Wanted to throw my two cents in after watching both exhibitions. I was a bit surprised too by the lack of bench use but like was said, that is typical CRI.
I will just say that if we stay healthy, we will be very, very dangerous. As usual, the pre-conference schedule is challenging. Should help us grow. On most nights I would imagine our size is going to present nightmares for opposing coaches. Yes, we all know about Anastasiia but 6'5" Iullia Grabovskaia is going to get some solid minutes and is an immovable object in the post. Give her some time and confidence and she will be hard to contain. She struggled a bit with touch but she has goods hands and moves well for someone her size. Oh, and we have 6'3" Jada Grannum who logged some minutes and 6'4" Meioshe Mason who probably won't see the floor much but on that night where the refs call everything, she is an able big body that no one is going to push around inside.
Sifa Ineza is solid. She might not score double digits but I'll virtually guarantee she scores off a steal every game . She's super quick and athletic.
We all know what we have with Wheeler, Whitson and Gregory. And I feel like once the wheels really get going, Tamia Scott will be a All-Conference type player. She has the tools.
Anxious to see where Jada Harrison fits into all this. From everything I've heard, when she steps on the floor, she is the best player on it. Pretty high praise but a lot of talent on this team and we know how Insel splits minutes. My hope is it's enough to keep everyone happy.
Saw pretty much everyone else play at least a bit in game one. Gracie Dodgen can be deadly beyond the arc, but the knee and speed will limit her. One thing she does have is heart and I admire that. Need that example for many of her other young teammates.
So, we'll see. I love this team. I loved last years too. Until we take that next step I will take a "wait until you show me approach" but I will make a few predictions.
CUSA Champs - absolutely. It's hard to run the table but if they stay healthy this team will be tough to beat in the conference. That said, we will also have a big target on our back and take everyone's best shot.
Savannah Wheeler will log a triple-double one game. She can score and pass but the kid can also rebound. Often one of the shortest players on the floor, she can and will go get that ball. It is possible.
Anastassia will go for 40+ one night. She might go for two the next but she has some touch and can score inside and out. Catch her on a night that she is knocking them down and they are feeding her, she will dominate.
Not sure what the season 3 point record is but Jalynn Gregory will break it. She looks like a well oiled athletic machine.
Tis the season. It is time to tip it off Monday. I like that we have a focus game early. This team is mature enought to handle it. Last year we had Mercer and knew it would be a cake walk. That attitude cost us. Time to start on the right foot and kick some Tiger tail.