Monday, December 22, 2008
Ohio State 70 Michigan 50
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Next: Ohio State
This is another tough test for Michigan, playing a ranked opponent on the road. Despite their success last season and (so far) this one, they still have struggled on the road.
Ohio State is led by sophomore center Jantel Lavender (22.4 pts/game, 11.3 rbs/game) and freshman guard Samantha Prahalis (10.8 pts/game, 6.2 assists/game).
Michigan will have to step up their play to win, but their non-conference schedule has certainly prepared them.
Coverage of the Cincinnati win
Senior forward Melinda Queen (Oak Forest, Ill./Carl Sandburg) set a new career high with 16 points, including going 4-of-5 from behind the arc, to lead the University of Michigan women's basketball team to a 65-50 win over Cincinnati in its final non-conference game on Friday night (Dec. 19) at Crisler Arena.mlive.com:For the third time this season, the Wolverines had three players in double figures, led by Queen's 16. Senior forward Stephany Skrba (Toronto, Ontario/Langstaff Secondary School), who was in double figures for the second consecutive game, added 15, while freshman guard/forward Carmen Reynolds (Hilliard, Ohio/Davidson) posted her first double-figures game with a career-high 11 points.
Also the Detroit Free Press and BearcatInsider.com.University of Michigan women's basketball coach Kevin Borseth has been waiting for his team find the killBlogger: University of Michigan Women's Hoops - Create Poster instinct it needs to put teams away.
After trading blows with Cincinnati in the first half, the Wolverines finally landed the knockout punch Borseth has been looking for and cruised to a 65-50 victory Friday night at Crisler Arena.
"It took us a long time to pull away from them, but we did," Borseth said. "It feels good."
Friday, December 19, 2008
Michigan 65 Cincinnati 50
A strong second half after being tied 28-28 at half time. One notable stat - Michigan had 20 assists and only 11 turnovers.
Next: Cincinnati
Cincinnati is led by junior guard Kahla Roudebush (14.2 pts/game) and senior forward Jill Stephens (10.0 pts/game).
Tonight's game is being broadcast on the Big 10 network.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Stephany Skrba named Big Ten Player of the Week
Senior Stephany Skrba (Toronto, Ontario/Langstaff Secondary) of the University of Michigan women's basketball team has been named Big Ten Player of Week, the conference office announced Tuesday (Dec. 16). Skrba's 20-point effort led the Wolverines to a 63-59 win over No. 8-ranked Notre Dame last Wednesday (Dec. 10). She is the first U-M representative for conference Player of the Week since Ta'Shia Walker (2005-08) won the award on Dec. 26, 2005.Skrba made 10-of-11 from the field against the Irish to earn her second 20-plus performance of her career. She scored 12 points in the first half and netted U-M's only two field goals in overtime to give Michigan its final lead in the extra-time period. The senior also added three rebounds, two blocks, three steals and an assist in the contest as U-M defeated its highest-ranked opponent since 2000-01. Her 10 field goals and 11 attempts both marked career highs.
Detroit News Article
Michigan will open the Big Ten women's basketball schedule with momentum this weekend after earning two signature victories during the nonconference portion of its schedule.
The Wolverines (6-4) will host Cincinnati on Friday to complete their nonconference games before traveling to face No. 18 Ohio State (7-2) on Sunday (Big Ten Network, 2 p.m.).
Michigan had two big home victories, 50-42 on Nov. 23 against No. 13 Vanderbilt and 63-59 in overtime over No. 8 Notre Dame a week ago.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Matt Park's blog
Borseth and his staff have integrated three new starters and two freshmen into the rotation. The Wolverines have played the 17th-toughest schedule in the country through the first 10 games of the season. Six of the first 10 games were away from home. Four of the first 10 opponents were ranked in the top 15 when the Wolverines played them. Michigan had only one day to prepare for seven of the first 10 games this year. Considering all of that, Michigan’s 6-4 record to start this season is a credit to Borseth and his staff for their ability to teach and coach the game of basketball
In addition to his ability to coach, I gather from my observations of Coach Borseth over the last year and a half that his other great strength is in how he motivates and instills confidence in his players. The Wolverines have gone toe-to-toe with each of those top-15 teams, showing no fear or intimidation. Watching the team through its first 10 games this season, I can see the confidence of players growing. Veronica Hicks plays better and better every game. Stephany Skrba has scored 20 points in two of her last five games. Look at the plays Michigan made down the stretch against Notre Dame – Hicks knocking down two clutch free throws late in regulation, Minnfield with the drive and score with four seconds left to force overtime, Skrba with back-to-back buckets in OT to give Michigan the lead, Melinda Queen drawing a charge late in overtime for a Notre Dame turnover, Benson grabbing an offensive rebound to keep possession for U-M in the final minute. Michigan played with poise and confidence down the stretch, and I believe that Coach Borseth is a big part of that.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Hittin' The Hardwood with Roni Hicks ...
This is a long season and we have this schedule of non-conference play for a reason. We have played multiple top 25 teams this season, all from different conferences. These games are preparing us for Big Ten play, and if we can make it through this and the game situations that we face now…we can make it through ANYTHING. So after visiting the Pac-10, we moved to the Big Ten/ACC challenge. Except that we had two ACC challenges back-to-back.For those wondering, Hicks missed the USC game because she wasn't allowed on the flight with only her student id.
First, we faced North Carolina State, with the remarkable coach Kay Yow. Kay Yow is an inspiration to any women’s basketball player. She has continued her fight as a coach even after being diagnosed with breast cancer. I have a lot of respect for her and what she does. But we still had a mission to compete and get a win for ourselves and the Big Ten. The NC State game was pretty high-energy and it is always great when we can play in Crisler. Our defense was good and we focused on rebounding more than anything. Getting that win showed resilience and our ability to bounce back, even after USC.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
More Coverage of Notre Dame game
The Daily live blogged the game as well:Maybe it was because the Michigan women’s basketball team lost five of its last six games against Notre Dame.
Maybe it was because this year’s seniors had never beaten the Irish before.
Maybe it was because in the last game between the two teams — at Crisler Arena two years ago — the Wolverines thought they had the game wrapped up only to allow the Irish to go on a 10-2 run over the final 47 seconds to snatch the victory.
Whatever the reason, after Michigan had clinched its 63-59 overtime win against No. 8 Notre Dame, sophomore guard Veronica Hicks felt compelled to call on a higher power.
Right after the last question of the press conference, Hicks exclaimed, shortly but meaningfully, “Thank you God!”
...:17: With the shot clock dead, the Irish call a timeout to plan for the Wolverine foul. They have the two-point lead, and this one is coming down to free throws.
:13: A shocker! The Irish step on the line on the inbound play, and the ball is given back to the Wolverines! With 13 seconds on the clock, it looks like Michigan will have one chance to send this one into overtime. We’ll let you know soon how this one turns out.
:3: Borseth puts the ball in the hands of the team’s senior leader Jess Minnfield on the isolation play, and Minnfield carves her way through the Irish defense with a spin and a finger-roll that ties the ball game for the Wolverines! This is the best game of the season by far! Still plenty of time for the Irish though. I’ve seen crazier things.
END OF REGULATION, Michigan is tied with Notre Dame, 56-56.
NOTES ON REGULATION: What a game! Jess Minnfield knows this is her team, and she played like it in the last 10 minutes. She has 14 points on the game, 11 in this half, and she came up with the clutch steal that sealed overtime for the Wolverines. It looked like she’d even hit her desperation shot at the buzzer to win it for Michigan. Here we go, the next five minutes could be some of the most important for the Wolverines this season.
Also stories in the Detroit News, Detroit Free Press & South Bend Tribune.FINAL: MICHIGAN WINS, 63-59
POSTGAME THOUGHTS: In one of the best women’s basketball games I’ve ever witnessed, Borseth’s Michigan Wolverines come away with a season-changing victory. Crisler is going nuts! Minnfield ends with 16 and Skrba ends with 20, both playing two of the best games of their career. I’ve never seen Borseth smile so big after a victory. After two clutch wins against Vanderbilt and Notre Dame, both ranked in the top 15, I’d give the Wolverines a pretty decent chance of seeing a ranking before their name going into conference play soon. This game made it clear who this team is about. As long as Skrba can score in the post and Minnfield can lead this team from the point, this team can go places.
Coverage of the Notre Dame Game
From mlive.com:
The women ran, skipped and leapt across the Crisler Arena court in a rush, hugging each other and screaming. Veronica Hicks, one of the team's defensive specialists, jumped into a teammate's arms and wrapped her legs around her waist like a little kid.
Coach Kevin Borseth flashed a perma-grin as he strode across the court to do a postgame TV interview.
An exhilerating 63-59 overtime upset of No. 8-ranked Notre Dame before 1,377 fans on Wednesday night put the unranked, upstart University of Michigan women's basketball program in a celebratory mood.
To the Wolverines (6-4), this felt like a signature victory:
It was their first win over a top-10 team since Nov. 17, 2000, when they beat No. 8 Louisiana Tech.
It was their first over the Fighting Irish (7-1) since 2001, ending a series streak of three consecutive losses. Notre Dame won last year's meeting, 77-46.
It also served as the team's second triumph over a Top 25 squad this season - it beat No. 13 Vanderbilt 50-42 on Nov. 23. "I'm so ecstatic,'' said senior forward Stephany Skrba, who made Michigan's two baskets from the floor in overtime and led the team with 20 points on 10-of-11 shooting. "The seniors have had four years playing them and losing. ... It feels so great to get this win.''
Once Michigan guard Jessica Minnfield forced overtime, Wolverines forward Stephany Skrba took full advantage of it.Another story on mlive.com, mgoblue.com and an AP story.
Back-to-back layups from Skrba gave Michigan a one-point lead, and the Wolverines hung on to beat No. 8 Notre Dame 63-59 in overtime in Ann Arbor, Mich. Wednesday night.
The Irish unbeaten streak ends at seven, while Michigan moves to 2-2 against ranked teams.
Skrba lit up Crisler Arena, scoring 20 points on 10-11 shooting. With 3:25 remaining in overtime, Irish freshman forward Kellie Watson hit a 3-pointer to give Notre Dame a 59-56 lead. Skrba, however, drove for a layup, then drove again after Notre Dame (7-1) turned the ball over under its own basket.
Sireece Bass
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Michigan 63 Notre Dame 59 (OT)
Next: Notre Dame
Duke 60 Michigan 45
From mgoblue.com:
The University of Michigan women's basketball team posted 20 steals and forced Duke (No. 12 AP/No. 14 ESPN/USA Today) into 30 turnovers but could not manage to pick up the win, falling 60-45 this afternoon (Sunday, Dec. 7) at Cameron Indoor Stadium.Sophomore Veronica Hicks (Chicago, Ill./Thornwood) had a career night with a career-high 16 points on 6-of-15 shooting from the floor while picking up four steals and four assists. As a team, Michigan had season-high 20 steals.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Next: Duke
Duke is led by 6'5" senior center Chante Black (16.7ppg, 8.3rpg and 2.7 blocks/game), senior guard Abby Waner (11.2ppg,4.0apg) and junior forward Joy Cheek (9.8ppg).
Let's hope the women's team can repeat what the men did last night & upset the Blue Devils.
Michigan 63 NC State 52
From mgoblue.com:
Senior forward Carly Benson (Carney, Mich. /Carney-Nadeau Public School) scored a game-high 16 points to lead the Wolverines in scoring for the second straight game as the University of Michigan women’s basketball team defeated North Carolina State, 63-52, on Friday night (Dec. 5) at Crisler Arena in the annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge.The Wolverines, who posted a season-low nine turnovers, had three players in double figures for the first time since Nov. 28 against Belmont. In addition to Benson, senior Jessica Minnfield (Toledo, Ohio/Central Catholic) and senior Stephany Skrba (Toronto, Ontario/Langstaff Secondary School) contributed 15 and 10 points, respectively.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Next: NC State
NC State is led by a pair of guards - senior Shayla Fields (19.1 ppg) and junior Nikitta Gartrell (12.4 ppg/4.3apg).
The game will be televised tonight on the Big 10 network.
Blogs at mgoblue.com
From "Hittin the Hardwood with Roni Hicks":
Coach Borseth says we will be the most improved team by the end of the year, and I agree. In fact, we will be the most improved team by the next game and the game after that and the game after that--that is the goal. “Move to improve with every competition and every obstacle.”From "The VOICE with Matt Park":
Of course, now that we're here in Hattiesburg, it's time to hit the court and compete. I'm excited to see how Michigan performs after the last two games against Texas A&M and Vanderbilt. The Wolverines' play in those two games is probably going to be the prescription for success for the rest of the season. It's clear that Michigan can be a great defensive team – limiting Vanderbilt to only 45 points, a record low for the Commodores – and it has made big improvement in its rebounding after the first two games. Those two elements, rebounding and defense, need to be the constants for the Wolverines while they work on their offensive rhythm and try to identify where their scoring will come from.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
USC 81 Michigan 53
Lets hope a return home results in better results against NC State on Friday night.
Coverage can be found on mgoblue.com and detnews.com.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Next: Southern California
Game time is 10:00pm EST - lets hope Michigan can extend their three game win streak.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Southern Mississippi Tournament
(Late) Update - coverage of the tournament from mgoblue.com on the Belmont game and the Southern Mississippi game, mlive.com and the Southern Mississippi student paper, the Student Printz.
A nice quote from the Southern Mississippi coach:
"We've made some steps in the right direction," Coach Joye Lee-McNelis said.
"Yes, we wanted to win this game, but we played a very good Michigan team that has been battled tested. They (Michigan) beat Vanderbilt, who was picked to win the SEC and a three-point loss to No. 8 Texas A&M.
They are seasoned basketball players who do a great job of playing well together.
They find each other, you double-down on the low block; they hit each other for the three. I can't say enough about how good this team is. For our team to play them to a 10-point game also says a lot about how far we have come."
Friday, November 28, 2008
Next: Belmont
It will be interesting to see how the Wolverines play - if the team from the last two games shows up, they should be able to find a way to win. If they play like they did against Akron, it could be a long evening. (As a comparison - last year Akron had an RPI rating of 262, while Belmont's was 246.)
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tonight: Men's Basketball vs. Norfolk State
Monday, November 24, 2008
Coverage of the Vanderbilt Win
Led by 14 points from senior guard Jessica Minnfield (Toledo, Ohio/Central Catholic), the University of Michigan women's basketball team knocked off Vanderbilt (No. 13 AP, No. 12 ESPN/USA Today), 50-42, on Sunday afternoon (Nov. 23) at Crisler Arena. The victory was the first for U-M over a ranked opponent since Feb. 29, 2004, when it defeated No. 12 Minnesota, 57-47. U-M also held Vanderbilt under 45 points to mark the first time in their program history that the Commodores have scored fewer than 45 points.The Michigan Daily:
Picked to win the Southeastern Conference, Vanderbilt was accustomed to faster, more athletic teams who push the ball up the court and score on the fast break. The Wolverines are just the opposite — they like to slow the game down, pound the ball inside and get rebounds. It was a matchup of two very different styles of play, and Michigan came out on top.
“To you, it may look like agony,” Michigan coach Kevin Borseth said. “But to us, it was exactly what we wanted to do.”
Also, the Michigan Daily Live Blogged the game, an AP wire story with photos, the Detroit Free Press, mlive.com, and Vanderbilt's site.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Michigan 50 Vanderbilt 42
It wasn't always pretty (25 turnovers), but the team did what they had to do - they didn't let up, they hit their free throws (17/21) and kept up the defensive intensity throughout the game.
Next: Vanderbilt
Let's hope the Wolverines can pull off the upset that eluded them against Texas A&M.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Coverage of Texas A&M Loss
(Coach Kevin Borseth)Aggieathletics.com:
On what the team can take away from the game... "It depends on your matchups sometimes. Our matchup might have been perfect tonight, and if we had made some shots, the game could have been in our favor. When you leave after a game like we played at Akron, you just think, 'Now what? Are we ever going to win a game?' Then you come and play a good team that is playing well and there is hope again. The team feels good. They feel something good is happening. I don't know if there is really such a thing as a moral victory, but I do think that the players at least felt tonight that they could compete against a really good team."
Texas A&M Head Coach Gary Blair
On the game ...
"We were very fortunate to win this game. When you have a team that reaches the Elite Eight and has been to the NCAA Tournament for three-straight years, you know how to win down the stretch. We did a good job of keeping our poise. Give Michigan a lot of credit. They had us scouted very well. It was a good ballgame. Michigan is going to be in the top half of the Big Ten, because they have one of the best coaches in the country in Kevin Borseth."On the team's pressure defense and aggressiveness ...
"It did not bother them a whole lot. Most of their turnovers were unforced. We did a good job on the press. We are a very aggressive team and he (Coach Borseth) did exactly what he needed to do to stop our aggressiveness by spreading the floor."On Michigan head coach Kevin Borseth ...
"From midseason on, he did one of the best coaching jobs in the country last year. Our press will work well at home, but it did not work well tonight. We did not have the same personnel like we did last year against Michigan. When you have five players who can shoot the ball like they do and have a freshman coming off the bench, they are going to be very good."
Also mlive.com and thebatt.com.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Texas A&M 59 Michigan 56
Michigan held the lead at half time, but was done in by poor second half shooting (25%, 13% from 3 pt range) and turnovers (18).
Tonight's game against Texas A&M
Next: Texas A&M
This (along with the upcoming games against Vanderbilt, NC State & Notre Dame) should be good measuring stick for the team. For Michigan to have a chance to win this, they will have to shoot much better than they did against Akron, do a better job of rebounding, limit turnovers and in general limit mistakes.
Akron Loss
Seniors Carly Benson (Carney, Mich./Carney-Nadeau Public Schools) and Stephany Skrba (Toronto, Ontario/Langstaff Secondary School) tallied 13 and 10 points, respectively, as the University of Michigan women's basketball team fell short at Akron 58-49 tonight (Monday, Nov. 17) at Rhodes Arena.Additional stories from mlive.com, ohio.com and the Detroit Free Press.Benson's team-best scoring total came on 5-of-13 shooting from the floor, including 3-of-8 from behind the arc. Sophomore Veronica Hicks (Chicago, Ill./Thornwood HS) led the team with a career-high seven rebounds, while freshman Carmen Reynolds (Hilliard, Ohio/Davidson) made her collegiate debut and recorded five points on 1-of-2 shooting from the field and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Akron 58 Michigan 49
Odds and Ends
- The Michigan Daily has a season preview.
- Veronica Hicks has another entry in her blog up on mgoblue.com.
- Radio announcer Matt Park has the entry in a blog up on mgoblue.com.
- The Ann Arbor News/mlive had a couple of articles about the team, but at the moment I can't find links. Mzonefan has posted them over at umgoblue.com.
Next: Akron
Michigan should have a height advantage - Akron only has one three players listed as taller than 6'0" - freshman center Kyle Baumgartner (6'3"), freshman center Denver McLean (6'1") and junior forward/center Victoria Arndt.
The Zips are lead by sophomore forward Kara Murphy, who averaged 14.5 points a game last season.
Tip off is at 7:00pm. Mgoblue.com has preview here.
Coverage of the Kentucky Win
LEXINGTON, Ky. -- The University of Michigan women's basketball had four players score in double figures, led by 18 points from freshman Courtney Boylan (Minnetonka, Minn./Chaska HS), in a season-opening 70-60 win at Kentucky this afternoon (Saturday, Nov. 15) at Memorial Coliseum.and quotes from Courtney Boylan:In her collegiate debut, Boylan tallied 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting from the floor, including 4-of-4 from three-point range. Melinda Queen (Oak Forest, Ill./Carl Sandburg HS), who made her first start since the 2005-06 season, tallied a career-high 15 points as she hit 3-of-9 from the field and added career bests for free throws made (nine) and attempted (11).
Other U-M players in double figures included Queen with 15 points, junior Krista Phillips (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan/Aden Bowman Collegiate) with 11 and senior Jessica Minnfield (Toledo, Ohio/Central Catholic) with 10.
Kentucky.com:On her performance... "I think that I just saw the openings and a lot of the openings we made by people penetrating and going to the basket. I saw just a little opening and I just took it when I thought I had a shot."
On the win... "It felt really good. We knew that after our exhibition that we could play a lot better. I think the game was pretty close for most of it until we broke away at the end. I think it was awesome win and it will be good going into our next game."
Kentucky's big pre-season concerns were a lack of depth and a lack of offensive firepower.
Those worries certainly seemed founded Saturday in the Cats' season-opening 70-60 loss to Michigan at Memorial Coliseum.
Also the Lexington Courier-Journal, wkyt.com, and a brief mention the Detroit Free Press."There were a lot of areas that were exposed that we were weak in today," Coach Matthew Mitchell said. "It was a very, very poor performance for us and not the way we wanted to get the season started out."
Foul trouble put UK, which shot 24.3 percent in the first half, in an early hole and the Cats could never quite climb out of it.
Five of UK's 10 available players had two fouls or more with 6:52 to go in the first half, including four starters.
Michigan took advantage, using a 9-3 run late in the first half to grab an early lead. The Wolverines carried a nine-point lead into halftime and it was 11 points 30 seconds into the second half.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Michigan 70 Kentucky 60
Michigan shot 50% from the floor (vs 32 % by Kentucky). It wasn't all roses however, as Michigan was out rebounded 44-34 and committed 21 turnovers.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Next: Kentucky
Last year Michigan won a close game in Ann Arbor, 63-59.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Signing Day
The University of Michigan women's basketball program received National Letters of Intent from six student-athletes on the first day of the early signing period Wednesday (Nov. 12). Sam Arnold, a 6-3 forward from Medinah, Ill., Dayeesha Hollins, a 5-7 guard from Cincinnati, Ohio, Nya Jordan, a 6-0 forward from Lathrup Village, Mich., Jenny Ryan, a 5-9 guard from Saginaw, Mich., Rachel Sheffer, a 6-1 center/forward from Watervliet, Mich., and Kate Thompson, a 6-3 guard from Plymouth, Minn., are all part of a 2009 class that earned a No. 21 national ranking by Blue Star Basketball Report."We couldn't be happier with our class of 2009," said head coach Kevin Borseth. "All these kids are solid. They are good athletes, good students and good people. We not only choose them, but they choose Michigan. What a great way to welcome in a new era of Michigan women's basketball. We have a great combination of quantity and quality."
Monday, November 10, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Michigan 71 Northwood 66
The bad - the poor shooting to start the game, 20 turnovers, being out rebounded (!) by Northwood 37-35
The good - a good crowd for an exhibition game, a team that kept working despite falling behind and much stronger play in the second half, 17 steals, 8 blocks and a good debut by freshman Courtney Boylan.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Ashley Jones
Fan Night
Hittin' the Hardwood with Roni Hicks
There are so many things to do this week. Monday we had a closed scrimmage against Eastern Michigan University, which was MORE than helpful. Don't get me wrong, practice is always helpful, but anytime you get to compete against different opponents, especially not in your own camp, it helps generate a different kind of intensity, competition, and setting of goals. I mean, in practice you and your teammates compete, but it's toward the main goal of individually and collectively getting better. When you face opposition -- YOU JUST WANT TO WIN!
New baskets at Crisler
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Basketball Fan Night November 7th at Crisler
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan men's and women's basketball programs will host "Fan Night" on Friday (Nov. 7) at 7:15 p.m. at Crisler Arena. Both squads will be introduced, and men's coach John Beilein, women's coach Kevin Borseth and each program's captains will address the fans in attendance.
The event is free of charge. Fans will enter Crisler Arena through either Gate A or E beginning at 6:45 p.m. All Wolverine fans in attendance will be directed to the blue seating on the east side of the arena for a Wolverine rally.
Following the rally for the U-M teams, the men's and women's players will be made available for photograph and autograph opportunities on the Crisler Arena east and west concourses. Beilein and Borseth will also be available for fan autographs on the Crisler Arena floor.
Throughout the evening, Maize and Blue basketball fans will have opportunity to play on inflatable games on the Crisler Arena floor and receive a free sno-cone or cotton candy on the concourse level. There will be raffle prizes during the night and an opportunity for U-M students to register to shoot and win books for a semester.
Parking, including handicap parking, will be made available in the Blue Lot for the event.
The event will be the second of three nights of hoops activity at Crisler Arena, with exhibition games scheduled for the other two evenings. The men's team will play its only exhibition of the season the night prior on Thursday (Nov. 6) against Saginaw Valley State at 7 p.m., while the women's team will play its only preseason game on Saturday (Nov. 8), facing Northwood at 7 p.m.
Recruits at Michigan/Michigan State Football game on Saturday
According to reports, recruits Taylor Johnson '10 (Comstock Park),Ondrea Hughes '10 (Kalamazoo Loy Norrix), Jasmine Bracey '11 (Detroit Community), Leah Scott '11 (Detroit Community), Crystal Bradford '11 (Detroit Community), Amber Deane '12 (Country Day) plus many more will be in Ann Arbor this weekend to check out the Michigan - Michigan State football game.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Courtney Boylan
• What made you want to come to Michigan? There were a lot of things that made me what to come to Michigan. First, I love the coaching staff. Everyone on staff is friendly and dedicated to making this program better. Second was education. By choosing to come to the University of Michigan, I knew that I was going to graduate with a degree that truly had meaning. Third, I love Ann Arbor. When I came for my visit, I know that I loved being close to a major airport so that I could still go home, but the actual city of Ann Arbor reminds me a little of Minnesota.and
• What impresses you most about Coach Borseth and his staff? What impresses me most about Coach Borseth and the rest of his staff here at Michigan is their enthusiasm about the game of basketball and how dedicated they are to our basketball family. Every day that I go to practice they come fired up and ready to go and this gets me fired up! I have only been here for a couple of months now, and I already feel like a part of the family. They get involved in your life, which shows they truly care about each individual on the team.
Big Ten Media Day
From the Michigan Daily:
... with Borseth at the helm, the squad notched Michigan's first winning season in six years with a 19-14 record, and earned a ticket to the Women’s National Invitational Tournament. The Wolverines won two games before a heartbreaking overtime loss in the quarterfinals to in-state rival Michigan State.“He’s done a wonderful job setting a culture of, ‘This is the way we do things’,” Michigan men’s basketball coach John Beilein said. “Once you’ve created that culture, it feeds off of itself. That’s just what (Borseth) is trying to do.”
For Borseth, that means finally giving his team the tradition and identity it has lacked.
“We don’t have any tradition,” Borseth said. “And we need to build that tradition to really succeed as a program. You don’t just get that over night.”
From the Free Press:
"We have five seniors this year, which is great in terms of experience," Borseth said. "We have kids who have been there and who understand the game. We are better than we were last year at this point, spirits are high, and the kids have high expectations."
From mlive.com:
"At this point, we're better than we were last year," said Borseth,whose team finished 19-14 last year. "Does it mean our record will be better? No. Do I think we'll be better? I think we will be."
More importantly, Michigan's players have bought into Borseth's confidence, providing a higher expectation level than ever before.
Also mgoblue.com and the Detroit News.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Veronica Hicks
This past weekend was our first official days of practice. As a team we have been collectively conditioning and individually working out since classes began, but this past weekend we got to put it to the test. It was time to make first impressions and show how much we have really worked over the summer. We have been waiting so long for this season and any lack of preparation would be less than unacceptable.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Cheryl Burnett
She is apparently no longer interested in coaching:Burnett is working with the marketing department to help sell Lady Bears season-ticket packages and to develop other promotions. MSU president Mike Nietzel said she also would be involved in fund-raising for the entire athletic department.
Nietzel said he has not thought about whether Burnett's three-month, part-time contract will be extended when it expires in mid-November.
Burnett said she is not interested in returning to coaching. She retired as a coach in March 2007 after four seasons at Michigan and has been a consultant to women's basketball coaches and programs since.
"I feel blessed to have coached for 30 years, and I felt it was the best life one could have," Burnett said last week. "But it's a life where you're working seven days a week, 16-hour days, 365 days a year. I loved it, but now I want to leave that part to someone else."
Update: Apparently Cheryl Burnett's name is being mentioned in rumors about the Athletic Director position at Missouri State:
The next director of athletics at Missouri State will be someone capable of wearing several hats. So, it's probably a good thing, MSU President Mike Nietzel said, that the school can take its time filling Bill Rowe's position.Rowe, 68, announced Thursday that he is retiring, effective in June, after 27 years as director of athletics.
Nietzel said a national search would begin in October and a replacement will be named next spring.
Some names, including former MSU women's basketball coach Cheryl Burnett, have been circulating. Burnett did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.
And from an interview with Jackie Stiles:
Q: Cheryl Burnett has been mentioned in the local rumor mill as a potential candidate for the athletic director position. Do you think she would be a good candidate?
A: "I think, basically, she can be good at whatever she chooses to do in the next phase of her life and career. There is not a harder worker. She works so hard and is so dedicated to whatever it is she's doing. She's very smart, so she could be successful at whatever she chooses because she's going to outwork everyone."
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Carmen Reynolds
• You came in with several other freshman as well as transfer Lauren Young, how have you guys bonded? Right from the get-go, we four freshmen got along GREAT. We were with each other all summer, so we became pretty close. When Lauren joined us she fit in perfectly. We all get along great and love hanging out with each other!
• You're from Ohio and your brother plays lacrosse at Ohio State, how much of a hard time have people been giving you? I have been given a hard time from everybody since the day that I verbally committed to come here. However, I don't mind it because I know that I picked the better school!• What are you most looking forward to being a member of the Michigan women's basketball team? I'm most looking forward to being a part of continuing to turn this program around. I'm really looking forward to winning and I want to be a part of starting the tradition in the Michigan women's basketball program.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Expectations increase under Borseth for Michigan women's basketball team
Expectations were tempered for the first-year coach.
He inherited a past-its-prime program. He inherited a roster stocked with nothing but holdovers from an underachieving legacy. He heard from pretty much everybody that it would take years before he had the talent to compete.
It took about three games for Kevin Borseth to drown out those voices. Borseth led the University of Michigan women's basketball program out of its wilderness and into one of the biggest one-year turnarounds in the country.
Now it's time for his encore.
Media Day
Michigan Head Coach Kevin Borseth
Opening statement... "Thank you for coming out. It's nice to see friendly faces, faces I've seen in the past, which is good and I think you guys are trying to help out as much as we are trying to build a program as well, we really appreciate that. It's that time again -- basketball season. We have been building up, getting ready for this Friday night and this Saturday when we start practice and we are excited to get the season going. We have five seniors this year, which really bodes well for some sense of continuity. We're excited about that. The seniors are good kids, they are working hard and we are hoping we can make something positive out of the season. If you take a look at our schedule, it's a very difficult schedule. Not only in terms of the teams that we play, but there are two games that we play where the turnaround time with the travel is really difficult. I think that in a 10-day stretch we travel to Duke and USC and we play three other games around that and the three games we play around that are real difficult. I think that is probably the most demanding part for us, not only are we playing good teams but the travel around it as well. We have to find a way to make something positive out of it and win some games; that's probably the biggest thing."Also coverage from the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Jamillya Hardley
• What made you want to come and play basketball at Michigan? The coaching staff really sealed the deal for me. They made me feel right at home when I came for my visits and Michigan showed the most interest in me out of all the other schools that were recruiting me.
• What impresses you about coach Borseth and his staff? They are high-energy. They come in each and every practice intense and ready to work us hard. I always get high energy from the coaching staff, which is great.
Girls Basketball Clinic November 9th
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan women's basketball team will host the fifth annual Girls Basketball Clinic in Crisler Arena on Sunday, Nov. 9. The clinic -- open to girls in grades 3-8 -- will be conducted by current U-M coaches and players.
The cost of the clinic will be $10 and each participant will receive a season-ticket pass for all home Michigan women's basketball games along with a clinic T-shirt. In addition, participants will receive a membership card for the "Get To Know Her Club" -- an incentive-based reward program for attending women's basketball games throughout the year. After the clinic, participants will also have an opportunity to get player autographs.
The session for girls in grades 3-5 will be from 3-4:30 p.m., while the program for girls in grades 5-8 will run from 4:30-6 p.m. Check-in will begin 45 minutes prior to the start of the clinic and will take place at the Junge Family Champions Center.
To register, contact Katy Jackson at (734) 647-1261 or katjacks@umich.edu. The deadline to register is Thursday, Oct. 30, at 5 p.m.
Contact: Katy Jackson: (734) 647-1261
Friday, October 10, 2008
Sporting News Preseason All Americans
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Janell Smith
• What was it like putting on your Michigan jersey for the first time on photo day? When I put on my Michigan jersey for the first time, I was proud of myself because all of the hard work and time I put forth finally paid off. I'm finally playing intercollegiate basketball and seeing my name on the back of my jersey was breathtaking. It made me realize that I was really here at the University of Michigan playing college basketball.
• Who is the funniest person on the team? Roni (sophomore Veronica Hicks) is the funniest person on the team because she is just so funny in general. She always has a joke or a funny story to tell. Roni keeps you laughing and your stomach is always hurting when you're around her because she is just that funny!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Lauren Young
• You started your college career at Colorado State. What made you want to come and play basketball at Michigan? Coming to Michigan to high jump was actually my first choice coming out of high school but ultimately I couldn't give up basketball so I went to Colorado State. I have always loved Michigan, and when I decided to transfer, Michigan was at the top of my list. I love the school and I am so excited to have the opportunity to play basketball here.Go read the whole article.
and
• Where is Michigan women's basketball going to be in five years? BIG TEN CHAMPIONS! Well on our way to a national championship!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Non Conference Times, Television Announced
The University of Michigan women's basketball team has announced television and game times for its non-conference schedule for the 2008-09 season.Michigan opens the season with an exhibition contest against Northwood University at Crisler Arena on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. before opening the regular season with road games at Kentucky on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. and at Akron on Monday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m.
The Wolverines then head back to the friendly confines of Crisler Arena for the first of two back-to-back games against top-25 foes. U-M takes on 2008 Sweet 16 participant Texas A&M on Thursday, Nov. 23, at 6:30 p.m. in its first televised game of the season. The contest will be the first of five to air on the Big Ten Network. Michigan closes its two-game homestand against Vanderbilt on Sunday, Nov. 23, in a Noon contest that will also be televised by the Big Ten Network.
The Maize and Blue head to the Southern Mississippi Thanksgiving Tournament where it will open action against Belmont on Friday, Nov. 28, at 7 p.m. CST. To close the tournament, they will face either host Southern Mississippi or Alcorn State at 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. CST on Saturday, Nov. 29.
Michigan will next begin a tough stretch playing four games in nine days. U-M opens with a road game at Southern California on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. PST before coming home to host North Carolina State in the annual Big Ten/ACC Challenge, a game airing on the Big Ten Network.
U-M will take on perennial top-25 power Duke on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. at Cameron Indoor Stadium before coming home to face 2008 Sweet 16 participant Notre Dame on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. at Crisler Arena. The game against the Fighting Irish will be shown on the Big Ten Network. Michigan closes the non-conference slate on Friday, Dec. 19 against Cincinnati at 7 p.m., also on the Big Ten Network.
In addition to nine appearances on national television, fans will also have the opportunity to catch the Wolverines in nine games that will be streamed live, free of charge, at BigTenNetwork.com. Homes games against Northwestern on Dec. 28, Illinois on Jan. 8, Michigan State on Jan. 15, Indiana on Jan. 22, Ohio State on Jan. 29, and Wisconsin on Feb. 1 will all be streamed live.
In addition, road games at Penn State on Jan. 4, at Wisconsin on Jan. 11 and at Michigan State on Feb. 19 will also be streamed live.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Briana Jones to Illinois
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Recruting Update
For now I'll leave Juanita Cochran and Chenise Miller on the list but it seems unlikely they'll be joining the Wolverines.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Season Tickets on sale
2008-09 Season Ticket Information
• Adult Reserved Season Ticket - $60
• Youth Reserved Season Ticket (18 and under) - $30
• Senior Reserved Season Ticket (55 and over) - $30
• Family Pack Reserved Season Ticket (2 adults, 2 youth) - $150
• General Admission Season Ticket - ONLY $20
» Download the season ticket application (PDF: 1 page, 382 KB)
Tickets available by calling 866-296-MTIX (6849) - or for purchase at the game beginning one hour prior to tipoff.
Single Game Ticket (General Admission ONLY)
• Adult Single Game Ticket - $5
• Student Single Game Ticket (Ages 18 and under) - $3
• Senior Single Game Ticket (Ages 55 and over) - $3
• University of Michigan students with a valid student ID - FREE
• U-M Faculty and Staff with valid ID card - FREE
Group Tickets (10 or more fans)
Interested in bringing a group to a Michigan Women's Basketball Event? Take advantage of special perks and discounted admission, all listed below.
• Adult GROUP Single Game Ticket - $3
• Student GROUP Single Game Ticket (18 and under) - $2
• Senior GROUP Single Game Ticket (55 and over) - $2
Purchase tickets in advance and your group will receive:
- Team poster autographed by Head Coach Kevin Borseth
- Pre-game welcome message on the videoboard
Call 734-647-1261 to purchase your group tickets today!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Kate Thompson, recruit #6
Kate Thompson made the All-gPrep Team last year because of her ability to dominate both as a point guard and as a post player. At 6-2”, Thompson has great handles, can rebound the ball on both ends of the court and can shoot the 3-pointer. Thompson led Wayzata to within one game of the state tournament while averaging 16 points per game. Her versatility allows her to be effective in all areas of the game like rebounding, shooting, passing, scoring, and dictating tempo. Thompson also runs cross country which will help her with her endurance when closing out games in the 4th quarter.Hat tip to bluex on umgoblue.com.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
2008-9 Roster Posted
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Nya Jordan commits
Nya Jordan , a forward from Detroit Community, committed to U-M to play for the women's basketball team next season.
Hat tip to mzonefan over on umgoblue.com.
Updates
Also, mlive has posted a profile on incoming freshman Jenny Ryan.
(Hat tip for both to girlsbasketballrecruit blog.)
Taylor Wurtz
Taylor Wurtz has one more basketball season to play but she knows one thing for sure: she won’t have to worry about where’s she’s playing next season.
The senior from Ripon has verbally committed to play at the University of Wisconsin, ending a recruiting process in which Wisconsin edged Michigan.
The biggest reason for picking Wisconsin was simple.
“Obviously it’s in the Big Ten and it’s close to home,” said Wurtz. “My friends and family will be able to watch me.”
Wurtz indicated last season Michigan may have been in the lead as coach Kevin Borseth, formerly of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, showed interest in her from her freshman season on. However, she said more than once how important it was to be close to home.
Ripon is a 77-mile ride to Madison, according to mapquest.com
Hat tip to girlsbasketballrecruit blog.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Victory Hoops Club Welcome Picnic
The University of Michigan women's basketball team, in conjunction with the Victory Hoops Club, is holding a Welcome Back Picnic on Sunday, Sept. 14., from 4-6 p.m. at the Junge Champions Center.The event, which is open to the public, will feature members of the women's basketball team and staff and also members of the Victory Hoops Club. There is a firm RSVP deadline of Monday, Sept. 8. Please RSVP to women's basketball secretary Serina Brown at 734-647-2918.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Schedule Released
(1) ESPN wildcard game on Feb. 22, to be decided no later than Feb. 1
Sat Nov.8 Northwood (exhibition) Ann Arbor Sat Nov. 15 Kentucky Lexington Mon Nov. 17 Akron Akron Thu Nov. 20 Texas A&M Ann Arbor Sun Nov. 23 Vanderbilt Ann Arbor Southern Missisissippi Thanksgiving Tournement Fri Nov. 28 Belmont Hattiesburg Sat Nov. 29 Alcorn State or Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg Tue Dec. 2 Southern California Los Angeles Big Ten/ACC Challenge Fri Dec. 5 North Carolina State Ann Arbor Sun Dec. 7 Duke Durham Wed Dec. 10 Notre Dame Ann Arbor Fri Dec. 19 Cincinnati Ann Arbor Sun Dec. 21 Ohio State Columbus 2pm Big Ten Network Sun Dec. 28 Northwestern Ann Arbor 2pm Sun Jan. 4 Penn State State College 2pm Thu Jan. 8 Illinois Ann Arbor 7pm Sun Jan. 11 Wisconsin Madison TBA Thu Jan. 15 Michigan State Ann Arbor 7pm Sun Jan. 18 Minnesota Minneapolis TBA Thu Jan. 22 Indiana Ann Arbor 7pm Mon Jan. 26 Iowa Iowa City 7pm (CST) Big Ten Network Thu Jan. 29 Ohio State Ann Arbor 7pm Sun Feb. 1 Wisconisn Ann Arbor 2pm Thu Feb. 5 Northwestern Evanston 7pm (CST) Mon Feb. 9 Penn State Ann Arbor 7pm Big Ten Network Sun Feb. 15 Minnesota Ann Arbor 5pm Big Ten Network Thu Feb. 19 Michigan State East Lansing 7pm Sun Feb. 22 Iowa (1) Ann Arbor TBA Thu Feb. 26 Purdue (2) West Lafayette TBA Sun Mar. 1 Indiana (3) Bloomington TBA Big Ten Tournement Thu Mar. 5 First Round Indianapolis TBA Big Ten Network Fri Mar. 6 Quarterfinals Indianapolis TBA Big Ten Network Sat Mar. 7 Semifinals Indianapolis TBA Big Ten Network Sun Mar. 8 Finals Indianapolis TBA ESPN2
(2) Big Ten Network wildcard game on Feb. 26, to be decided no later than Feb. 16
(3) Big Ten Network wildcard game on March 1, to be decided no later than Feb. 16
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Mike Curtis, New Strength & Conditioning Coach for Basketball
University of Michigan men's basketball head coach John Beilein and women's basketball head coach Kevin Borseth announced today (Sept. 2) the hiring of Mike Curtis as the new strength and conditioning coach for the Wolverine basketball programs. Curtis comes to Michigan after spending the past six years with the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies as the strength and conditioning coach."I don't know if I can put into words the feeling of being here on this campus and having the opportunity to be a part of the Michigan family," said Curtis. "I'm really looking forward to helping Coach Beilein and Coach Borseth build their programs and put a winner out on the court each and every night.”
Monday, September 1, 2008
Amber Moore commits to Illinois
Monday, August 18, 2008
A brief update
- umhoops.com has posted an article about the new floor at Crisler Arena.
- Monica Albano committed to Loyola University. (Hat tip to girls basketball recruiting)
- Over at umgoblue.com in the women's hoops forum, mzonefan has posted some information about some recruits who are considering Michigan. Among them are Brianna Jones (Toledo Central Catholic High School) and Jayda Howard (Renaissance High School) (both 2009), Del'niqua Bellamy (Martin Luther King High School) (2010) and Malekka Kynard (Start High School) (2011).
Monday, August 11, 2008
Sharena Taylor to Georgia Tech
A confluence of some unusual circumstances led Sharena Taylor to become Georgia Tech's third, and highest rated, commit in the 2009 class.
The sharp, well-built point guard is highly motivated, academically, and was looking to leave her native Michigan state. She happened to be down in Augusta, Ga., where her Michigan Crossovers club team had competed at Nike Nationals. Augusta also was close to relatives as well as her top three college choices.
Despite a sprained medial-collateral ligament in her right knee, which knocked her out of the end of the premier summer tournament, Taylor was able to limp through unofficial visits to Auburn, Georgia and Georgia Tech, then make a list of pros and cons for each.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Dayeesha Hollins
Hollins, who is 5-feet-7, is considered the premier point guard in the state’s 2009 class, according to Ohio Girls Basketball Report executive director Tom Jenkins.
Hollins, who was a Cincinnati Enquirer Division I first-team selection last season, averaged 11.7 points, 3.4 steals, 3.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists for the Warriors. She was third-team all-Southwest District and Fort Ancient Valley Conference Buckeye division player of the year.
Jenkins said Hollins has the ability to get by defenders off the dribble and is relentless on the defensive end.
"The Big 10 historically has recruited to win the conference and has not had much success in the NCAAs when pitted against southern or northeast teams with lightning quick guards," Jenkins said.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Odds and Ends
- The Big Ten Network & Comcast have (finally) reached an agreement.
- A new practice facility and renovations to Crisler Arena are moving forward.
- Over at michladyballers.com there is a new post about recruiting. Lindsay Booker, Troy Hambric and Juanita Cochran were all mentioned in connection with Michigan.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Lauren Young
Kelsey Smith commits to Michigan State
On Monday the Spartans of Michigan State received some great news as Kelsey Smith, ranked No. 68 in the class of 2009 by ESPN HoopGurlz, verbally committed. This is the first top 100 player for head coach Suzy Merchant since she took over for Joanne P. McCalley (Duke) last April.
Smith chose Michigan State over finalists DePaul, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisville, Marquette, Pittsburgh and Wisconsin. In Smith the Spartans get a fundamentally sound post player with Big Ten size at 6-foot-4.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Michigan Football radio station takeover
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Krista Clement Honored
University of Michigan men's soccer senior Michael Parke (Portage, Mich./Portage Central HS) and women's basketball senior Krista Clement (St. Ignace, Mich./LaSalle HS) have been named U-M's male and female Big Ten Conference Outstanding Sportsmanship Award winners for 2007-08.Parke and Clement were singled out from the list of 25 Wolverines -- one in each varsity sport -- recognized for sportsmanship during the course of the 2007-08 athletic year. The honor acknowledges those student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. In addition, they must be in good academic standing and must have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting.
Former Borseth Assistant named coach at Saginaw Valley State
Shannon Baugh has experienced basketball from all angles, from playing, coaching and even covering it as a reporter, but she has found her home.
It's walking the sidelines.
On Friday, the 37-year-old was introduced as the ninth head coach of the Saginaw Valley State University women's basketball team during a press conference at the school's Ryder Center.
...
In 2001, she joined the staff at Wisconsin-Green Bay under Kevin Borseth, now the University of Michigan women's head coach. She also had stints at North Dakota, Bradley and Buffalo, where she coached such Heritage graduates as Jamie Schiebner and Brooke Meunier.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Tayler Hill
Tayler Hill of South (Minneapolis) is one of 35 players trying out for 12 spots on the USA Basketball U-18 Women's National Team. The team begins tryouts in Colorado Springs next week.Most of the players trying out are going to be freshmen in college this fall, but Hill is one of 13 who will still be in high school. She knows the odds might be against her making the team, but she isn't easily discouraged.
Recruting News
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Another Big 10 Change
Northwestern women's basketball coach Beth Combs resigned Wednesday after four years in Evanston to pursue other personal and professional opportunities.
''We want to thank coach Combs for her service to Northwestern and the effort she gave our women's basketball program,'' athletic director Jim Phillips said in a news release. ''We wish her and her family the very best.''
Combs compiled a 24-95 overall record and a 7-59 mark in Big Ten play. This past season, the Wildcats were 5-26 and 1-17 in the conference. She was hired by former NU athletic director Mark Murphy, who also had hired her at Colgate. A Decatur native, she played for one season as a walk-on at Illinois.
Tayler Hill (non) update
Any possibility of Hill coming to Michigan is, of course, speculation on my part.
Friday, May 16, 2008
More on the Basketball Practice Facility
The architect has extensive experience in basketball venues and will keep the needs of men's coach John Beilein and women's coach Kevin Borseth in mind, Stevenson said. "Both coaches work a little differently," Stevenson said. "So we have to make sure that once it's built, it works and functions the way they want it."
Friday, May 9, 2008
Unfounded Speculation
So what does this have to do with the women's basketball team? Bryce McNeal's girlfriend is Tayler Hill, a very highly rated guard (#12 prospect overall at hoopgurlz.com). There has been some speculation they might try to attend the same school - so if Bryce McNeal commits to Michigan, then there would seem to be some small chance Tayler Hill would at least consider the maize & blue.
That being said, I've seen absolutely nothing to suggest she's considering Michigan or that Michigan is recruiting her.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
New Basketabll Practice Facility
In this interview, Bill Martin indicates that plans are progressing for a basketball practice facility for Michigan. There has been talk about building one for years - this should help both the mens's and womens teams.
Here is a link to the first part of the interview.Friday, May 2, 2008
Michigan to host NC State in Big Ten ACC Challenge
The Big Ten and Atlantic Coast conferences announced Thursday (May 1) the match-ups for the 2008 ACC/Big Ten Challenge for women's basketball, with the University of Michigan drawing a home contest against North Carolina State on Friday, Dec. 5.
...
It will mark the second meeting between U-M and NCSU. The Maize and Blue dropped an 81-64 decision to the Wolfpack in the second round of the 1990 NCAA Tournament in Raleigh, N.C. (March 17).The Wolverines were victorious in their first-ever challenge game, as U-M put together a 29-5 run in the final 9:31 to come away with a 65-50 win over Miami (Fla.) on Nov. 19, 2007, in Coral Gables, Fla. Michigan's victory over the Hurricanes was one of three wins for the Big Ten in the inaugural 11-game event.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Courtney Boylan named Minnesota Miss Basketball
She averaged 20.8 points in her final season and eclipsed the 2,000-point barrier in her career.Also, an article in the Chaska Herald."We would get frustrated at times because she wouldn't shoot enough," Downs said. "But that is why she is such a unique talent. She would do whatever it took to make her teammates better."
Boylan was considered one of the top players in the state as a sophomore before recruiters cooled on her until last summer. She is going to Michigan.
"I never worked harder than I did this past offseason," Boylan said. "It wasn't just physically, but mentally, too. I had to work on my ability to become a leader."
That's the exact reason the two were being honored at the conclusion of their illustrious prep careers.
"This past year was really amazing," Boylan said. "This high school season was magical."
Friday, April 25, 2008
Quistelle Williams
Forward Quistelle Williams of East Kentwood, Mich., has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball for Arkansas, Lady Razorbacks Coach Tom Collen announced Wednesday.Williams, a 6-0 post player, is considered one of the top high school players in Michigan after averaging 16. 4 points and 10 rebounds per game this season. She also averaged six assists and four blocked shots.
"Quistelle is extremely athletic and a great scorer and rebounder,"Collen said. "She's versatile enough to play either forward position. We are very excited to add her to our recruiting class. We feel she is the best prospect in the state of Michigan for the Class of 2008."