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Like others, I fail to see the purpose of this thread, if only to stir the pot. It's far too soon to state we are a much improved team. We don't even have a "W" yet. Personally, I don't think we'll have a clear indication of where we're at until after the holidays. Having said that, I do see a lot of promise with this squad, and do feel we have a better chemistry then we seen the past few years. As long as we improve, week to week, that's all we can expect, or ask for.

Jack, have you had a chance to watch the team?  I know you have been a Keith-supporter in the past, so I'm surprised you are not more excited about him and the team.  As PGMADO mentioned, the Lady 'Saders have been riddled with injuries.  Add what you've seen to a healthy/eligible squad and we are looking EXTREMELY solid.

Hey, I'm an optimist...what can I say?

I, too, am optimistic about the team this year, I just think it's far too early to say they're going to be a much improved squad this season. I've seen a lot of good, possitive aspects of their game so far, but it's hard to hang your hat on anything until we get the majority of these ladies healthy and playing. I thought our defense played extremely well in the second half against Rice yesterday but we're still turning the ball over a lot. I'd have to say the talent is there to be able to compete with anyone in the conference. Putting the right players on the floor at the right time will be the challenge. We'll see how well the coaching staff can do this once we have the majority of our players healthy, and ready to compete. I still feel we won't have a true picture of where we're at until after the holidays.

Like others, I fail to see the purpose of this thread, if only to stir the pot. It's far too soon to state we are a much improved team. We don't even have a "W" yet. Personally, I don't think we'll have a clear indication of where we're at until after the holidays. Having said that, I do see a lot of promise with this squad, and do feel we have a better chemistry then we seen the past few years. As long as we improve, week to week, that's all we can expect, or ask for.
   

Where is Jessica Carr? And could someone enlighten me why Valpo has two centers listed yet none of them are playing? Even last year there was little use. Another point, Geradot and Lange are NOT centers and Varner is NOT a guard.

I was hoping for a win I really thought they had it but that turnover at the end killed them.

I don't know a real answer about Jessica Carr besides Freeman not using freshmen who aren't ready for the college floor yet. I mean today was a day where the defense had to be really strong, and Carr may not be a strong defender yet. I'll admit, I commonly rail on posters who try to say someone is ready based on what they did in high school because we only see the numbers they are coming in with, and don't always know just how college basketball ready that girl might be. I mean Carr can average 15-20pts in high school all she wants, but that doesn't mean that she played competition in high school that helped make her into a basketball player, or if she played against a lot of girls or teams that just made here look like a basketball player because they were inexperienced players.

In terms of the two listed centers, Callaway isn't very good, in my opinion. When she was used last year, she didn't develop well, and just looked to be slow and lost, which hurt on the inside. I mean height in girls basketball is no good if you can't make it an advantage in physicality for boards or getting the layups that draw fouls. She looked soft, and high school games never give a strong indicator because the opposition might not matchup at all. I believe Lang was hurt last year, so she didn't play much, and might be recovering from that injury, if I recall this correctly?

Gerardot and Lange play big and physical on the boards, which is why they often play the 4 or 5 spots. Sure, they may not be the right girls for those spots, but who else did we have last season who could play those spots with Varner being injured, and our lack of frontcourt experience? I don't know why Varner thinks she's a guard, unless it has something to do with her athletic ability to move with the ball?

Freeman will definitely make sure that the turnovers don't happen because he will drill that in practice, whether by running plays over and over in practice, or making the players run sprints.

You hate to see the naysayers coming out of the woodwork this early. As is appears, Carr missed the game to an injury. It didn't have anything to do with Freeman not wanting to play her, or her lack of defensive play. Actually, from what I've seen she appears to be one of our better defenders at this point. I wish her a speedy recovery, and like others have mentioned, given the fact that our ball handlers were unable to play, I felt it was a pretty good outing. Once we get Adams, Timmerman, and Carr back and healthy, I think we correct our turnover woes. Our Freshmen, as a whole seem to be on par with their development into the college ranks. Another good performance bt Ladd. She's certanly fills a void we've had.

I think the young players got the benefit, playing time wise, of having four players either injured or ineligible.  Imagine what the score could have been had Betsy Adams if she had been hitting form long range.

Interesting how a top 20 NAIA team got totally blown out.  Imagine it was quite a reality check!

Perhaps we are also seeing a benefit of the China trip that allowed this team to come together as a group earlier than might otherwise have happened.

That was my belief as well. I heard as lot of good feedback and some great stories about the trip. There seems to be a chemistry this year that was lacking in the past few. I also see an energy that this 2011 group brings to the table that appears to be contageous. The coaching staff has a lot to work with this season. I'd have to believe the chalenge is on them to put the right combo on the floor at any given time.

[A first team all-state player in Indiana should get minutes, regardless of being a FR.]

I know that Freeman does not like playing FR much, but he better be playing Mallory Ladd solid minutes.  A first team all-state player in Indiana should get minutes, regardless of being a FR.

I agree with your thinking, however, the court could get crowded!  Players like Ashley Varner, Laura Richards, Gina Lange and Stefanie Lang are going to get plenty of action and none with First Team All State.  Now, if you give meaningful minutes to our First Team Indiana All Staters, then you have to play Jessica Carr, Betsy Adams, Tabitha Gerardot, Meagan Callaway and, Mallory Ladd.

Somethings got to give!  Nice problem to have but more pressure to perform for Freeman with this much talent on board.

Absolutely a much better problem to have then the problems of the recent past. I think the bar has been raised, but I also like the talent pool he has to draw from. plenty of scorers in this group, plus a few players that excel in dishing the ball to the players in scoring possition. Should be fun watching this group grow and learn.

Looks like Ladd is picking up where she left off in High School and the All Star Squad. wished i could got by to see them in action. It looks like Coach Freeman is trying to get a good look at his freshman class. The box scores reflect quite a few minutes from the ladies that got in to play. I think he could have something special with this group.

Had an opportunity to catch a little of the ladies practice the other day and had a few observations. I liked the level of energy I saw from this group. There seems to be a more possitive attitude in the air then I've seen in the past. It's apparent the trip to China was a great bonding experiece. There seems to be some good chemistry working here. The addition of Komara to the staff appears to be a good choice as well. The incoming freshmen look to be adding a spark that's been missing. I'm looking forward to the start of the season. It could be a fun one to watch, and a step in the right direction to getting back to their winning ways. I believe the pre-season "experts" that have ranked them 9th in the conference have underestimated the talent and ability of this group. A better assesment of where they are headed will probably be made once conference games begin.
Good luck ladies.   

Throw a little beer in with the pizza - that'll do it! (JK) Seriously, i think it'll be key for the guys to know they have everyones support from day one. New Coach, and a new day.
Let's not forget to show the lady crusaders some support this season too. I think they've made some nice additions to their squad, and had a good run in China. The players they picked up should be able to come in and help out immediatley.

I still haven't found a new girls basketball schedule posted anywhere. A little help would be appriciated.
Thanks.

Does anyone know when they plan on posting this season's schedule? I thought I saw it listed somewhere but have yet to see it posted on the school site.

Likewise, I thought this was already out there and common knowlege. I saw it posted somewhere some time ago. I think, given they can only do this once every 4 years, it's an opportunity that couldn't be passed up. All indications are there aren't any issues with the budget for this. What a great opportunity for these young ladies. I see many upsides to this trip. NCAA rules allow us to get started early with practices to prep for it. The girls will have a nice span of time together to bond and build relationships, and improve chemistry, which has been lacking as of late. They all get to experience something they may have never had the opportunity to do otherwise - The trip in itself will be a cultural, learning experience, which is what college is all about. In a span of 10 days, they compete in 3 games, several camps, and have some time to see the sites and learn some traditions. How cool this will be for them. And they'll have some time to welcome, and bond with the incoming class. Another huge plus! It's a win, win for everyone I'd say.

I think once you get to college, all bets are off when comparing school sizes to athletic success. It certainly holds true for high school as you have far more athletes to chose from then the smaller schools. When scholarships are involved, talent can be drawn from anywhere. Butler is a prime example. Once a school has some success, it makes it a lot more attractive a place to be for the student athlete. another good example is Gonzaga. Until they broke into the NCAA tourney, not many people had even heard of them. Once they had success, they were able to draw talent from all over the country. I'm not sure of their enrollment size, but I'm guessing they're smaller then Butler. In that vain, I don't think that having 10,000 students running around here at Valpo would have much, if any, impact on the success of the sports programs to a point. It would have a huge impact on fan support, which would create more revenue - but, I feel that the biggest impact in luring quality talent is to have some success, nationally.

Sorry about the run on. sometimes when I get a thought, I forget to come up for air.

I agree with your assesment. It is always nice if your upper classmen pave the way for the younger players. Sometime though, they need a push, from said younger players, to grab the raines. I think the talent we have coming in could, quite possibly, force all of the upper classmen to step up to their potential, and play the way Keith knew they could when he recruited them. 

what ValpoHoops has stated certainly makes a lot of sense. And there should, and will be some accountability at some point if things don't get turned around. There has to be, or as they say, "anyone can coach". And it is true, that it isn't the players fault that the wins aren't coming. Ultimately, the line ups, plays, match ups, substitutions, and schemes are all on the coaches. The players can't control that. I will have to disagree a bit on one point being made: I feel that part of our struggles, from my perspective, is that we don't count on our freshman enough. Many times comments have been made here that, "they wont play much, they're Freshman." The women's game has changed enourmously in the past five years. These incoming freshman, here, and everywhere, have played the travel circuit through AAU and other programs, with many competing in more games in one summer, then some of these college programs play in two years. And they compete at a very high level against very good talent all over the country. It's not a stretch to say by the time they get to college, they've already competed with, and against similiar talent. Granted, not all of the talent they see goes on to the next level to play, but many do, and they'll compete against them again at this level. I don't think it helps their mental aspects of the game to compete at such a high level, only to get to the college level and sit on the bench the majority of the season. True, some may need to ride the pines for most of the season to get the feel and flow of stepping up to this level, but others are clearly ready to come in first year and help out with possitive minutes from the start. Moses at Purdue comes to mind. She went to a bigger program then ours and helped out from the start. There are exceptions to every rule, and to sit your freshman for a season because it's "what you do," may be hurting your team more then you know. A teams leaders can come from any class, and thats a fact. It takes a special person, and player to want to step up and assume that role. I think it's only fair to see if you have that person early on. I'm not saying that our incoming class has a lock on that role, but I think they have proven that they can assume that role if asked to. Both came from the middle school ranks and took over that roll as Freshman in highschool. I wouldn't discount them just because they are freshmen. Let's see what they bring to the table. We all agree that we need a floor leader. I think it's time we look through the entire roster and see who can fit the bill with actions, deeds, and play. We'd be remiss if we didn't do just that. 

I, too was only pointing out that, in my opinion, we have struggle with chemistry on the floor. I also believe that much of this is due to players competing in possitions outside of their comfort zone. As rlh has eluded to, Richards is a hard worker and an assest to the team. she does well defensively, and will do well offensively when the pressure to run the floor is elliviated, and she can slide back into a SG where she's more comfortable at. A lot of good, valid points and concerns are being discussed here. That's what these forums are for. I feel it's a good place to reflect possitively on the teams, there accomplishments, and their expectations. It also is a healthy place to voice concerns, an even some phylisophical differences. I don't think it's a place to sigle out any one player as a problem. It just isn't the case, ever. Win as a team, lose as a team. Floor chemistry improves when player confidence improves. I disagree with some here that suggest that the coaching staff isn't working hard enough to develop the PG possition. I've coached and have been around this game as long as I can remember, and, it's my opinion that, at this level, when talking about PG's, there are certain attributes that aren't developable - they're either there, or they aren't. That's not to say they can't work and develop ball control, passing ability, etc. but there are certain abilities that a PG must posses, that aren't taught, or learned. they either have them, or they don't. They have to see the floor extremely well, see a play develop before it happens, and understand what the defense is trying to do, all of which has to happen in seconds, and they have to react even faster. This is where the leadership and team confidence in their PG comes in. It's a make or break deal really. Many players can fill in at the PG spot for a time, but, in the end, A true PG needs to be in place, on the team, to be consistently successful. They are your floor general, and all other players feed off of their confidence.   

"I concur with you on one thing and that is he is working is a-- off trying to turn this thing around.  I don't always agree with what he does coaching wise or personell wise (I've argued with him more than once), but there has never been a doubt about how much he cares and how hard he works.  We need a good point guard to make his offense scheme work, unfortuntely Richards hasn't taken charge as he hoped she would.  Hopefully these recruits are as good as advertised...inside I think we have two potential all league players in Gerardot and Lange (Stephanie).  They both have things to work on defensively, but they make a difference on the floor.  The return of Varner will be a big thing to give us more depth inside, and Gina Lang needs to continue to improve her play.  No one plays harder than her.  I'm really disappointed in the loss of Gick.  I thought she might become the answer at point, but bad backs are just nothing to mess with and her Doctor is the one that has pulled the plug....next year, I think we will be much more competitive.  We lack inside presence and I think we have the potential to match up with the Green Bay's, Butler and Cleveland States there in the future.  It won't be for lack of effort that is for sure"

It appears that Keith agrees with many of us on his needs as well.We need a point guard that can handle the ball, reduce the turnovers, be a leader, keep her teammates involved, and get the ball to the shooters. He found that in Carr. A bonus to that is she can also create her own shots and score when needed. We need an inside presence to match up with the bigger squads we face. This presence also has to be a leader, needs to pull down some boards on both sides of the floor, and must be able to score. He found that in Ladd. Truly one of the best big games I've seen in some time.These two, along with the rest of the talent we have, will make great strides this season. Count on it.

I'd bank on a .500 season. The tone taken by some here would suggest a personal bone to pick with the coach and not something that reflects a true assesment of the situation. My bet is they'll find something else to complain about even after we hit .500. 

Coach Freeman and the team has just been in a slump of late. It happens to the best of teams. It certainly isn't from lack of effort on his, and the coaching staff's part. Probably one of the hardest working coaches I know. He'll get himself and his program back to it's winning ways. You can bet on it. Looking at the returning talent from last season, and the talent he's bringing in, he's certainly working towards that means. I'm looking forward to watching them compete.

I have to say I agree with what Freeman, and the coaching staff are working towards. I do believe some of their lack of success is due to issues out of thier control. Injuries certainly haven't helped their cause. Like many small D1 schools and thier athletic programs, you are getting players that may have shinned in highschool, but just aren't ready to play at the next level. Looking at some of the talent we've been able to secure over the past couple of years, we have some players that, from my perspective, should have produced better results then they have. Our biggest detriment in my opinion, has been a lack of floor leadership. Regardless of the talent level, all good teams have a player or two, that can lead their teammates by instilling confidence. I don't know enough about the junior transfers we just picked up to voice an opinion, but I will say, the two All Stars we have coming are both proven leaders. More then anything else, this is what we've lacked for some time it seems. Keith, and his staff, have done a great job of selling Valpo to the young players, and part of the draw, I'm sure, was the first class edjucation they will receive.
Having said that, I will have to agree, that things will have to improve in the "W" column to validate the work and possition the coaching staff holds. Certainly, for the entire student body, edjucation comes first, but when your scholarships to student athletes go for 50K a year, there has to be a level of accoutability for both the athlete, and the coaching staff.
I truly feel we will see some special things out of this squad next season. Stay Tuned!  

Good for Valpo. These two sound like some quality players that have a couple years of college experience under their belt. They should be able to offer some emmediate help with possitive minutes. Things keep looking up! 

I think Freeman can turn things around with the right mix of players. He's growing and learning, along with the team. Valpo isn't a big time basketball school, and doesn't attract the players that say, the big ten and other conferences do. Let's not forget that we stepped up into the Horizon League which is more competitive then where we were. I take my hat off to a coach, and a program, that works really hard at recruiting and signing players within our state. So much talent has left Indiana, so it's always refreshing to see our local talent stay local.
Having said that, I do feel that, the 2 All Stars we have coming could play for any major college, as both got some serious consideration outside of Indiana. We are lucky they chose Valpo, and they are lucky to be able to get a first class edjucation, while playing the game they love. These two, I think, are the shot in the arm our program needs to turn things around. I think those that aren't familiar with them will be pleasently surprized with what they bring to the program. They are 2 of the 14 young ladies chosen from Indiana to represent our state in our anual battle with Kentuckys best. If you get a chance, check them out. I'm sure it'll be televised. They compete on 6/10 at Kentucky, and again on 6/11 @ 5:00pm at Conseco Fieldhouse. I'm looking forward to watching our local girls sweep this year. They are loaded with talent from top to bottom.

That is a shame if true. I've watched Skyler play for quite a few years now. She's always been fun to watch. I wasn't aware of any medical issues she was having, but felt that we weren't seeing her best at Valpo. I hope she gets through this ok. I would have loved to see her compete with the incoming players next season.

As I've said in the past, I believe the two players mentioned here will come in next season and make an emmediate impact. They bring to the team and the table, much we've been lacking. Mallory Ladd is the complete player - her inside game is about as good as I've seen, her scoring ability is reflected in her stats, and she is a great leader and motivator. Jessica Carr brings ball control, leadership, scoring ability, and her floor vision is impressive. She keeps her teammates engaged, and excels in assist. Both these players are a joy to watch, and very personable. I think their temmates will love playing with them, which was another issue I felt we had last season. It just looked like the chemestry wasn't there. I've seen on here many times that Freeman doesn't like to give a lot of minutes to his Freshman. I think you'll see that change in 2011 - 2012.