Post by cg3dad on Mar 2, 2019 14:58:19 GMT -5
Very happy to be up here in Spokane to watch what could end up being one of the most epic games this year.
Our first preseason game against then #16 PAC-12 powerhouse UCLA started us off. We then went on the road to defeat AZ. This season we've had our share of adversity with injuries like Gabby's foot and Chelsey's concussion... But the ladies really stepped up their game and have contributed greatly to this team's success.
I think this could be the game where it "all comes together" for us this year, and what a fantastic way to enter the WCC tournament!? IF we could get a win today over the Zags.
I believe we have the personnel to do it I'll take Gabby matched up on any player in the WCC, for sure. I am looking forward to seeing how Zee Rice deals with Gabby defending her. She's very tricky as she typically squares up and assumes the "triple threat" position on offense.... But she's not going to pass the ball or drive. She's sizing up her range and is going to take the shot. I believe Gabby will use her patience and experience and not fall for it.
As far as guards, I've said it before, but basketball is a Guard's game! And we've got one of the best. I'll also put Chelsey up against Laura Stockton or any other PG in the WCC, no problem. I think (and I'm trying hard NOT to sound TOO biased...tee hee!) But Chelsey's basketball IQ is I think severely understated for just a sophomore. I'm hoping that she's going to unpack a dazzling array of shots today and I'm hoping that today's game is where she hits her first 30 point game in college!!
Hopefully the Zags don't (or maybe hopefully they DO) "sleep" on Jasmine Jones. Comparing Jasmine at the beginning of the season vs Jasmine now, would be a huge mistake. A fellow sophomore, Jasmine Jones is one of the hardest working players I've ever seen, and she also is afraid of no one.
Bree Alford. Best rebounder in the WCC.
Period.
Coupled with Rachel those two are an imposing force under the basket and in the paint. The Zags should be slightly concerned today about the level of physicality that LMU can bring to them compared to the GU Wirth twins and Katie Campbell. All three can be taken out of their comfort zone by physical pressure.
Seniors Andee Velasco with her exquisite ball handling is a "press buster" and sister Bianca, with her beautiful rainbow threes, are also primed for the game of their careers. And then there's Cierra Belvin. A "walk on" from Long Beach Poly who earned a spot in the starting lineup. Another hard working player and our defensive specialist she will also be vital in shutting down whichever unfortunate Lady Zag she is guarding. Cierra also is yet another serious three point THREAT which is going to stretch the Zags defense even more.
Josie Buckingham brings some great height to the equation and could prove to be strategic with her shot blocking play busting ability, like against BYU. And finally last, but definitely not least, there's Brittany Reed.
I see hints of ball handling and shot making brilliance from Brit. She's another deceptively quick player and has a nice element of creativity to her game, that's going to serve her well as her confidence grows.
That's my perhaps overly optimistic assessment of today's matchup against the reigning champs and ranked Gonzaga team.
I'm calling upset. We'll see what happens.
Two hours until tipoff 🏀 and I can't wait to get there!
Go Lions!!!
#LionStrong
Our first preseason game against then #16 PAC-12 powerhouse UCLA started us off. We then went on the road to defeat AZ. This season we've had our share of adversity with injuries like Gabby's foot and Chelsey's concussion... But the ladies really stepped up their game and have contributed greatly to this team's success.
I think this could be the game where it "all comes together" for us this year, and what a fantastic way to enter the WCC tournament!? IF we could get a win today over the Zags.
I believe we have the personnel to do it I'll take Gabby matched up on any player in the WCC, for sure. I am looking forward to seeing how Zee Rice deals with Gabby defending her. She's very tricky as she typically squares up and assumes the "triple threat" position on offense.... But she's not going to pass the ball or drive. She's sizing up her range and is going to take the shot. I believe Gabby will use her patience and experience and not fall for it.
As far as guards, I've said it before, but basketball is a Guard's game! And we've got one of the best. I'll also put Chelsey up against Laura Stockton or any other PG in the WCC, no problem. I think (and I'm trying hard NOT to sound TOO biased...tee hee!) But Chelsey's basketball IQ is I think severely understated for just a sophomore. I'm hoping that she's going to unpack a dazzling array of shots today and I'm hoping that today's game is where she hits her first 30 point game in college!!
Hopefully the Zags don't (or maybe hopefully they DO) "sleep" on Jasmine Jones. Comparing Jasmine at the beginning of the season vs Jasmine now, would be a huge mistake. A fellow sophomore, Jasmine Jones is one of the hardest working players I've ever seen, and she also is afraid of no one.
Bree Alford. Best rebounder in the WCC.
Period.
Coupled with Rachel those two are an imposing force under the basket and in the paint. The Zags should be slightly concerned today about the level of physicality that LMU can bring to them compared to the GU Wirth twins and Katie Campbell. All three can be taken out of their comfort zone by physical pressure.
Seniors Andee Velasco with her exquisite ball handling is a "press buster" and sister Bianca, with her beautiful rainbow threes, are also primed for the game of their careers. And then there's Cierra Belvin. A "walk on" from Long Beach Poly who earned a spot in the starting lineup. Another hard working player and our defensive specialist she will also be vital in shutting down whichever unfortunate Lady Zag she is guarding. Cierra also is yet another serious three point THREAT which is going to stretch the Zags defense even more.
Josie Buckingham brings some great height to the equation and could prove to be strategic with her shot blocking play busting ability, like against BYU. And finally last, but definitely not least, there's Brittany Reed.
I see hints of ball handling and shot making brilliance from Brit. She's another deceptively quick player and has a nice element of creativity to her game, that's going to serve her well as her confidence grows.
That's my perhaps overly optimistic assessment of today's matchup against the reigning champs and ranked Gonzaga team.
I'm calling upset. We'll see what happens.
Two hours until tipoff 🏀 and I can't wait to get there!
Go Lions!!!
#LionStrong
