In a night of GPAC upsets, DWU survives to play another night. The Tigers were the only top seed to advance to the Semifinals. Morningside was upset by a Sioux Falls team coming off a big win verse The Tigers on Saturday. Briar Cliff was upset by a physical Concordia team, and Hastings pulled out an improbable victory at Northwestern. The Tigers win wasn't a pretty win, but it was a win and during tournament time that is all that matters. They call it March Madness for a reason!
Thoughts from the game:
-Jordan Long huge first half
-Jordan Long has massive hops
-Chase Walder = Energizer Bunny
-Scott Nelson = Energizer Bunny's Sidekick
-We are struggling from 3-point line
-We are struggling more from free-throw line
-Rocky's big steal late in the game
-Ike's turnaround second half
-Mitch Bain is our best chance to get a player on the Harlem Globetrotters
-Skinny Ref- "Give us a call"
-Skinny Ref- "Just Make a call"
-Skinny Ref- (Charge call on Scott)
-Skinny Ref- "Never mind, don't make any calls"
-Defense stepped up last 5 minutes of the game
-This team never gives up
-Another great crowd
Friday, February 27
Wednesday, February 25
Current Recruit Matt Dykstra Impresses
Matt Dykstra has made a complete recovery from off-season shoulder surgery. Which is great news for Tiger Fans. In his last two games after coming back from surgery he scored 31 and 23 points. His first game back first verse Freeman was a double-double performance as he snagged 10 rebounds.
I am excited to watch how far he can take Avon in the post-season. Only having two games under his belt before Districts might just show how good this kid really is.
Daily Republic Article
I am excited to watch how far he can take Avon in the post-season. Only having two games under his belt before Districts might just show how good this kid really is.
Daily Republic Article
Friday, February 20
GPAC Regular Season All Comes Down to One
It is hard to believe after all the big wins down the stretch that DWU has to win their last game to win the GPAC regular season. Saturday's game at USF has turned into another must win.
The Tigers took care of business on their end Wednesday night and came out on top of a very physical game verse Concordia. This was the most physical college game I have seen in a long time. Parts of the second half looked more like a wrestling match than a basketball game. When you are sitting #1 in the conference, like DWU is, you expect to get the other teams best effort game in and game out. It is the referee's job then to make sure that effort and physical play is fair and within check. Wednesday night I felt that did not happen.
With that being said it was great to see The Tigers overcome all of that and win another big game and remain undeafeated at home this season verse GPAC opponents. It's hard to write about one player because it was another whole team effort.
Hopefully they can cap a great regular season with a rival win and GPAC crown Saturday night.
The Tigers took care of business on their end Wednesday night and came out on top of a very physical game verse Concordia. This was the most physical college game I have seen in a long time. Parts of the second half looked more like a wrestling match than a basketball game. When you are sitting #1 in the conference, like DWU is, you expect to get the other teams best effort game in and game out. It is the referee's job then to make sure that effort and physical play is fair and within check. Wednesday night I felt that did not happen.
With that being said it was great to see The Tigers overcome all of that and win another big game and remain undeafeated at home this season verse GPAC opponents. It's hard to write about one player because it was another whole team effort.
Hopefully they can cap a great regular season with a rival win and GPAC crown Saturday night.
Wednesday, February 18
#11 DWU vs Concordia
The Tigers welcome another tough GPAC opponent to the Corn Palace tonight. The Concordia Bulldogs come in sitting 5th in the GPAC with a 10-5 conference record. Concordia has lost two in a row, but will be looking for an upset victory to move up in the standings. Concordia is lead by Dusan Veselinovic a 6-9, senior center from Serbia, and Tyler Bredehoeft a 6-1, sophomore guard. Both players are averaging 13 points a contest. The Bulldogs currently lead the GPAC in team defense. Look for them to slow the pace and try to make it a low scoring - half court game.
A Dakota Wesleyan win tonight and a Morningside loss at Northwestern means The Tigers would clinch the GPAC regular season title. It would be a very nice way to end the regular home season with The Tigers first ever GPAC Basketball Championship.
The Tiger Women will once again try to play spoiler as The Concordia Lady Bulldogs are rated #9 in NAIA DII. Another upset win verse a top 10 opponent would help in the standings and to build confidence going into the conference tournament.
Mitchell Republic Game Link
A Dakota Wesleyan win tonight and a Morningside loss at Northwestern means The Tigers would clinch the GPAC regular season title. It would be a very nice way to end the regular home season with The Tigers first ever GPAC Basketball Championship.
The Tiger Women will once again try to play spoiler as The Concordia Lady Bulldogs are rated #9 in NAIA DII. Another upset win verse a top 10 opponent would help in the standings and to build confidence going into the conference tournament.
Mitchell Republic Game Link
Tuesday, February 17
Tuesday Update
Not much news on the heels of the Briar Cliff losses. The Men only dropped two spots in the latest NAIA DII poll to #11. They are still sitting first in the conference tied with Morningside. We however hold the head-to-head tie-breaker, so essentially The Tigers are alone on top. It's important to remember that winning the conference isn't only a huge accomplishment but means an automatic bid to the National Tournament.
On the recruiting front the only update I have heard about is Jordan Miller. He seems less and less a possibility-which is disappointing since he won the "What Possible Recruit Are You most Excited For" poll. Time is an important issue here since Coach Hemenway can't wait around forever and will need to recruit a different player to fill the spot left by Scott Nelson.
Here is the updated percentages:
Tate Pesicka - 95%
Jordan Miller - 30%
David Maxwell - 40%
Keith Cutler - 60%
For the Women the loss to Briar Cliff all but erases a chance for a home playoff game. There is a chance they still could host, albeit a small one. The remaining two games are still significant, in the fact that one game is verse a rival and being a #7 seed is a lot better than a #9 seed based on who you might have to play in the Conference Tournament.
On the recruiting front the only update I have heard about is Jordan Miller. He seems less and less a possibility-which is disappointing since he won the "What Possible Recruit Are You most Excited For" poll. Time is an important issue here since Coach Hemenway can't wait around forever and will need to recruit a different player to fill the spot left by Scott Nelson.
Here is the updated percentages:
Tate Pesicka - 95%
Jordan Miller - 30%
David Maxwell - 40%
Keith Cutler - 60%
For the Women the loss to Briar Cliff all but erases a chance for a home playoff game. There is a chance they still could host, albeit a small one. The remaining two games are still significant, in the fact that one game is verse a rival and being a #7 seed is a lot better than a #9 seed based on who you might have to play in the Conference Tournament.
Saturday, February 14
#9 DWU @ #19 Briar Cliff - No Time to Breath
After an exciting sweep of Northwestern Wednesday night at the Corn Palace, both teams turn their attention to another pair of tough games today at Briar Cliff.
The Briar Cliff Men are ranked #19 in the nation and are sitting 3rd in the Conference at 11-4. They have won the last 4 out of 5, and are undefeated at home in GPAC play. They are by led sophomore guard Chase Vander Feen. Dakota Wesleyan defeated Briar Cliff earlier in the season 90-68 at home.
The Tigers will have to hit their free-throws today. This game will be as big of a challenge as the first time The Tigers traveled down to Sioux City to take on Morningside. Look for Briar Cliff to play much better than they did at the Corn Palace earlier this season.
The Women's game will be another must win for the Lady Tigers. They defeated Briar Cliff earlier in the season at the Corn Palace 72-61. Briar Cliff is led by Southwest Minnesota State University transfer Liz Grider. They are 5-10 in GPAC play.
While this won't be an easy game for the Lady Tigers, if they play well its a game that they should win.
The Briar Cliff Men are ranked #19 in the nation and are sitting 3rd in the Conference at 11-4. They have won the last 4 out of 5, and are undefeated at home in GPAC play. They are by led sophomore guard Chase Vander Feen. Dakota Wesleyan defeated Briar Cliff earlier in the season 90-68 at home.
The Tigers will have to hit their free-throws today. This game will be as big of a challenge as the first time The Tigers traveled down to Sioux City to take on Morningside. Look for Briar Cliff to play much better than they did at the Corn Palace earlier this season.
The Women's game will be another must win for the Lady Tigers. They defeated Briar Cliff earlier in the season at the Corn Palace 72-61. Briar Cliff is led by Southwest Minnesota State University transfer Liz Grider. They are 5-10 in GPAC play.
While this won't be an easy game for the Lady Tigers, if they play well its a game that they should win.
Friday, February 13
Breaking News For Lady Tigers
What a difference a week makes! Last week this time the Lady Tigers were coming off a disappointing performance at home verse Mt. Marty - where it appeared the season was about to fold. This week The Lady Tigers won a big road game verse Dana, upset #3 Northwestern, and yesterday signed one of the best high school players in the state!
Elizabeth Lamb from Onida (Sully Buttes) made it official yesterday and signed a letter-of-intent to further her basketball career at Dakota Wesleyan. Lamb a 5-7 guard, is averaging 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.
Lamb has been playing varsity ball since her 7th grade season and will receive, her unheard of, 6th varsity letter this season. She has helped lead her team to a state championships the last two seasons.
DWU fans should be very excited about this signing and Lamb should make an immediate impact for the Lady Tigers next season. You hate to look to next season before the current one is over, but this signing should help ease the loss of Sarah Mortenson and Jessica Deinert due to graduation.
Links:
DWU Athletics
Mitchell Daily Republic
Elizabeth Lamb from Onida (Sully Buttes) made it official yesterday and signed a letter-of-intent to further her basketball career at Dakota Wesleyan. Lamb a 5-7 guard, is averaging 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.
Lamb has been playing varsity ball since her 7th grade season and will receive, her unheard of, 6th varsity letter this season. She has helped lead her team to a state championships the last two seasons.
DWU fans should be very excited about this signing and Lamb should make an immediate impact for the Lady Tigers next season. You hate to look to next season before the current one is over, but this signing should help ease the loss of Sarah Mortenson and Jessica Deinert due to graduation.
Links:
DWU Athletics
Mitchell Daily Republic
Wednesday, February 11
Title Bout Round 2 - Northwestern vs. # 9 DWU
The road to the GPAC title makes another stop at the Corn Palace tonight. This will be the third time in the last six games the Tigers play the second ranked team in the GPAC, with first place on the line.
Northwestern is playing their best basketball of the season and have won 11 out of their last 13. The Red Raiders are led by Kale Wiertzema who is averaging 20.6 ppg - tops in the conference. Northwestern features a different look then we are used to. Gone from last years team are Curt Schilling and Chad Schuiteman, both who seemed to have 8 years of eligibility. DWU beat Northwestern earlier in the season 89-76 in Orange City. The win ended a 18 game losing skid verse Northwestern that dated back to the 1999/2000 season.
The Women will have a tough task ahead of them tonight. The Lady Red Raiders have won their last 7 Conference games and hold a 13-1 record in GPAC Play. They are led in scoring by sophomore guard Becca Hurley with 19.5 ppg. The Northwestern Women feature a very young lineup and have no seniors on their roster.
Look for this game to be a closer contest then the standings might show. With a win the Lady Tigers could move into a 3 way tie for 6th place in the conference.
DWU Athletics Game Link
Northwestern Athletics Game Link
Northwestern is playing their best basketball of the season and have won 11 out of their last 13. The Red Raiders are led by Kale Wiertzema who is averaging 20.6 ppg - tops in the conference. Northwestern features a different look then we are used to. Gone from last years team are Curt Schilling and Chad Schuiteman, both who seemed to have 8 years of eligibility. DWU beat Northwestern earlier in the season 89-76 in Orange City. The win ended a 18 game losing skid verse Northwestern that dated back to the 1999/2000 season.
The Women will have a tough task ahead of them tonight. The Lady Red Raiders have won their last 7 Conference games and hold a 13-1 record in GPAC Play. They are led in scoring by sophomore guard Becca Hurley with 19.5 ppg. The Northwestern Women feature a very young lineup and have no seniors on their roster.
Look for this game to be a closer contest then the standings might show. With a win the Lady Tigers could move into a 3 way tie for 6th place in the conference.
DWU Athletics Game Link
Northwestern Athletics Game Link
Sunday, February 8
DWU with GPAC Sweep at Dana
DWU traveled down to Blair, Nebraska and came away with wins in both the Men's and Women's contest.
The Women got a much needed win 71-66. Hopefully this game will be the spark to get them back on track and start a winning streak to end the season.
The Men went in and took care of business verse a quality Dana team 87-81. Dana had won 6 out of their last 7 games, including a win over Northwestern. From the radio announcers it sounded like a hard fought game where not all the calls seemed to be going our way.
Speaking of radio announcers.....how lucky are we to not only have Tim Smith (best local sports broadcaster ever!) and Coach Bob Sprang, but Rod Pattison as a backup. Don't get me wrong I love Tim Smith, but to hear RJ call a Chase Walder "Ka-boom" is pretty exciting too.
The Women got a much needed win 71-66. Hopefully this game will be the spark to get them back on track and start a winning streak to end the season.
The Men went in and took care of business verse a quality Dana team 87-81. Dana had won 6 out of their last 7 games, including a win over Northwestern. From the radio announcers it sounded like a hard fought game where not all the calls seemed to be going our way.
Speaking of radio announcers.....how lucky are we to not only have Tim Smith (best local sports broadcaster ever!) and Coach Bob Sprang, but Rod Pattison as a backup. Don't get me wrong I love Tim Smith, but to hear RJ call a Chase Walder "Ka-boom" is pretty exciting too.
Wednesday, February 4
Recruiting Board February 4th
First edition of the weekly rumor mill for the 2009 recruiting class.
Tate Pesicka - Possible Transfer from USD. Hometown Yankton, SD. 6-2 shooting guard/point guard who would add instant starting potential. Would have 3 years to play 3. Also, would continue the legacy of transfers from USD every other year. (Seim, Fitzgerald.)
Signing Percentage - 90%
Jordan Miller - Possible Transfer from SMSU. Hometown Mitchell, SD. 6-4 swing player that could either play shooting guard or small forward. We all know from watching him in high school how big of a talent he is and the impact player he would be. Rumor going around is he would like to be back home. He has been in attendance for the last 3 Sunday home games.
Signing Percentage - 50%
David Maxwell - High School standout from Parkston, SD. Does it all for his high school team, but would project to play either forward spot in college. Has the talent to turn into a great player and would be a local fan favorite. DWU is going against USF, NSU, and Mt. Marty (since his older brothers played there).
Signing Percentage - 60%
Keith Cutler - 2008 Argus Leader first five from Platte, SD. Led his team to last years class A state title. Good spot shooter. With Depth at guard position it would allow him to learn the college game and be an impact player as a sophomore.
Signing Percentage - 40%
Bo LaCroix - Signed Letter of Intent
Matt Dykstra - Signed Letter of Intent
Feel free to write comments or rumors if you have heard any.
Tate Pesicka - Possible Transfer from USD. Hometown Yankton, SD. 6-2 shooting guard/point guard who would add instant starting potential. Would have 3 years to play 3. Also, would continue the legacy of transfers from USD every other year. (Seim, Fitzgerald.)
Signing Percentage - 90%
Jordan Miller - Possible Transfer from SMSU. Hometown Mitchell, SD. 6-4 swing player that could either play shooting guard or small forward. We all know from watching him in high school how big of a talent he is and the impact player he would be. Rumor going around is he would like to be back home. He has been in attendance for the last 3 Sunday home games.
Signing Percentage - 50%
David Maxwell - High School standout from Parkston, SD. Does it all for his high school team, but would project to play either forward spot in college. Has the talent to turn into a great player and would be a local fan favorite. DWU is going against USF, NSU, and Mt. Marty (since his older brothers played there).
Signing Percentage - 60%
Keith Cutler - 2008 Argus Leader first five from Platte, SD. Led his team to last years class A state title. Good spot shooter. With Depth at guard position it would allow him to learn the college game and be an impact player as a sophomore.
Signing Percentage - 40%
Bo LaCroix - Signed Letter of Intent
Matt Dykstra - Signed Letter of Intent
Feel free to write comments or rumors if you have heard any.
Sunday, February 1
Women's Inconsistent Play Alarming
The Lady Tigers finished last season sixth in the conference, with an 10-8 record. They ended the season on a high note, hosting and winning a first round GPAC playoff game.
Expectations were high coming into this season with a core of starters returning and a few key additions via transfers and recruits. The season, so far, has failed to meet the expectations set at the beginning of the season.
Very rarely do I openly criticize a team I am cheering for, but watching yesterday's game verse Mount Marty has me doing just that. The Lady Tigers seem to lack an identity, an offensive rhythm, and a sense of what needs to happen on the court to come away with a victory.
The Lady Tigers have played some outstanding games throughout the year, beating some tough teams like Dickinson State, Dordt, and Briar Cliff. Also, playing well verse other teams only to come up a bit short.
The problem I see is consistency. Consistency making the small plays that turn up to be the difference in a game. Consistency on offense, on defense, and playing a complete game.
I believe that the Lady Tigers can play with anyone in the GPAC and can even give a team like Morningside a run for their money. Here is to hoping the Lady Tigers can dig down deep, win some big games, and finish the season on a positive note.
Expectations were high coming into this season with a core of starters returning and a few key additions via transfers and recruits. The season, so far, has failed to meet the expectations set at the beginning of the season.
Very rarely do I openly criticize a team I am cheering for, but watching yesterday's game verse Mount Marty has me doing just that. The Lady Tigers seem to lack an identity, an offensive rhythm, and a sense of what needs to happen on the court to come away with a victory.
The Lady Tigers have played some outstanding games throughout the year, beating some tough teams like Dickinson State, Dordt, and Briar Cliff. Also, playing well verse other teams only to come up a bit short.
The problem I see is consistency. Consistency making the small plays that turn up to be the difference in a game. Consistency on offense, on defense, and playing a complete game.
I believe that the Lady Tigers can play with anyone in the GPAC and can even give a team like Morningside a run for their money. Here is to hoping the Lady Tigers can dig down deep, win some big games, and finish the season on a positive note.
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