A Few Post-Syracuse Game Thoughts
by MPG (2020-02-25 13:43:21)
Edited on 2020-02-25 13:45:03
Post Reply Return to McGraw's Bench

After that nice win on Sunday, it struck me that several ND players seemed to have been reading this board's pre-game speculation about next year's starting line-up:

Mikki Vaughn had her best offensive game of her career scoring several times with spin moves to her left and a nice ten foot jump shot. In the post-game press conference, Muffet mentioned that Mikki has been "playing on one leg" and taking a physical beating. This meshes with what I was seeing in recent games. Barring injury, she is certain to start in the low post next season.

Sam Brunelle was much more agressive in her rebounding with a total of nine rebounds, seven on the defensive end. She also has the team's best variety
of ways to score in the paint. Sam is certain to start at the hybrid forward position because at her best she can score from anywhere as well as rebound. She'll also get more rest with Maddy Westbeld subbing in at times.
In some situations, Sam and Maddy will see time on the floor together.

Katlyn Gilbert showed me that she has the inside track to the starting pg position. She had six assists and two turnovers against a physical defense and helped break the press in the fourth quarter when Marta was beginning to wear down against continuous pressure. I believe that as the primary ball-handler Katlyn will be more relaxed and not force as many shots going to the hoop against much taller post defenders. She'll do her best to be a distributor who can also score when needed. Alasia Hayes should give her some relief in a supporting role.

Destinee Walker is the most dynamic athlete on the current roster and will certainly be a starter next season as the scoring guard. I think I have been seeing her evolve into a more consistent scorer. Alli Campbell should be a good sub for her when needed.

Anaya Peoples and Abby Prohaska should battle for the final starting spot as both bring some toughness and defense. Anaya has the edge in overall talent, but both will play.

I also have my annual hope for a full-court, trapping press unit. How about Abby, Anaya, Alasia, Amirah, and Alli for an "A Team"? Won't it be great to have some depth?

There were no recruits in sight on Sunday; the standing ovation for Tiana M. was long and heartfelt; Sam B. survived being hit by a pom-pom when the team came back on the court before the ND pom squad had finished their routine. There was another good crowd in attendance that really appreciated the team's effort.





Great post, as always, since I agree with your lineup.
by BabaGhanouj  (2020-02-25 15:16:32)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

While I agree that Maddy Westbeld, as we envision her, could provide good defense, rebounding, and distribution, in addition to scoring, in the high post, with regard to starters, the experienced ones generally get the nod.

When we watched highlight films of Katlyn Gilbert, it was her quickness and speed that always jumped out. We have seen that a few times this season, but not enough. I think the year of experience will again reveal her quickness.

I have a hard time with Abby over Anaya, but we will see.

And the "A Team" is the greatest publicity stunt since the pom-pom! Congrats MPG! That's fantastic. I wonder how many high school steals that team would bring to the Notre Dame court? That could be an all-time record for 5 on the court at one time. Perhaps FightingIrishRadio could scrounge that up.
Why is Mik on 1 leg? That worries me. Is it just the brace?
by Jon  (2020-02-25 14:37:15)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

Or is that knee still in bad shape?

At some point do we consider shutting her down? This year will end up in a mediocre place anyway, what's a few more losses?
Can See Your Positions on, Well, All Positions....
by dillon77  (2020-02-25 14:21:20)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

...particularly Mik at low post, Katlyn at PG and Sam B. at some kind of forward.

On one hand, I've ventured below that Maddy Westbeld can play the tradtional "4" distributor at the top of the key, while Sam shifts over to a more tradtional small forward type. This could well happend on occasion against larger opponents.

On the other hand, MM next year will have the luxury of having two "wing-type" guards who both can both play tough defense, rebound and take it to the rack in Anaya and Abby. So, Maddy could come off the bench to play a 4 or spell Sam and play the hybrid.

The off guard will be the shooting spot, so it makes sense to have Destinee and Alli there. Keep at least one long-range bomber in the lineup (besides Sam, that is).

Where I think Katlyn will really help is her ability to keep defenses honest with her accurate mid-range jumper. Keep teams from sagging onto Mik.

Thanks for this report. With N. Carolina falling on a weekday, I doubt that many prospects will show up to watch, so it looks like that might be it for HS visitors. Reynolds, Wiggins, Verhulst.