Malouf ’08: Time for Change

Rich Scarcella wrote an excellent article in the Reading Eagle yesterday about women’s basketball head coach Janet Malouf’s plan for change in 2008. Let me be the first to say: it’s about time.

(In bold is the article. In regular font is some analysis.)

Janet Malouf, bothered by missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time in her career, knew that something had to change.

Why stop there? Coach Malouf was a fairly impressive 64-32 in PSAC East games during her first eight seasons at KU, which included not one losing season against divisional opponents. Since then? 32-40 over the last six years including just one season with a record above .500 against the division. Only four times in school history, all under Malouf, have the ladies advanced past the first round of the PSAC Playoffs. Never have they won a PSAC crown.

It was her.

"We've had to change a lot, and I've had to change a lot," said Malouf, the Kutztown University women's basketball coach. "I felt I needed to make changes and trust my players a little bit more. I have to let them know they're making mistakes out there and let them ride through them.

"I have to learn to have a little more patience with them."

It is no secret that half of the team’s problem over the last few years has been player management. For whatever reason, the seniors tend to have the shortest leash on the team and the freshmen have the longest. Each season, it seems that the freshmen get way too much work, which is fine in a rebuilding year, but hey, you can’t rebuild every year and expect to win.

Last season, Meredith Starr was thrown into the point guard role as a freshman and certainly had her share of growing pains. Melissa McQuade was one of those superstar talents that deserved to be in the starting lineup immediately, but, again, it’s going to be hard to succeed when you continually lean on freshmen. Furthermore, Malouf has had a bunch of freshmen standouts over the last few seasons, but they rarely seem to improve on their freshman year production. Maybe McQuade can turn the tide on that trend.

What is most interesting about Coach Malouf’s use of player personnel is not simply that she overuses freshmen—it’s more of what happens to those freshmen the next year. I did a little study on players who played significant roles as freshmen by taking a look at how much playing time they had their sophomore year. Of the 26 freshmen that played at least one minute during the four seasons spanning from 2003-04 to 2006-07, all but eight of them saw less minutes their sophomore season. This is partially a result of 10 of them leaving the team, but of the nine players who played at least 275 minutes in their freshman season (not including two who left the team), only three of them saw more work the following season.

Players who saw at least 275 minutes of work as a freshman:

Freshman Season
Player Name – Freshman year minutes – Sophomore year minutes

2003-04
Bainbridge – 910 – 718
Brady – 474 – 582
Daley – 300 – 162 (Left team)

2004-05
Reyna – 302 – 273
Weidensaul – 777 – 564
Harlor – 275 – 148
Van Wagner – 694 – 670

2005-06
Dellegrotti – 556 – 784
McElmoyle – 582 – 0 (Left team)

2006-07
Wisemiller – 295 – 521
Melvin – 610 – 513

If that doesn’t prove at least some sort of freshman bias, I don’t know what will.

Malouf will need plenty of that in her 15th season with the Golden Bears. She has six freshmen and just one senior on her roster as Kutztown tries to return to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference playoffs for the first time in three seasons.

It shouldn’t take too long to see if Malouf really has changed. Lara Dellegrotti, Rachel Wisemiller, Melissa McQuade, Meredith Starr, Vivian Melvin, Katie Dovey, and Chauntelle Schroeder return from last year’s team and all seven can be effective at this level. There is no reason each of them shouldn’t get an opportunity to earn minutes early in the season while the freshmen are slowly worked into the mix. The strategy of throwing the rookies right into the fire hasn’t worked. It’s time to try something different.

A few days ago, I emailed Coach Malouf to ask if she had chosen a starting five yet and while her response was not a total shocker, it was a pleasant surprise. She listed a “main crew”, which consisted of 10 names. The first seven listed were the names of the seven returning players. No complaints here.

She will continue to run a structured offense, but with greater flexibility and freedom for her players. The Bears, at times, became paralyzed on the floor, worried more about where they were supposed to be and what they were supposed to do than playing basketball.

As mentioned earlier, it didn’t take a rocket scientist to notice this was happening. Each player stands out in her own way and the head coach holds the responsibly of taking full advantage of those skills.

In no particular order, a list of a few things I’d like to see in 2008-09:

1. An isolation play for Vivian Melvin – Melvin has proved she has the talent to be in the starting lineup. Where she gets into trouble is turnovers. Often you will see Melvin get the ball on the wing, make a good move to get free of her defender, drive to the lane, and turn the ball over when three defenders block her shot or strip the ball. An attempt should be made to set up Melvin with an opportunity to make plays in the lane.

2. When in doubt, force the ball to Melissa McQuade – She proved in her freshman season that she is the team’s best player. The best way to win is to get her the ball on offense. Let her score some buckets and take some pressure off the rest of the team. When defenses begin keying on her, it will set up opportunities for players like Dellegrotti and Wisemiller to knock down a few threes or for McQuade to find Schroeder, Dovey, etc. open underneath for a layup. McQuade had 59 assists last year while also leading the team in scoring. Her court awareness is hard to find at this level and should be taken advantage of.

3. Rachel Wisemiller and Lara Dellegrotti can shoot the basketball…so let them – When McQuade isn’t dominating the inside of the perimeter, plays should be designed to get Wisemiller and Dellegrotti, both superb shooters, open looks from long range.

4. Pretend Chauntelle Schroeder is Monique Boykins – Remember how crazy “Mo” was? She wasn’t the best at making her layups in one shot, but she would usually get her own rebound if she missed and put it right back in. She was also an absolute monster on the boards. She managed to make such an impact because, despite her sometimes sloppy play, she simply was bigger and more aggressive than most players in the PSAC. Schroeder isn’t quite as tall as Boykins, but she plays a very similar style. She’s worth a look at the center position.

5. Don’t overreact to mistakes – Freshmen aside, the fear of God seemed to be on the mind of every player on the floor during the last few seasons. As mentioned, the leash got shorter as you aged and that meant that Coach Malouf wasn’t afraid to pull a senior starter off the floor a minute into a game if she turned the ball over. Furthermore, you’d see a veteran come off the bench, miss a layup, and get pulled immediately. That player usually wouldn’t see another second of play that day. Sure the bench player’s job is to be ready to come in and perform at any given moment. That said, it should be no surprise that a player is going to be nervous and overwhelmed knowing that this is their make or break moment. Going out onto the court with the mindset of “Okay, I have to make a play here and not screw up or I won’t see another second today” is no way to play. Not to mention it is a terrible confidence booster. And, in my irrelevant opinion, confidence is more important in basketball than any other sport.

Kutztown finished 12th (out of 14 teams) in the PSAC last season in scoring and last in turnover margin, committing almost six more turnovers a game than its opponents. Those numbers led to a 11-16 record and a change in Malouf's approach.

And that was an improvement from some of the jaw dropping turnover numbers put up in previous years. Over the last five seasons, KU has averaged 22.3 turnovers a game. Last year they actually were better than that when they averaged 21.6 turnovers a game, which, as Scarcella pointed out, was still high enough to put them last in the PSAC in turnover margin. If not for Malouf’s dominant defensive system, her teams would be lucky to win five games all season…at least that’s been the case for the last half decade.

"We want to keep the big picture in mind and not get bogged down in all the details," she said. "I think we did that too many times the last two years. We'd pass it around and pass it around and the next thing you know, instead of taking a shot, we'd have a turnover.

"We don't want them to pass up good shots."

Amen.

The Bears lost two of their three leading scorers, All-PSAC East first-team pick Mercedes Van Wagner and second-team pick Rachel Weidensaul. But they return sophomore Melissa McQuade, their leading scorer and rebounder last season, and Lara Dellegrotti, their best 3-point shooter and their only senior.

"Lara is the one who's been around the most and who has played the most," Malouf said. "She understands what college basketball is all about.

"We certainly have high expectations for Melissa. Our opponents are going to be more aware of her as well. "

Point guard Meredith Starr, another returning starter, will be in the backcourt with Dellegrotti. Rachel Wisemiller, a top reserve last season, moves into the starting lineup with Chauntelle Schroeder. Juniors Katie Dovey and Vivian Melvin, and 6-1 freshman Hannah Mertz also will be in the rotation.

Add Brittany Greaves and Brittany LeVan to that list and you have the players likely to make a significant impact in 2008-09. Expectations won’t be too high for a team that lost two of its best players in Van Wagner and Weidensaul, but I believe the team will actually improve this season. Not only does Coach Malouf claim she will open things up, but Dellegrotti-McQuade-Wisemiller is quite the trio. That said, the frontcourt is where games are won in this league and that is where the question marks lie. It shouldn’t take long to see where this team stands.

Kutztown has been strong on defense during most of Malouf's career. The Bears finished second in the PSAC in field goal percentage last season, the 13th consecutive season they've been first or second.

Coach Malouf is the defensive mastermind of the PSAC. No one will ever question her defensive prowess.

Their question mark, though, is how quickly they adapt to their new freedom on offense.

"We're not so rigid," Dellegrotti said. "Last year a lot of us were afraid to make mistakes within the offense. We really didn't deviate from plays to just play basketball.

"She (Malouf) has made an effort to make sure we know we can go out and play. Last year, I think, we lost that. It's amazing. It's just not as stressful. You feel a lot less pressure."

Hey Lara, you know that “stress” and “pressure” you felt on the court? If it is any consolation, know that it was as palpable as the scent of mushrooms at the Rt. 222 Business exit in Reading. Everyone in the arena knew the team was stiff and afraid to make a mistake or deviate from the play that was called. It’s too bad it took this long for Coach Malouf to realize it, but, hey, now is better than never.

In conclusion, I’m rooting for Coach Malouf to get this straightened out. She proved in her early years at KU that she can be an outstanding coach, but she has yet to push this team over the top. California University of Pennsylvania has proven that a PSAC team can win the Division II title, yet KU hasn’t even been a serious threat to make the field of 64 in its history. Kutztown University is growing every year and it is about time that the women’s basketball program begins to take advantage.

Lady Bears Production Rankings

It’s time to have some fun with numbers.

In my possession are the statistics from each women’s basketball player from the 1980-81 season through the 2007-08 season. Unfortunately, minutes were not tracked by the KU Athletic department until the 1992-93 season, so my study will be using all player data from the 92-93 season through the 2007-08 campaign.

What I did was determine the most efficient players on a per-minute basis at several statistical categories. I removed any player who played less than 100 minutes in a particular season. The reason for this is to avoid a player making the list who, for example, played one minute in 1998 and had a steal, which would put that player at the top of the list.

Each category will have a player’s name followed by the notable season, which will be followed by the per-minute production. (eg. A ‘.104’ in the assist category means that player notched ‘.104’ assists per minute that season)

Points:
1. Janelle Needham 94-95: 1.209
2. Keri Suydam 99-00: .537
3. Robin Avery 94-95: .530
4. Hillary Worley 00-01: .526
5. Danielle Warntz 00-01: .515

Comment: Needham was second on the 94-95 team in scoring despite playing about a quarter of the minutes of the starters.

Three point baskets:
1. Danielle Warntz 00-01: .129
2. Danielle Warntz 01-02: .100
3. Amanda Zinobile 01-02: .080
4. Kelly Barger 92-93: .080
5. Danielle Warntz 03-04: .073

Comment: You can probably guess who is sixth on this list. Warntz loved to shoot from beyond the arc and is KU’s all time leader in three pointers made.

Free throws made:
1. Janelle Needham 94-95: .242
2. Jennifer Coss 95-96: .160
3. Brianne Homyak 98-99: .138
4. Becky Savage 01-02: .134
5. Trish Dudeck 04-05: .132

Comment: How did Needham score so much in so little time, you ask? Check the free throw line for the answer. Homyak is second all time in made free throws.

Rebounding:
1. Monique Boykins 05-06: .403
2. Monique Boykins 03-04: .364
3. Monique Boykins 02-03: .359
4. Keri Suydam 98-99: .342
5. Monique Boykins 04-05: .338

Comment: This one isn’t too exciting. “Mo” was a monster on the boards and one of KU’s all-time leading rebounders. Career KU rebound leader Mercedes Van Wagner’s four seasons rank eighth, tenth, seventh, and eleventh, respectively.

Personal Fouls (ability to avoid fouls):
1. Courtney Robinson 00-01: .014
2. Amanda Zinobile 02-03: .034
3. Patti Kline 98-99: .036
4. Janelle Needham 96-97: .037
5. Janelle Needham 95-96: .038

Comment: It’s much easier to score when you’re not sitting on the bench in foul trouble. Zinobile and Needham both played over 900 minutes during the 02-03 and 96-97 seasons, respectively.

Assists:
1. Janelle Needham 94-95: .256
2. Angie Holland 99-00: .168
3. Megan Bainbridge 05-06: .161
4. Jessica Pieczynski 02-03: .161
5. Amy Wahl 98-99: .151

Comment: Needham sure did it all her sophomore season, eh? Bainbridge was on pace to break Wahl’s career assist record, but only played for three seasons.

Turnovers (ability to protect the ball):
1. Lisi Reyna 07-08: .050
2. Molly Brown 06-07: .053
3. Katie Harlor 05-06: .054
4. Casey Reath 00-01: .054
5. Janelle Needham 96-97: .056

Comment: Lisi Reyna must seem pretty random, but it is no fluke. She protected the ball well in her time at KU.

Blocks:
1. Sophia Vucetaj 01-02: .105
2. Monique Boykins 03-04: .096
3. Mercedes Van Wagner 07-08: .095
4. Mercedes Van Wagner 05-06: .078
5. Becky Savage 02-03: .072

Comment: Like in the rebounding department, Van Wagner and Boykins are the dominant parties here. Savage’s 02-03 season mark of 68 blocks is a KU single-season record.

Steals:
1. Janelle Needham 94-95: .137
2. Amy Wahl 95-96: .106
3. Jen Wabby 95-96: .103
4. Amy Wahl 96-97: .099
5. Amy Wahl 97-98: .085

Comment: Wahl is KU’s career leader in steals.


In closing, was Needham’s 94-95 campaign the best season in KU history that nobody knows about? It sure seems like it. Simply looking at the stats from each season would do her no justice, but checking up on each player’s per-minute production really shows who makes the most of their time on the floor.

This seems like more than enough for one post, but if you’re wondering about a particular player, season, or category, let me know and I’ll do what I can for you.

PSAC Realignment

There will be a new look to the PSAC this season with the addition of several new schools to the conference. Here is a look at the new division alignment in the projected finishing order as voted on by the PSAC coaches. You will notice that Shippensburg has moved from the PSAC West to the PSAC East and Mercyhurst and Gannon were added to the PSAC West.

Women’s Basketball:
East:
1. Shippensburg
2. Millersville
3. West Chester
4. Kutztown
5. East Stroudsburg
6. Bloomsburg
7. Cheyney
8. Mansfield

West:
1. Indiana (Pa.)
2. California (Pa.)
3. Gannon
4. Edinboro
5. Mercyhurst
6. Clarion
7. Lock Haven
8. Slippery Rock

Men’s Basketball:
East:
1. Kutztown
2. Millersville
3. East Stroudsburg
4. Cheyney
5. Mansfield
6. Shippensburg
7. West Chester
8. Bloomsburg

West:
1. Gannon
2. California (Pa.)
3. Edinboro
4. Indiana (Pa.)
5. Mercyhurst
6. Clarion
7. Slippery Rock
8. Lock Haven

A look ahead: 2008-09 Men's Basketball

The 2008-09 Men’s Basketball team will return all of its starters and all but two players from last year’s PSAC contending squad. Here is a look at this year’s team, which should be a serious threat in the conference and could be a regional contender.

Returners:

Andre Woodlin (Senior Guard) – When considering the Golden Bears top scorers, Woodlin [Pictured to the right] might not be the first name that comes to mind. That, of course, is only because he playing on a team with the likes of David Ben and Stephen Dennis. Those two led KU in scoring one year ago, but Woodlin was the most consistent of the three throughout the season and was third on the team in scoring, notching 13.7 points per game. Compared to Ben and Dennis, he had less fouls, less turnovers, a higher shooting percentage, and a better three point shooting percentage. Furthermore, he had a better free throw percentage than Ben and more rebounds than Ben and one less than Dennis. So, while Ben and Dennis are the flashiest of the three, don’t forget about Mr. Woodlin, who will return to the starting lineup for his senior season.

Stephen Dennis (Junior Guard) – A Street & Smith’s pre-season All-American, Dennis [Pictured to the left] will return as KU’s starting point guard in 2008-09. The junior is the team’s leading scorer from one year ago and also paced the team in blocks (yes, blocks) and steals. If you’ve seen him play, you know Dennis is anything but your typical point man. He really can do it all and, when he is in the zone, can basically take over the game and score at will from anywhere on the court. His only weakness seems to be from beyond the arc, where he was just 10-of-54 (18.5%) last season. Dennis should only be better in his third year at KU. Just like a year ago, expect him and Ben to lead the way in scoring.

Steve Coffey (Sophomore Guard) – Coffey was a serviceable backup point guard in his rookie season a year ago and will likely serve the same role this year. He averaged just under nine minutes a game, did a nice job taking care of the ball, and was a very high percentage shooter. With Edwards now officially a redshirt for the 2008-09 season, Coffey will likely play a larger role in the backcourt.

Mike Connolly (Sophomore Guard) – Connolly quickly earned himself a reputation as sharpshooter last season when he entered games unafraid to fire up shots from beyond the arc. The backup shooting guard hit 15 three pointers, fourth best on the team, despite averaging just over 8 minutes a game. Another solid reserve guard, Connolly’s is unlikely to change with the entire backcourt back from last season.

Ryan Nemetz (Sophomore Guard) – Nemetz saw just 27 minutes of work in 2007-08 as a reserve guard and will likely not see significant time again this season with the entire backcourt back.

Dave Ben (Senior Guard/Forward) – One of the best players in the PSAC since his arrival in 2005, Ben [Pictured to the right] will head into his senior season attempting to lead his talented squad of veterans to a PSAC championship. Ben isn’t the best example of consistency, but, when he is hot, there is nobody better in the PSAC (just ask East Stroudsburg what happened on February 6). Ben averaged 17 points per game last season and played more minutes than anyone on the roster. The senior shot over 40 percent from the field, over 30 percent from long range, and 70 percent from the charity stripe. Furthermore, Ben snagged 5.3 rebounds per game, led the team with 88 assists, had 12 blocks, and was third best on the team with 46 steals. His team-high 73 personal fouls and 86 turnovers are partially a product of a ton more playing time than everyone else, but also an indicator of his sometimes erratic play. That said, sometimes erratic can be explosive—and explosive is a great word for Ben’s game. Ben will start, of course, and will once again be one of the most feared players in the PSAC.

Mark Bower (Senior Forward) – A candidate to start at center, Bower will have to unseat the incumbent Jeremy Coombs, who saw a majority of the starts at center one year ago. Regardless of if he starts or not, Bower will see significant minutes off the bench with fellow backup forward Kevin Hafera off to the real world. Bower averaged just under 11 minutes a game last year, so pencil him in for 11 a game this year plus a portion of Hafera’s 14 minutes a game as well.

Ryan Washington (Sophomore Forward) – Washington was a pleasant surprise for head coach Bernie Driscoll last season following the premature departure of center Sean McKeon. A redshirt freshman at the time, Washington stepped into the power forward position and made an impact throughout the entire season. He shot over 51 percent from the floor and averaged just over nine points per game, fifth best on the team. Washington was the team’s leading rebounder, hauling in 7.7 a game. He was second on the team with 38 blocks. Now in his second year of eligibility, Washington will be expected to continue his strong play on the block as the team’s starting power forward.

Jeremy Coombs (Junior Center) – As mentioned, Coombs is the incumbent starting center, but will need a strong preseason to hold off senior center Mark Bower. Coombs had nice chemistry with fellow big man Ryan Washington a season ago, but often gave way to Hafera and Bower after only a few minutes of action. With Hafera gone, Coombs will likely see an increase from the 15 minutes a game he worked a year ago…even if he loses the starting job to Bower.

Newcomers:
Julius Gray (Sophomore Guard) - Junior College transfer
Omar Ford-Bey (Freshman Guard) – Reserve guard. Check him out on Youtube.
Jordan Wenner (Freshman Center) – Reserve center
Ryan White (Freshman Forward) – Reserve forward

Subtractions:

Nate Edwards (Junior Guard) – UPDATE: Edwards was hurt during the summer and will redshirt for the 2008-09 campaign. He will return for his junior season next year. If this were the NBA, Edwards would’ve been a candidate for the “Sixth Man of the Year” award for his contributions off the bench for KU one year ago. Edwards appeared in 25 games, averaging just over 24 minutes a game, and scored just under 11 points per game. A playmaker, Edwards was second on the team in steals and led the team with a three point shooting percentage just above 37 percent. With all five starters back, Edwards would've returned to his role as the team’s sixth man…although he could easily start for just about any other team in the PSAC. He will likely get the opportunity to start next season when Ben and Woodlin graduate.

Forward Kevin Hafera - Graduation

2008-09 Men’s Basketball Roster

Roster (Updated: 12/16/2008)
2008-09 Men’s Basketball team

# - Position – Name (Class)
11 - G - Omar Ford-Bey (Fr)
12 - G - Steve Coffey (r-So)
*14 - G - Stephen Dennis (Jr)
23 - G - Julius Gray (So)
*24 - G - Andre Woodlin (Sr)
32 - G - Chris Vrabel (Fr)
*34 - G - Dave Ben (Sr)
35 - F - Ryan White (Fr)
42 - C - Jordan Wenner (Fr)
*44 - F - Mark Bower (Sr)
*52 - F - Ryan Washington (r-So)
55 - C - Jeremy Coombs (Jr)

*Current Starter

Inactive list:
5 - G - Ryan Nemetz (So) - Left team
20 - G - Mike Connolly (So) - Out for season (Torn Meniscus)
11 - G - Nate Edwards (Jr) - Injury Redshirt

A look ahead: 2008-09 Women's Basketball

Here is an early look at the roster head coach Janet Malouf has assembled for the 2008-09 Women’s Basketball season.

Returning from last season:

Lara Dellegrotti – Senior Point Guard

Dellegrotti will enter her senior season as the favorite to run the point. Arguably the team’s best shooter, Dellegrotti was a team-best 41% shooter from beyond the arc and her pinpoint accuracy from long range will be counted on again in her final season. It is likely she will also see some time at shooting guard when Meredith Starr is in the game. The senior point guard has suffered through a few injuries during her KU career, but still managed to appear in 23 of the team’s 27 games last season and started in 19 of those contests. Expect her to improve her 6.6 PPG from 2007-08, which is well below her capabilities. Coach Malouf traditionally preaches a pass-first mentality to her point guards, which leaves a majority of Dellegrotti’s shots to come from long range. Of Dellegrotti’s 136 shots last season, 76 were three-pointers, 31 of which were good.

Rachel Wisemiller - Junior Shooting Guard

Wisemiller was the closest thing to the team’s “sixth man” last season, and that should make her a front runner for a spot in the starting lineup in 2008-09. Wisemiller was fourth on the team in scoring last year despite starting just three games. Arguably the team’s most efficient shooter, the junior averaged 6.8 PPG, while averaging just over 19 minutes of action a game. Her 43% shooting percentage was second to just Mercedes Van Wagner among regulars. Watch for Wisemiller to break out as one of the team’s go-to scorers in 2008-09.

Vivian Melvin – Junior Shooting Guard

Entering her third season at KU, Melvin has had quite the up-and-down career. The junior started all 26 of the team’s games her freshman year, but got the starting nod just 12 times last season after falling out of favor a bit with Coach Malouf. Melvin’s strength is to make explosive plays by driving to the net, but that strength has also been her downfall as more-and-more of her possessions have turned into turnovers. Melvin actually turned the ball over 16 less times last season, but in about 100 less minutes of action. Melvin still has a chance to make an impact in what is becoming a crowded backcourt, but she will need to turn down the turnovers and make smarter plays when she gets possession of the ball. Furthermore, she was just 3-of-21 from long range and saw a drastic drop in steals. Melvin should be better in her third year, but she will need to improve in several areas to get back her starting job.

Katie Dovey – Junior forward

A rebounding specialist, Dovey is going to be a player to watch in 2008-09. She has seen a slight increase in her minutes over her first two seasons at KU and, with the departures of forwards Mercedes Van Wagner, Molly Brown, Claire Sitarz, and Lisi Reyna, will be expected to contribute in an even larger role in the front court this season. She plays an aggressive game and is one of those players that you can tell is giving you 110% on every possession. Her 3.3 rebounds per game might not seem like much, but it was fourth best on the team last season.

Chauntelle Schroeder – Junior Center

With Van Wagner, Brown, and Sitarz out of the picture, the only remaining center from last season’s roster is the one they call “Canada”. Schroeder will be pressed hard by freshman Hannah Mertz for playing time, but the junior’s experience should give her the leg up on the starting job. That said, coach Malouf loves to start freshmen and that could be bad news for Schroeder. The junior proved she can make an impact last season when she was arguably the team’s best player on a per-minute basis. In 83 minutes of action, Schroeder scored an impressive 47 points, hauled in 30 rebounds, and shot 50% from the floor. In one game (against PSAC East powerhouse Millersville) she scored 13 points in just eight minutes of work. Where she loses favor with Malouf is in the turnover and personal foul department. Is she erratic? Yes. But, does she get the job done in the lane? Absolutely. Think Trish Dudeck, but bigger. The starting center job should be Schroeder’s to lose.

Meredith Starr – Sophomore Point Guard

I’ll admit I was a bit hard on Starr last season, but darn it, I wanted her to score on every possession so I could dig into my arsenal of “Starr” jokes. Anyways, the sophomore point guard appeared in all 27 of KU’s games, starting 22, which might seem like a ton, especially for a point guard, but that is nothing new for a Janet Malouf team. Starr played just over 25 minutes a game in her rookie season, second on the team to only Van Wagner. She proved last season that she is best utilized as a pass-first point guard. She shot just 25% from the field, but managed to dish out 69 assists. Her 60 turnovers and 43 personal fouls were a bit high and something she will improve on with experience. It is expected that Starr will see plenty of playing time at point guard in her sophomore season.

Melissa McQuade – Sophomore Forward

Someone please explain to me how McQuade [Pictured] was not the PSAC East Rookie of the Year last season? I don’t get it. Compared to the winner, West Chester’s Megan Stewart, McQuade played over 100 more minutes, scored 80 more points, hauled in over 100 more rebounds, had a better shooting percentage, hit more three pointers, and led her team in scoring. Stewart beat her in steals and assists. Big deal. Okay, now that you’re convinced McQuade is the best second year player in the PSAC East, I can begin.
McQuade will enter her sophomore season as the starting power forward and is the favorite to lead the team in both scoring and rebounding. She shot just over 40% in her rookie year, averaging 9.9 PPG, a number that is expected to improve in 2008-09. Think you can stop her inside game? No big deal. McQuade hit 32 three pointers last season and managed to shoot 34% from beyond the arc. The team plays better when the ball is in her hands and coach Malouf should be doing everything in her power to revolve the offense around her best player. McQuade has ‘First Team All-PSAC East’ written all over her and there’s no reason to expect anything less.

Newcomers this season:

Vanina Bonanno (Guard) – Vanina Bonanno. That’s fun to say. Brought in from New Jersey, Bonanno is a proven contributor (15 pts/5 rebs per game her senior season) and likely will see minutes in the backcourt this season. As put by Bergen County, New Jersey’s The Record on March 25th, 2007 following her junior year: “Bonanno is a sharpshooter who averaged 12 points per game and can score from the perimeter or drive to the basket.”

Linzie Stahl (Guard) – Stahl will work from the 2 and 3 position. She won several defensive awards during her high school career, but will need to work off some rust after missing a majority of her senior season with a torn ACL.

Cecily Scavicchio (Guard) – A high school shooting guard, Scavicchio impressed Coach Malouf earlier this fall and will be on the roster. [Pictured to the right - www.rizzoproduction.com]

Brittany LeVan (Forward) – A 1,000-point scoring center in high school, LeVan will spend her college career playing the 3 and 4 spot. Plus, I’m a fan of anyone who names her pets Diamond, Strawberry, and Champagne.

Brittany Greaves (Forward/Center) – There is playing time to be had in the front court. Greaves can shoot the ball from the perimeter and has experience playing the three position, but will play four or five for the Golden Bears.

Hannah Mertz (Center) – Another Jersey girl, Mertz played both the four and five position in high school and will be expected to make a contribution to the KU frontcourt as a freshman. At 6’1”, she will battle Schroeder for the starting center job this fall.

Subtractions:

Center Mercedes Van Wagner (Graduation)
Guard/Forward Rachel Weidensaul (Graduation)
Center Molly Brown (Graduation)
Center Claire Sitarz (Personal)
Forward Lisi Reyna (Personal)
Guard Britt Percich (transfer – DIII York College)


More and more and more to come…

2008-09 Women's Basketball Roster

Roster (Updated: 1/22/2009)
2008-09 Women’s Basketball team

# - Position – Name (Class)
*3- G - Meredith Starr (So)
*11- G - Rachel Wisemiller (Jr)
13 - F - Brittany Greaves (Fr)
21 - C - Hannah Mertz (Fr)
*23- G/F - Melissa McQuade (So)
25 - F - Brittany LeVan (Fr)
32- F - Katie Dovey (Jr)
*33 - C - Chauntelle Schroder (Jr)
*41 - G - Vivian Melvin (Jr)

*Current Starter

Inactive list:
5 - G - Lara Dellegrotti (Sr) - Day-to-day (Concussion)
14 - G - Linzie Stahl (Fr) - Off team - Expected to transfer
15 - G - Vanina Bonanno (Fr) - Suspended for 2008-09 season
43 - G - Cecily Scavicchio (Fr) - Off team - Expected to transfer