
JMU fell to 10-10 overall, 3-7 in the Colonial Athletic Association, and the Tribe improved to 11-9, 7-3. Madison has eight games left to pick up the pieces before the CAA tournament starts in early March.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Young Makes History, Finds Stroke
Tamera Young through 15 games: 2-of-35 on 3-point attempts.
James Madison's all-time leading scorer in her last two games: 4-of-5.
While the overall percentage is still a meager 15 percent, Young has shown marked improvement in her last two games — just in time for a crucial road game at Towson (14-3 overall, 5-0 in the Colonial Athletic Association).
Madison (11-6, 4-2) rebounded from an overtime loss against Virginia Commonwealth by beating Hofstra 80-64 on Thursday night. Early in the game, Young connected from long distance and passed Meredith Alexis' mark of 1,760 points, claiming the JMU record.
The senior forward hit her second 3-pointer as she was fouled just 3 minutes, 12 seconds into the contest. After a timeout was called by JMU coach Kenny Brooks, Young hit the free throw for a 4-point play. But before the timeout she pointed to someone in the audience.
“It was funny because the football academic advisor, Justin Ruffin, I met with him a couple days ago and he was like ‘I want you to shoot all 3-pointers until you get it.’”
While Young said she didn’t expect to break the record that way, Brooks called it a “perfect scenario” to call a timeout and make the significance clear to the crowd of 1,706 at the Convocation Center.
Now the question is: will her hot streak carry the Dukes past Towson, one of two undefeated CAA teams?
James Madison's all-time leading scorer in her last two games: 4-of-5.
While the overall percentage is still a meager 15 percent, Young has shown marked improvement in her last two games — just in time for a crucial road game at Towson (14-3 overall, 5-0 in the Colonial Athletic Association).
Madison (11-6, 4-2) rebounded from an overtime loss against Virginia Commonwealth by beating Hofstra 80-64 on Thursday night. Early in the game, Young connected from long distance and passed Meredith Alexis' mark of 1,760 points, claiming the JMU record.
The senior forward hit her second 3-pointer as she was fouled just 3 minutes, 12 seconds into the contest. After a timeout was called by JMU coach Kenny Brooks, Young hit the free throw for a 4-point play. But before the timeout she pointed to someone in the audience.
“It was funny because the football academic advisor, Justin Ruffin, I met with him a couple days ago and he was like ‘I want you to shoot all 3-pointers until you get it.’”
While Young said she didn’t expect to break the record that way, Brooks called it a “perfect scenario” to call a timeout and make the significance clear to the crowd of 1,706 at the Convocation Center.
Now the question is: will her hot streak carry the Dukes past Towson, one of two undefeated CAA teams?
Monday, January 21, 2008
Adapting to New Roles
Two seasons ago, JMU guard Lesley Dickinson suffered a season-ending injury four days before the start of the Colonial Athletic Association tournament and the Dukes were forced to play without one of their most dynamic players.
But Madison advanced to the CAA women’s basketball final for the first time since 2001 with a buzzer-beater shot by Jasmin Lawrence with 1.9 seconds left for a 61-59 win over Delaware on March 10, 2006.
The senior guard is being asked to step up for a depleted roster once again, and what the women’s basketball team does in the absence of game-changing freshman point guard Dawn Evans will determine the direction its season goes throughout conference play.
“We don’t want to totally get away from what we are,” JMU coach Kenny Brooks said Monday at his weekly press conference. “What we are is a fast breaking team where we get a lot of easy transition baskets in the fast break, so we don’t have to go toe-to-toe so to speak against someone’s set defense.”
James Madison (10-6 overall, 3-2 CAA) responded to the loss of four starters from last season’s team by establishing a potent offense run by a freshman point guard. But Evans is out indefinitely with a stress fracture in her left foot, and Brooks now has to rely on natural shooting guards to step into a point guard role at times.
In addition to Lawrence and freshman guard Courtney Hamner, Brooks said that Young will also bring the ball up the court at times, something she did in spot duty against VCU.
“I thought she did a great job [Sunday] of taking some of the pressure off of [Lawrence] and Courtney, and Tamera has a small forward guarding her — she can bring the ball up very effectively.”
With Young on the verge of breaking Meredith Alexis' school record for points scored — she needs six points to surpass Alexis' total of 1760 — how dominant a performance will the Dukes turn in after a disappointing loss to Virginia Commonwealth?
But Madison advanced to the CAA women’s basketball final for the first time since 2001 with a buzzer-beater shot by Jasmin Lawrence with 1.9 seconds left for a 61-59 win over Delaware on March 10, 2006.
The senior guard is being asked to step up for a depleted roster once again, and what the women’s basketball team does in the absence of game-changing freshman point guard Dawn Evans will determine the direction its season goes throughout conference play.
“We don’t want to totally get away from what we are,” JMU coach Kenny Brooks said Monday at his weekly press conference. “What we are is a fast breaking team where we get a lot of easy transition baskets in the fast break, so we don’t have to go toe-to-toe so to speak against someone’s set defense.”
James Madison (10-6 overall, 3-2 CAA) responded to the loss of four starters from last season’s team by establishing a potent offense run by a freshman point guard. But Evans is out indefinitely with a stress fracture in her left foot, and Brooks now has to rely on natural shooting guards to step into a point guard role at times.
In addition to Lawrence and freshman guard Courtney Hamner, Brooks said that Young will also bring the ball up the court at times, something she did in spot duty against VCU.
“I thought she did a great job [Sunday] of taking some of the pressure off of [Lawrence] and Courtney, and Tamera has a small forward guarding her — she can bring the ball up very effectively.”
With Young on the verge of breaking Meredith Alexis' school record for points scored — she needs six points to surpass Alexis' total of 1760 — how dominant a performance will the Dukes turn in after a disappointing loss to Virginia Commonwealth?
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Dukes Search for Swagger
On the ride home from Old Dominion, JMU women's basketball coach Kenny Brooks received text messages from members of his team apologizing for their most disappointing performance of the season. But he’s convinced that his squad is ready to rebound at George Mason today.
“They’ve all been texting me, they’ve been apologizing to me,” Brooks said Monday at his weekly press conference. “But they don’t need to apologize to me, because they’re the ones that had to suffer through it. I think they’ll be able to bounce back.”
George Mason is the second of three opponents Madison faces on the road in January, and JMU is still searching for its first road victory against a team with at least a .500 record.
“We haven’t won some of the bigger games away from the Convocation Center that we need to win,” Brooks said. “We talk about the swagger, we have to have the swagger.”
Usually, Brooks uses Mondays to wind down and focus on personal things. This past Monday morning he was already watching film of GMU. His motivation?
“I want to get back out there to erase the [ODU] memory,” Brooks said.
JMU (9-5 overall, 2-1 in the Colonial Athletic Association) beat George Mason twice last year by a combined 58 points, but both teams have changed significantly. GMU (7-7, 1-2) is only one win shy of its total from last season, and has a 6-2 record at home. Brooks said he’s glad JMU has a chance to bounce back on the road.
“Our goals are much higher than just to be a good team at home,” Brooks said. “We want to be able to be one of the upper-echelon teams.”
Madison may not be the only team trying to regain confidence today. While the Patriots started the season 5-0 at home, they have gone 1-2 in their last three home games.
GMU has also dropped two straight games by at least 15 points. The Patriots lost 69-54 on Tuesday at Liberty, a team that beat JMU 79-66 earlier this season in Lynchburg.
“We’re coming off a loss to Liberty that I felt we played very well at their place,” GMU coach Debbie Taneyhill said in a phone interview. “I know our kids are glad to be back home and get into being able to concentrate on our CAA schedule.”
GMU senior guard Lateisha Wade leads the Patriots in scoring, averaging 14.6 points. Wade is the only GMU player averaging double figures, but the Patriots have managed to improve on last year’s season with a focus on defense.
“We’ve really made that an emphasis for our team this year,” Taneyhill said. “On nights when your offense may not be going well, if you have that solid defense you can still manage to win some games, and that’s what we’re trying to instill with our team.”
The Patriots will need that focus on defense to hang with a JMU team hungry for redemption.
“They’ve all been texting me, they’ve been apologizing to me,” Brooks said Monday at his weekly press conference. “But they don’t need to apologize to me, because they’re the ones that had to suffer through it. I think they’ll be able to bounce back.”
George Mason is the second of three opponents Madison faces on the road in January, and JMU is still searching for its first road victory against a team with at least a .500 record.
“We haven’t won some of the bigger games away from the Convocation Center that we need to win,” Brooks said. “We talk about the swagger, we have to have the swagger.”
Usually, Brooks uses Mondays to wind down and focus on personal things. This past Monday morning he was already watching film of GMU. His motivation?
“I want to get back out there to erase the [ODU] memory,” Brooks said.
JMU (9-5 overall, 2-1 in the Colonial Athletic Association) beat George Mason twice last year by a combined 58 points, but both teams have changed significantly. GMU (7-7, 1-2) is only one win shy of its total from last season, and has a 6-2 record at home. Brooks said he’s glad JMU has a chance to bounce back on the road.
“Our goals are much higher than just to be a good team at home,” Brooks said. “We want to be able to be one of the upper-echelon teams.”
Madison may not be the only team trying to regain confidence today. While the Patriots started the season 5-0 at home, they have gone 1-2 in their last three home games.
GMU has also dropped two straight games by at least 15 points. The Patriots lost 69-54 on Tuesday at Liberty, a team that beat JMU 79-66 earlier this season in Lynchburg.
“We’re coming off a loss to Liberty that I felt we played very well at their place,” GMU coach Debbie Taneyhill said in a phone interview. “I know our kids are glad to be back home and get into being able to concentrate on our CAA schedule.”
GMU senior guard Lateisha Wade leads the Patriots in scoring, averaging 14.6 points. Wade is the only GMU player averaging double figures, but the Patriots have managed to improve on last year’s season with a focus on defense.
“We’ve really made that an emphasis for our team this year,” Taneyhill said. “On nights when your offense may not be going well, if you have that solid defense you can still manage to win some games, and that’s what we’re trying to instill with our team.”
The Patriots will need that focus on defense to hang with a JMU team hungry for redemption.
Monday, January 14, 2008
The Aftermath
Following an 82-57 pounding at Old Dominion, the James Madison women's basketball team is anxious to redeem itself. In fact, various members of the team sent text messages to Coach Kenny Brooks apologizing for their performance on the ride home.
Brooks is a Dallas Cowboys fan, so it was a rough weekend for him. In case you're wondering, he doesn't blame Tony Romo for the Cowboys' early exit.
Madison (9-5 overall, 2-1 Colonial Athletic Association) will play for its first road conference win Thursday at George Mason. The Patriots (7-6, 1-2) lost to Drexel 62-42 on Sunday, only their second loss at home. GMU is 6-2 at home this season.
When asked about point guard Dawn Evans' recent struggles, Brooks defended her and pointed out that many of her missed 3-pointers have been in games where JMU trails by a lot and needs to get back in the game. He called last game her worst performance of the season, but also said that she is ahead of where Andrea Benvenuto (JMU '07) was as a freshman. Last year Benvenuto was named to the All-CAA third team.
It's clear that this team, while young, is emerging as a CAA contender. The next step is to win conference games on the road.
Brooks is a Dallas Cowboys fan, so it was a rough weekend for him. In case you're wondering, he doesn't blame Tony Romo for the Cowboys' early exit.
Madison (9-5 overall, 2-1 Colonial Athletic Association) will play for its first road conference win Thursday at George Mason. The Patriots (7-6, 1-2) lost to Drexel 62-42 on Sunday, only their second loss at home. GMU is 6-2 at home this season.
When asked about point guard Dawn Evans' recent struggles, Brooks defended her and pointed out that many of her missed 3-pointers have been in games where JMU trails by a lot and needs to get back in the game. He called last game her worst performance of the season, but also said that she is ahead of where Andrea Benvenuto (JMU '07) was as a freshman. Last year Benvenuto was named to the All-CAA third team.
It's clear that this team, while young, is emerging as a CAA contender. The next step is to win conference games on the road.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Brooks: No Excuses
James Madison coach Kenny Brooks said his team is done with excuses. The women's basketball team rolled to a 93-49 victory over Georgia State on Thursday night with two upperclassmen feeling ill and seemed to prove him right.
"No excuses." Two very strong words, especially considering the next game on Madison's schedule: Old Dominion.
"We have no excuses," Brooks said. "The kids come down, if they're a little bit sick or they don't really feel like practicing, that's not an excuse. ...We've kind of adopted that the last couple of days you know, no excuses let's go out, you're feet hurt it doesn't matter you can play through it we need to get tough and do that."
Madison (9-4 overall, 2-0 in the Colonial Athletic Association) won its third straight after losing four in a row in December. Tamera Young, the CAA's leading scorer and rebounder, was one rebound short of her sixth double-double this season. She scored 18 points to go along with nine rebounds against the Panthers. While Young is the only returning starter from last season's team, Georgia State coach Lea Henry said not to overlook the effect of her experience.
"Experience helps them, with the way Young understands what it takes to win and you've got a couple other upperclassmen that have been around a lot of success," Henry said. "I just like the way they have so much energy, the way they get after it."
Those other upperclassmen Henry was talking about? Two of them were not at full strength. Senior forward Jennifer Brown and junior forward Kisha Stokes who were both feeling ill, and played less than normal minutes. Brown is suffering from a slight case of bronchitis, and Stokes has been diagnosed with "partial pneumonia."
Freshman Lauren Jimenez stepped up for the Dukes with 15 points and eight rebounds. The 6-foot-4 center created a mismatch for Georgia State and scored double digits for the second time in a row and this season.
"We were a little bit sluggish in the beginning, but we've got some kids who are under the weather," Brooks said. "Jennifer Brown's under the weather, Kisha Stokes [is] under the weather, that's why they were limited so much especially in the second half."
That's where Jiminez showed why Brooks intended for her to be Meredith Alexis' successor, scoring nine of her 15 points in the second half. Alexis graduated in spring 2007 as JMU's all-time leading scorer, and many expected JMU to be in a rebuilding phase this season as a result.
Georgia State's efforts to negate the size advantage failed more and more as the game went on.
"The first half we were kind of dead and not fightin' and playin as hard we usually do," Young said. "The second half we picked it up and we started fighting' for loose balls and rebounding more. ...they're just a run and gun team, they don't really set up plays that much, so we knew that from the beginning that that's what they wanted to do."
Madison plays at ODU on Sunday, the first meeting of the teams since ODU beat JMU to claim its 16th straight CAA Championship last season. The Monarchs (11-3, 2-0) are second place in the CAA, behind Virginia Commonwealth (12-1, 2-0).
"No excuses." Two very strong words, especially considering the next game on Madison's schedule: Old Dominion.
"We have no excuses," Brooks said. "The kids come down, if they're a little bit sick or they don't really feel like practicing, that's not an excuse. ...We've kind of adopted that the last couple of days you know, no excuses let's go out, you're feet hurt it doesn't matter you can play through it we need to get tough and do that."
Madison (9-4 overall, 2-0 in the Colonial Athletic Association) won its third straight after losing four in a row in December. Tamera Young, the CAA's leading scorer and rebounder, was one rebound short of her sixth double-double this season. She scored 18 points to go along with nine rebounds against the Panthers. While Young is the only returning starter from last season's team, Georgia State coach Lea Henry said not to overlook the effect of her experience.
"Experience helps them, with the way Young understands what it takes to win and you've got a couple other upperclassmen that have been around a lot of success," Henry said. "I just like the way they have so much energy, the way they get after it."
Those other upperclassmen Henry was talking about? Two of them were not at full strength. Senior forward Jennifer Brown and junior forward Kisha Stokes who were both feeling ill, and played less than normal minutes. Brown is suffering from a slight case of bronchitis, and Stokes has been diagnosed with "partial pneumonia."
Freshman Lauren Jimenez stepped up for the Dukes with 15 points and eight rebounds. The 6-foot-4 center created a mismatch for Georgia State and scored double digits for the second time in a row and this season.
"We were a little bit sluggish in the beginning, but we've got some kids who are under the weather," Brooks said. "Jennifer Brown's under the weather, Kisha Stokes [is] under the weather, that's why they were limited so much especially in the second half."
That's where Jiminez showed why Brooks intended for her to be Meredith Alexis' successor, scoring nine of her 15 points in the second half. Alexis graduated in spring 2007 as JMU's all-time leading scorer, and many expected JMU to be in a rebuilding phase this season as a result.
Georgia State's efforts to negate the size advantage failed more and more as the game went on.
"The first half we were kind of dead and not fightin' and playin as hard we usually do," Young said. "The second half we picked it up and we started fighting' for loose balls and rebounding more. ...they're just a run and gun team, they don't really set up plays that much, so we knew that from the beginning that that's what they wanted to do."
Madison plays at ODU on Sunday, the first meeting of the teams since ODU beat JMU to claim its 16th straight CAA Championship last season. The Monarchs (11-3, 2-0) are second place in the CAA, behind Virginia Commonwealth (12-1, 2-0).
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Panthers up Next
After losing four straight games in December, the women’s team has won two straight by a combined 92 points. The Dukes routed Wagner 100-48 on Dec. 31 and beat UNC Wilmington 79-39 in their first January game Sunday.
Madison (8-4 overall, 1-0 CAA) faces Georgia State tonight at 7 p.m. The Panthers (3-9, 0-1) have lost two straight, including their conference opener against No. 23 Old Dominion.
Senior forward Tamera Young leads JMU with 20.9 points a game and 9.6 rebounds a contest. Freshman point guard Dawn Evans is the only other player averaging double figures with 12.8 points a game.
Madison (8-4 overall, 1-0 CAA) faces Georgia State tonight at 7 p.m. The Panthers (3-9, 0-1) have lost two straight, including their conference opener against No. 23 Old Dominion.
Senior forward Tamera Young leads JMU with 20.9 points a game and 9.6 rebounds a contest. Freshman point guard Dawn Evans is the only other player averaging double figures with 12.8 points a game.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Domination
Did I say the women's basketball team hit their stride?
Another solid performance from senior forward Tamera Young led to a 79-39 rout of UNC Wilmington. Young scored 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting, and also tallied nine rebounds and six assists. Maybe her most impressive performance of the season, all things considered.
Senior forward Jennifer Brown grabbed 10 rebounds to lead JMU, as the Dukes out-rebounded the Seahawks 42-24. Defense was also a key factor, as UNCW had 23 turnovers and JMU had only 11.
With seven more conference games in January, don't discount the importance of an emphatic start.
Another solid performance from senior forward Tamera Young led to a 79-39 rout of UNC Wilmington. Young scored 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting, and also tallied nine rebounds and six assists. Maybe her most impressive performance of the season, all things considered.
Senior forward Jennifer Brown grabbed 10 rebounds to lead JMU, as the Dukes out-rebounded the Seahawks 42-24. Defense was also a key factor, as UNCW had 23 turnovers and JMU had only 11.
With seven more conference games in January, don't discount the importance of an emphatic start.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Conference Play Begins Sunday
James Madison is back on track.
The entire starting lineup of the women's basketball team reached double figures and JMU broke out of its four game losing streak with a 100-48 drubbing of Wagner (2-9) earlier this week. But conference play begins Sunday against UNC Wilmington, the second place team in the Colonial Athletic Association.
The Seahawks (9-2) have two players that rank in the top 10 in CAA scoring, freshman forward Brittany Blackwell and junior forward Sasha Taylor. Blackwell has earned CAA Rookie of the Week recognition twice this season and is coming off her strongest performance of the year, scoring a career high 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting in a 90-88 overtime win against Western Carolina (8-5).
But the Seahawks lost at Radford 77-46 five days before facing Western Carolina, and Madison should be able to compete with them.
Sunday's game against UNCW is the first of eight conference games this month for JMU. After compiling a 1-4 record in December, the Dukes will look to prove their character against CAA competition in January.
The entire starting lineup of the women's basketball team reached double figures and JMU broke out of its four game losing streak with a 100-48 drubbing of Wagner (2-9) earlier this week. But conference play begins Sunday against UNC Wilmington, the second place team in the Colonial Athletic Association.
The Seahawks (9-2) have two players that rank in the top 10 in CAA scoring, freshman forward Brittany Blackwell and junior forward Sasha Taylor. Blackwell has earned CAA Rookie of the Week recognition twice this season and is coming off her strongest performance of the year, scoring a career high 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting in a 90-88 overtime win against Western Carolina (8-5).
But the Seahawks lost at Radford 77-46 five days before facing Western Carolina, and Madison should be able to compete with them.
Sunday's game against UNCW is the first of eight conference games this month for JMU. After compiling a 1-4 record in December, the Dukes will look to prove their character against CAA competition in January.
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