Courtney Boylan named Minnesota Miss Basketball

Incoming freshman Courtney Boylan of Chaska, Minnesota was named Miss Basketball in Minnesota for 2008:

She averaged 20.8 points in her final season and eclipsed the 2,000-point barrier in her career.

"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."

Also, an article in the Chaska Herald.

Quistelle Williams

Quistelle Williams of East Kentwood, Michigan has signed with Arkansas:

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."

Chelsea Buher leaving Illinois

The Illini are losing another player as freshman Chelsea Buher is leaving the team:

Wednesday afternoon the team got hit with more bad news when freshman guard Chelsea Buher announced she will leave the team as well. Buher, who could have been a possible replacement for Bjork, finished the season with 1.5 points per game, averaging 7.2 minutes.

Area Letters of Intent

Michigan didn't add any recruits this spring, but a couple of area schools did. Michigan State signed guard Taylor Johnson from Colorado and University of Detroit-Mercy added guard Lauren Allen from Rochester, Michigan.

Big Ten Changes

Junior Lori Bjork is leaving the Illinois team:

Illinois junior guard Lori Bjork informed Illinois coaches this morning that she is leaving the UI program.

Bjork, a third-team All-Big Ten selection, leaves the Illini as the school's all-time leader in three-point shooting.

"I was surprised, but really not surprised," UI coach Jolette Law said this afternoon. "I've got to be totally honest. She resisted me the whole year. Because I wasn't Marsha Frese. When she finally decided to buy in, she started playing better."

That seems a bit of a surprise in that she only has one year of eligibility left.

Also, Sophomore Korinne Campbell is leaving Minnesota:

Sophomore Korinne Campbell has requested a release from her University of Minnesota women’s basketball scholarship and will transfer at the end of the semester.

“Though I have enjoyed my two years at Minnesota, I’ve decided it’s best for me to transfer and look for a new opportunity,” said Campbell. “I want to thank the coaches and my teammates and wish them good luck in years to come.”

“I’d like to wish Korinne the best of luck in her future endeavors,” said Golden Gopher head coach Pam Borton. “I hope she finds a situation where she can excel both as a student and an athlete.”

Campbell played in 65 career games for the Gophers. She started the first 19 games of the 2007-08 season then came off the bench in a reserve role in the last 13. Campbell averaged 6.4 points and 5.8 rebounds in her sophomore campaign.

Update. Lesslee Mason-Cox is leaving Ohio State:

Lesslee Mason-Cox is leaving the women's basketball team at Ohio State and will transfer to another school.

Coach Jim Foster confirmed Mason-Cox's decision in an e-mail Monday.

Mason-Cox, a 6-foot-1 forward from Cincinnati's Princeton High School, was considered one of the top players available in the region when she signed with the Buckeyes two years ago. She ended up playing in 38 games over two seasons, missing a majority of her freshman year because of academic problems.

This past season, she played in 30 games off the bench, averaging just under 2 points and 2 rebounds a game.

Postseason Banquet

The team's postseason banquet was held Friday night. The four seniors (Clement, Cooper, Dierdorf & Walker) were named winners of the Coach's award, and Ashley Jones received the "Most Improved Award":

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan women’s basketball program honored the 2007-08 team members at its annual postseason banquet, held Friday evening (April 11) at the Junge Family Champions Center. Seniors Krista Clement (St. Ignace, Mich./LaSalle HS), Janelle Cooper (Detroit, Mich./Renaissance HS), Katie Dierdorf (St. Louis, Mo./Visitation Academy) and Ta’Shia Walker (Lansing, Mich./J.W. Sexton HS) were honored for their accomplishments during their four-year careers at U-M, and seven Wolverines took home individual awards in front of family, friends and loyal supporters of the Maize and Blue.

Game Day Atmosphere

umhoops.com has a post about plans to improve the atmosphere at games. There is going to be a meeting for students with Coach Beilein Wednesday April 16th at 6pm seeking student input. While the focus is on the Men's team, it might be of interest to fans of the Women's team as well:

• Beilein wants students input! He has organized a meeting 6pm on April 16th at Crisler to meet with students. There will be a brainstorm session with Beilein for ideas followed by training table with the team after their workout.
• If you can make it, please attend the meeting. Anyone that is planning on attending the meeting send Steve Wolters an email (wolters@umich.edu). A bigger turn out will be encouraging for the basketball staff and make things like free tickets and other improvements more likely. If students won’t show up for free food why would people think they would show up for free basketball tickets.

Ariel Braker named Detroit News Player of the Year

2010 prospect Ariel Braker was named player of the year and 2009 prospect Destiny Williams was named along with her to the all-state team:

Ariel Braker made a name for herself during the state finals last month.

She averaged 19 points, 18 rebounds, 8.5 steals and five assists for Grosse Pointe North. Impressive, considering the 6-foot-1 sophomore averaged 14.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, seven steals and four blocks during the regular season.

Oh, and by the way, she also helped Grosse Pointe North win the school's first girls basketball state championship.

She can add another accolade to her resume -- The Detroit News Player of the Year.

"We wanted to be the first ones to make it all the way and win a state championship," Braker said. "Our whole team had the attitude that we have to win.

"I knew I had to make an impact for us to have a good tournament run."

While she made great strides on offense during the tournament, Braker still banks on one sure thing in her game: defense.

"I love defense," she said. "Defense wins games. Back when I was little I was told defense comes from the heart. You have to work hard to play well defensively. "

...

Destiny Williams, Benton Harbor: Williams, who runs the floor well and is dominant in the post, averaged 24.6 points, 14.1 rebounds, 5.2 blocks, 4.3 steals and 3.3 assists. Williams should be among the contenders for Miss Basketball next season.

Also, 2008 verbal Jamillya Hardley was honorable mention in Class A and 2009 verbals Jenny Ryan and Rachel Sheffer were named to the Class C All-State teams (Ryan first team, Sheffer second team). A number of prospects also received honors including Jasmine Hines, Nya Jordan, Amber Moore, Sharena Taylor, Sami Tucker, and Madison Williams.

Sami Tucker was named to the Lansing Journal's Dream Team as well.

Hat tip girlsbasketballrecruit blog.

Taylor Wurtz named Northwestern's All-Area Player of the Year

From the Oshkosh Northwestern:

Every time she stepped on the court you could see the eyes of the opposing team’s fans go to her. Once they located No. 40, they wanted to see what she had.

Usually, it took no longer than the first possession for Taylor Wurtz to show what she was all about. Whether it was sinking a 23-foot 3-pointer or scoring on a drive to the basket, the junior guard wasted no time in starting her show. Shortly after that, the people in attendance realized this player was unstoppable.

Wurtz led Ripon to a 20-0 regular season, and only a shocking upset in a sectional semifinal scarred what was a tremendous season. Wurtz led the Tigers to a 22-1 record, and led the area in scoring (21.4 points per game), assists (4.1 apg.) and steals (4 spg). For her efforts, Wurtz has been named The Northwestern’s All-Area girls basketball player of the year.

“Since her freshman year she’s had good numbers,” Ripon coach Bill Peters said. “In her freshman year, she played a role behind seniors, but this year she really stepped up as a vocal leader.

“Next year, the focus will be on her. She’s so good she’ll have the same stats.”

(Hat tip to Girls Basketball Recruiting Blog.)

WNBA Draft

Only two Big 10 players were chosen in today's WNBA draft. Jolene Anderson from Wisconsin was chosen 9th in the second round (23rd overall) by Connecticut and Marscilla Packer from Ohio State was chosen 13th in the third round (41st overall) by Phoenix.

Update - here's a breakdown of players chosen by conference. It's pretty clear which are the dominant conferences right now in women's basketball:

• SEC - 10
• ACC - 8
• Big East - 7
• Conf. USA - 3
• Big 12 - 3
• Big 10 - 2
• Pac 10 - 2
• Colonial - 2
• Sun Belt - 2
• Southern - 1
• Mountain West - 1
• Atlantic 10 - 1
• American East - 1

Amber Moore

Here's a link to a highlight video of Amber Moore (a 2009 prospect) leading Detroit Country Day to a win over Saginaw Arthur Hill. It is from 2006, which would be her sophomore season in high school I believe.

Michigan State loses in WNIT final 81-66

Marquette won the WNIT yesterday, defeating Michigan State in East Lansing:

After Marquette took a 29-9 lead, the Spartans made their best run late in the first half and cut the deficit to 11 at 41-30 with 10 straight points.

Monfre’s third wide-open 3 gave the Golden Eagles a 45-33 halftime lead, thanks to 54.5-percent accuracy from the field.

Michigan State never got closer than 10 points again, as Marquette rebuilt its cushion with an 8-0 lead just after the intermission and coasted home with reserves.

The Golden Eagles, who lost five of their last eight games before the WNIT, had 22 assists on 27 baskets and a 42-37 rebounding edge.

The Spartans shot 34.9 percent from the field and just 21.7 percent beyond the arc, a problem all season for a team that never played a WNIT road game.

Congratulations nonetheless to the Spartans, one of the few post season bright spots for the Big 10 this year.

Recruiting Summary

For players listed as prospects, I have either seen Michigan listed as a school of interest, or something indicating Michigan is recruiting the player. (Tayler Hill is an exception to this - her inclusion is 100% speculation.) The interest may or may not be mutual. Feel free to send me updates/additions/corrections at umwomenshoops@gmail.com.

2010 Commitments
Val Driscoll

2011 Verbal
Cyresha Goree

2010 Prospects
Del'niqua Bellamy

2011 Prospects
Asia Boyd
Jasmine Hines
Deborah Meeks

2012 Prospects
Amber Deane

Updates

12/09/2009 - Added Val Driscoll (2010 commitment), Cyresha Goree (2011 Verbal), dropped Crystal Bradford (CMU), Jasmine Bracey (CMU), Leah Scott (CMU), Ariel Braker (Notre Dame), Lindsay Booker (Loyola), Troy Hambric (Loyola), Ondrea Hughes (Cleveland State), removed 2009 commitments

08/11/2009 - Added Asia Boyd (2011 class), dropped Madison Williams (MSU), Taylor Johnson(CMU)
11/12/2008 - Removed 2008 commitments
11/07/2008 - Dropped Chenise Miller - commited to EMU, plus Michigan apparently done with 2009 class.

Chris Graham

Not basketball related, but Chris Graham (who just finished his career with the Michigan football team) lost his sister in a fire:

NFL hopeful and local son Chris Graham tragically lost his sister, Jacqueline Love, in a house fire this past week -- a portable kerosene heater was the cause of the accident. Jacqueline, a single mom, leaves behind her 10-year old daughter, Jada Love. The child escaped the fire with minor injuries, but lost all of her belongings. The family is now struggling to pay for a funeral and has asked for the public's help in raising funds. Additionally, clothing and toy gifts would be appreciated.

    All donations can be made to:  Jada Love
                                  c/o Jeff Terry
                                  4345 Forrest Manor Avenue
                                  Indianapolis, IN 46222

Taylor Wurtz

Taylor Wurtz, a 2009 prospect out of Wisconsin, was one of four unanimous selections to the all-state teams:

The WBCA also named four all-state teams of 10 players each, one for each WIAA division, along with honorable mention lists for each division. The only unanimous choices were Hencke and Ripon junior Taylor Wurtz in Division 2 and Oostburg senior Megan VanTatenhove and Markesan senior Jadee Rooney in Division 3.

Scholarship Breakdown

2010-11 Season

1. Senior Veronica Hicks
2. Junior Courtney Boylan
3. Junior Jamillya Hadley
4. Junior Carmen Reynolds
5. Sophomore Samantha Arnold
6. Sophomore Nya Jordan
7. Sophomore Jenny Ryan
8. Sophomore Rachel Sheffer
9. Sophomore Kate Thompson
10. Red Shirt Freshman Kendra Sato
11. Freshman Val Driscoll
12. Open
13. Open
14. Open
15. Open

2011-2012 Season

1. Senior Courtney Boylan
2. Senior Jamillya Hadley
3. Senior Carmen Reynolds
4. Junior Samantha Arnold
5. Junior Nya Jordan
6. Junior Jenny Ryan
7. Junior Rachel Sheffer
8. Junior Kate Thompson
9. Red Shirt Sophomore Kendra Sato
10. Sophomore Val Driscoll
11. (Freshman Aquashia Anderson)
12. (Freshman Cyesha Goree)
13. (Freshman Brenae Harris)
14. Open
15. Open

-----

2009-10 Season

1. 5th year Senior Ashley Jones
2. Senior Kalyn McPherson
3. Senior Krista Phillips
4. Junior Veronica Hicks
5. Sophomore Courtney Boylan
6. Sophomore Jamillya Hadley
7. Sophomore Carmen Reynolds
8. Freshman Samantha Arnold
9. Freshman Dayeesha Hollins
10. Freshman Nya Jordan
11. Freshman Jenny Ryan
12. Freshman Rachel Sheffer
13. Freshman Kate Thompson
14. Open
15. Open

2008-9 Season

1. Senior Carly Benson
2. Senior Ashley Jones
3. Senior Jessica Minnfield
4. Senior Melinda Queen
5. Senior Stephany Skrba
6. Junior Sireece Bass
7. Junior Kalyn McPherson
8. Junior Krista Phillips
9. Junior LaQuisha Whitfield
10. Sophomore Veronica Hicks
11. Freshman Courtney Boylan
12. Freshman Jamillya Hadley
13. Freshman Carmen Reynolds
14. open
15. open

Janell Smith will be a preferred walk-on as a Freshman in 2008-9

2007-8 Season

1. Senior Krista Clement
2. Senior Janelle Cooper
3. Senior Katie Dierdorf
4. Senior Ta'shia Walker
5. Junior Carly Benson
6. Junior Ashley Jones
7. Junior Jessica Minnfield
8. Junior Melinda Queen
9. Junior Stephany Skrba
10. Sophomore Sireece Bass
11. Sophomore Kalyn McPherson
12. Sophomore Krista Phillips
13. Sophomore LaQuisha Whitfield
14. Freshman Veronica Hicks
15. open

Brief Site Update

Now that the season is over, posting here will slow down and probably wander off topic at times. I will be posting a scholarship breakdown and a brief recruiting summary, but don't really have anything else planned at the moment. Feel free to send me information/links/comments at umwomenshoops@gmail.com.

Thoughts on the 2007-8 Season

This year was an incredible turnaround for the team. While the improvement in the record was impressive(10-20, 3-13 to 19-14, 9-9), the difference in attitude was even bigger. This team expected to win and played like it. This was most noticeable on the offensive end of the court - they played with confidence and they knew they had several players that could could & did contribute.

The change was so big that by the end of the season, some people were disappointed that the team failed to finish strongly and receive an NCAA bid. While understandable, it is important to remember how far they have progressed. For some perspective, just a year ago, 3 conference wins was an *improvement* over the previous two seasons.

Among this teams accomplishments:

• Tied for the 3rd most wins in the program history
• Most wins since 2000-1 season
• Best Big 10 record since 2000-1 season
• Ending the Big 10 conference road losing streak going back to 2003-4
• Ending losing streaks to Purdue, Michigan State, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin
• Winning a game in the Big 10 tournament for the first time in 6 years
• First post season invitation in 6 years
• Winning 2 post season games for the first time ever
• Most Wins at Crisler (12)
• Biggest crowd at Crisler for a women's basketball game (5596 on Jan 13th against MSU)

Things look bright for next season and beyond. While the team loses two starters, there are a few players that appear ready to step in and contribute. With a senior class of Carly Benson, Ashley Jones, Jessica Minnfield, Melinda Queen and Stephany Skrba, the team appears to be in good hands. In addition, recruiting appears to be going well with four incoming freshman and three verbal commitments for 2009.

A Look at Big Ten Women's Basketball

From the Michigan Daily:

Michigan coach Kevin Borseth will face an entire conference looking to rebound. Big Ten Player of the Year Jantel Lavender and the Ohio State Buckeyes look to improve on a underachieving season. Purdue seeks another magical run to the Final Four like they did in 2006. And a fairly young Minnesota squad looks to build on their third-place finish in the Big Ten.

There’s a lot on the plate, but the Wolverines also have a lot to look forward to. With this year’s juniors playing ample time, they should be able to continue where they left off.

But just like they saw in Sunday’s loss, the Wolverines’ success depends on creating shots. After all 33 games, Michigan opponents have taken 238 more shots. Some of that is due to turnovers (+50), but most of the difference points to the -134 offensive rebounding margin.

And when Michigan finds those shots, it needs to make them on a consistent basis. There have been nights when the Wolverines shoot the lights out (see USC and VCU). And then there are nights when they’re colder than ice. Michigan must develop at least one more offensive threat next to Minnfield, particularly down low, who can contribute game-in and game-out.

But for now, the Maize and Blue should be happy with what its accomplished. The seniors leave with their first winning campaign and the team has built tremendous confidence.

But by the start of next season, the Wolverines should know that the bar will have risen - Big time.

Column at umgoblue.com

Alex Brooks has a column up at umgoblue.com reviewing the just finished season called "Borseth a Magician".

More on the MSU loss

From the Michigan Daily:

The rims at the Breslin Center are regulation-sized - two basketballs wide and 10 feet above the floor.

But for the Michigan women's basketball team Sunday, the rims couldn't have seemed much bigger than Fisher-Price miniature hoops.

Michigan's 45-40 loss to Michigan State (10-8 Big Ten, 22-13 overall) in the Elite Eight of the Women's National Invitation Tournament wasn't pretty.

The Wolverines (9-9, 19-14) shot just 4-for-33 from 3-point range, their worst shooting percentage from deep all season.

"We didn't have good shots," Michigan coach Kevin Borseth said. "Did we even get any shots off? We're shooting the ball from, goodness, 24 feet from the basket just for the sake of shooting it, as opposed to getting some type of penetration and get a kickout."

also an article in the Grand Rapids Press/Mlive.com.

Highlights of Michigan/Michigan State Game