Preston Broughton appears to be regaining his All-American form. He had his fourth double-double in five games. You can tell that he looks more comfortable on both ends of the court.
Brady Wiebe can somehow draw contact on about 60% of his shots underneath the basket.
Mark Mingo was first off the bench and played well. Hit a big three early on.
Darrin Dorsey could score more on one-on-one plays if he wanted to, but he is a team player.
I was totally wrong on my prediction that we would have to shoot well from 3 point range. The Tigers barely shot any 3's.
Wisconsin-Lacrosse had no answer for the quickness of our backcourt.
Darrin's tom-a-hawk would have been awesome! (except he doinked it back to half-court)
Defense was the best I have seen them play in a long time.
DWU Athletics Game Story
Sunday, November 29
Saturday, November 28
University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse @ Dakota Wesleyan University 3 p.m.
Should be a fun game today as we get to see a new team coming to the Corn Palace. University of Wisconsin LaCrosse is an NCAA Div. III program and are part of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. They were picked to finish 5th out of their conference in the preseason polls. They opened their season with an exhibition victory over last years NCAA Division II National Champions Winona State Unviersity. They return all five starters and 90 percent of its scoring and rebounding from last year's squad which handily beat the Tigers.
Player to watch: #5 Tony Mane - Junior guard was UW-L's leading scorer last season, averaged 17.2 points per game. Earned All-WIAC First Team honors and was 71-of-77 (92.2%) at the free throw line.
DWU Wins If: They can make their outside shots and stay out of foul trouble on the inside.
Prediction: Tigers by 3.
Live Webcast courtesy of the Daily Republic
Live Radio courtesy of KMIT Sports
DWU Men's Basketball Homepage
UW-L's Men's Basketball Hompeage
Player to watch: #5 Tony Mane - Junior guard was UW-L's leading scorer last season, averaged 17.2 points per game. Earned All-WIAC First Team honors and was 71-of-77 (92.2%) at the free throw line.
DWU Wins If: They can make their outside shots and stay out of foul trouble on the inside.
Prediction: Tigers by 3.
Live Webcast courtesy of the Daily Republic
Live Radio courtesy of KMIT Sports
DWU Men's Basketball Homepage
UW-L's Men's Basketball Hompeage
Monday, November 23
Dakota Wesleyan @ Morningside: Women 6pm - Men 8pm
Well, it doesn't get any easier. Three days after a heart breaking loss to Dordt the Tigers take to the road to take on another talented GPAC foe in Morningside. There will be no time for them to dwell on the tough loss, which is probably a good thing. I am guessing there is nothing they want more than to get back on the floor and avenge the loss to Dordt.
The Mustang enter this game with a 4-1 record. They have an impressive win over Bellevue University. They have a few close wins over Friends, Peru State, and Midland Lutheran. They are led by Senior Point Guard Eddie Marrs (14.6 ppg) and Senior Shooting Guard Mitch Carstens (13.6 ppg).
Moringside is well coached and a quality team. They are are another GPAC team that can beat anyone on any given night. They are tough to beat on their home court. Hopefully the Tigers can put the tough loss to Dordt behind them and come back and beat Morningside, much the same way they came back from a tough loss to SD Tech and beat Black Hills State.
The game will have a live webcast. They have students do the commentary, so at times it may get a bit one-sided.
Live DWU vs. Morningside Webcast
DWU Athletics Game Story
The Mustang enter this game with a 4-1 record. They have an impressive win over Bellevue University. They have a few close wins over Friends, Peru State, and Midland Lutheran. They are led by Senior Point Guard Eddie Marrs (14.6 ppg) and Senior Shooting Guard Mitch Carstens (13.6 ppg).
Moringside is well coached and a quality team. They are are another GPAC team that can beat anyone on any given night. They are tough to beat on their home court. Hopefully the Tigers can put the tough loss to Dordt behind them and come back and beat Morningside, much the same way they came back from a tough loss to SD Tech and beat Black Hills State.
The game will have a live webcast. They have students do the commentary, so at times it may get a bit one-sided.
Live DWU vs. Morningside Webcast
DWU Athletics Game Story
Tough Loss to Dordt
Aren't all losses tough? Yes, but losing at the buzzer on a bank-in-three makes it really tough. If the Tigers shoot better from behind the 3 point line the bank-in-three becomes a moot point.
Both of the Tigers losses this season has come when they don't shoot well from the 3-point line. In the loss to South Dakota Tech they were 5-31 from three point range, verse Dordt it was about the same.
What does the mean? It means that Brady and Preston are going to get their points, even with double teams against them. That being said, someone is going to have to step up and be the scorer from the ouside. Teams are going to try to pack in inside and make Wesleyan beat them from the perimeter.
All three of the starting guards have the ability and the talent to do so. The question is - which one or ones will step up and start making shots from the outside with consistency?
Both of the Tigers losses this season has come when they don't shoot well from the 3-point line. In the loss to South Dakota Tech they were 5-31 from three point range, verse Dordt it was about the same.
What does the mean? It means that Brady and Preston are going to get their points, even with double teams against them. That being said, someone is going to have to step up and be the scorer from the ouside. Teams are going to try to pack in inside and make Wesleyan beat them from the perimeter.
All three of the starting guards have the ability and the talent to do so. The question is - which one or ones will step up and start making shots from the outside with consistency?
Friday, November 20
GPAC Opener: Dakota Wesleyan @ Dordt 4 p.m.
Well after 8 days off the Tigers are finally back at it. The blog will be back at it as well after a week of little news. I am glad I had nothing to post this week - meaning that everyone is healthy and ready for the grueling GPAC Schedule ahead.
The next three games(@Dordt, @Morningside, vs. Wisconsin-Lacrosse) will tell us a lot about where the team is at and should be a good measuring stick to determine how good they are. It starts tomorrow verse a very good GPAC foe in Dordt.
Dordt (3-1) returns their best player from last year Michael Eekhoff and forward Logan Kingma. They have two true-freshman that start and one of them Trevor Wolterstorff is leading them in scoring at 16.3 pts/game. They have wins over Jamestown, Valley City, and #7 Grand View. Their only loss was at the hands of Divison 2 Southwest Minneosta State. We all know who plays for Southwest Minnesota State.....
This game should be a competive, but one that Dakota Wesleyan should win if they play well. I know I said I would make my next prediction in the high-teens, but I just can't do it. I believe the game will be close but DWU pulls it out by 9 points. Check-out the webcast of both the Men's and Women's game and it's finally a free one!
Dordt Webcast
DWU Game Write-Up
Dordt Game Write-Up
The next three games(@Dordt, @Morningside, vs. Wisconsin-Lacrosse) will tell us a lot about where the team is at and should be a good measuring stick to determine how good they are. It starts tomorrow verse a very good GPAC foe in Dordt.
Dordt (3-1) returns their best player from last year Michael Eekhoff and forward Logan Kingma. They have two true-freshman that start and one of them Trevor Wolterstorff is leading them in scoring at 16.3 pts/game. They have wins over Jamestown, Valley City, and #7 Grand View. Their only loss was at the hands of Divison 2 Southwest Minneosta State. We all know who plays for Southwest Minnesota State.....
This game should be a competive, but one that Dakota Wesleyan should win if they play well. I know I said I would make my next prediction in the high-teens, but I just can't do it. I believe the game will be close but DWU pulls it out by 9 points. Check-out the webcast of both the Men's and Women's game and it's finally a free one!
Dordt Webcast
DWU Game Write-Up
Dordt Game Write-Up
Sunday, November 15
Dakota Wesleyan 79 Dakota State 65
First things first, it was a lucky guess on the prediciton and second of all, if I do have some magical power to guess the score - I am going to start guessing larger margins of victory! Next two games no predictions under 15 points.
Dakota State's game plan was to play physical, pack the middle, and not let Brady and Preston beat them inside. Well it kind of worked. Check, for playing physical. At one point in the game Tim Smith said "Oh my word they just tackled Brady Wiebe!". Check, for packing the middle. No such luck on stopping Brady and Preston.
Brady in front of his hometown fans had another outstanding performace. 23 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks, and was 11-13 from the free throw line. Preston finished with 13 points and 6 rebounds.
It sounded like Mitch, Darrin, and Chase all had nice games. One thing that might go unnoticed about the guards is how well these three pass the ball, especially into the post. All three are unselfish players and realize feeding the big guys down low opens shots for them on the perimeter.
DWU gets 8 days off before heading to Dordt to open Conference play. I am hoping to get another Q & A with a Tiger player this week. So check back for that.
Link to DWU Athletics Game Story
Link to DSU Athletics Game Story
Dakota State's game plan was to play physical, pack the middle, and not let Brady and Preston beat them inside. Well it kind of worked. Check, for playing physical. At one point in the game Tim Smith said "Oh my word they just tackled Brady Wiebe!". Check, for packing the middle. No such luck on stopping Brady and Preston.
Brady in front of his hometown fans had another outstanding performace. 23 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks, and was 11-13 from the free throw line. Preston finished with 13 points and 6 rebounds.
It sounded like Mitch, Darrin, and Chase all had nice games. One thing that might go unnoticed about the guards is how well these three pass the ball, especially into the post. All three are unselfish players and realize feeding the big guys down low opens shots for them on the perimeter.
DWU gets 8 days off before heading to Dordt to open Conference play. I am hoping to get another Q & A with a Tiger player this week. So check back for that.
Link to DWU Athletics Game Story
Link to DSU Athletics Game Story
Thursday, November 12
Dakota Wesleyan @ Dakota State University 7 p.m.; Jamestown @ Lady Tigers 7 p.m.
The Tigers travel to my alma-mater Dakota State University Friday night. The Trojans are 1-2 on the season. They beat Mount Marty to open the season and then lost the next two to Sioux Falls and Missouri Valley College. Their most recent game, and probably most impressive, was an exhibition match verse Division 1 South Dakota State. They played a good game verse SDSU and ended up only losing by 14. This is not the same Dakota State team we are used to, they have a new coach and lots of JUCO players that were brought in over the off season
I would consider this a trap game and I think the coaches would agree with me. DSU is a good enough team where if you don't show up to play they will beat you. That being said, I think the coaches will get the team ready and I don't see the players taking the game lightly. I don't usually make predictions, but I will say DWU by 13 points.
Link to DSU Men's Baketball Page
Link to DWU Men's Basketball Page
Link to Webcast (Pay-Per-View)
I would consider this a trap game and I think the coaches would agree with me. DSU is a good enough team where if you don't show up to play they will beat you. That being said, I think the coaches will get the team ready and I don't see the players taking the game lightly. I don't usually make predictions, but I will say DWU by 13 points.
Link to DSU Men's Baketball Page
Link to DWU Men's Basketball Page
Link to Webcast (Pay-Per-View)
Wednesday, November 11
Get to know the Tigers: Mitch Bain
Here is hopefully the first of many 'Get to know the Tigers' we will post throughout the season. Thanks to Mitch for "volunteering" to be first!
Mitch Bain
#4 - Senior
Point Guard
Hometown: Naussua, Bahamas
1. How popular of a sport is basketball in the Bahamas? How old were you when you started to play?
It's the second most popular sport behind track and field. I started playing at the age of 15.
2. What reason(s) led you to choose Dakota Wesleyan over other Universities?
I really enjoy the one-on-one attention the teachers here offer.
3. How does this year’s team compare to last year’s?
I feel as though the team has a bit more weapons, making us that harder to defend. Once everyone stays healthy.
4. How much of an adjustment was it getting used to the Iowa/South Dakota winters?
Just had to wear more clothes than I was used to.
5. Who wins in a quickness drill? You or Darrin?
Darrin has more space to move in Arizona and my island is only so big, so I never really reach top speed. Thats a tough one. lol.
6. Who wins in a 3-point contest? You or Chase?
Depending on the day. But Chase really shoots the ball well.
7. What was your first impression of the 'Worlds Only' Corn Palace?
I love the creativity the mid-west has to offer and if the corn would pop, without the oil, in this case.
8. GPAC team you would most like to beat this year?
I would love to beat all of them but we all already know the answer to this one - Sioux Falls.
9. Who on the team is most likely to have a career as a stand up comedian?
Chase he is a funny guy. I guess its because of the random facts he supplies the team with daily.
10. What’s playing on the MP3 Player before the game?
Most of the time some reggae and culture tones from Buju Banton.
11. Best memory so far playing at DWU?
The over time win over Morningside last year.
12. Favorite things to do in your spare time? (Hobbies or Interests)
Watch the History Channel.
13. What are your plans after graduation?
No plans yet.
13. Anything you would like DWU Fans to know about you and/or something you would like to tell the DWU Fans?
I really enjoy winning at all cost. And the I want the DWU fans to stand and cheer us on this entire season because there will not be any dull moments this year.
Thanks to Mitch for doing this Question and Answer for the blog!
Mitch Bain
#4 - Senior
Point Guard
Hometown: Naussua, Bahamas
1. How popular of a sport is basketball in the Bahamas? How old were you when you started to play?
It's the second most popular sport behind track and field. I started playing at the age of 15.
2. What reason(s) led you to choose Dakota Wesleyan over other Universities?
I really enjoy the one-on-one attention the teachers here offer.
3. How does this year’s team compare to last year’s?
I feel as though the team has a bit more weapons, making us that harder to defend. Once everyone stays healthy.
4. How much of an adjustment was it getting used to the Iowa/South Dakota winters?
Just had to wear more clothes than I was used to.
5. Who wins in a quickness drill? You or Darrin?
Darrin has more space to move in Arizona and my island is only so big, so I never really reach top speed. Thats a tough one. lol.
6. Who wins in a 3-point contest? You or Chase?
Depending on the day. But Chase really shoots the ball well.
7. What was your first impression of the 'Worlds Only' Corn Palace?
I love the creativity the mid-west has to offer and if the corn would pop, without the oil, in this case.
8. GPAC team you would most like to beat this year?
I would love to beat all of them but we all already know the answer to this one - Sioux Falls.
9. Who on the team is most likely to have a career as a stand up comedian?
Chase he is a funny guy. I guess its because of the random facts he supplies the team with daily.
10. What’s playing on the MP3 Player before the game?
Most of the time some reggae and culture tones from Buju Banton.
11. Best memory so far playing at DWU?
The over time win over Morningside last year.
12. Favorite things to do in your spare time? (Hobbies or Interests)
Watch the History Channel.
13. What are your plans after graduation?
No plans yet.
13. Anything you would like DWU Fans to know about you and/or something you would like to tell the DWU Fans?
I really enjoy winning at all cost. And the I want the DWU fans to stand and cheer us on this entire season because there will not be any dull moments this year.
Thanks to Mitch for doing this Question and Answer for the blog!
Home Opener: Grace University 7 p.m. @ The Corn Palace
For those of you not able to be at The Palace tonight, here is the link to the Free Webcast of the game. Webcast starts 15 minutes before tip-off.
Grace vs. Dakota Wesleyan
Live Audio from KMIT
Also, the next three away games will be on live webcast. Dakota State this Friday however is pay-per-view. ($7) Dordt and Morningside both are free webcast. I will make sure to post the links to those schools webcast on or before game day.
Grace vs. Dakota Wesleyan
Live Audio from KMIT
Also, the next three away games will be on live webcast. Dakota State this Friday however is pay-per-view. ($7) Dordt and Morningside both are free webcast. I will make sure to post the links to those schools webcast on or before game day.
Tuesday, November 10
Darrin Dorsey Dunks
Matt Culhane posted this sweet video on YouTube. I am hoping we get to see a couple of these Wednesday night verse Grace!
Darrin Dorsey Dunks
Darrin Dorsey Dunks
Monday, November 9
No Post Tonight
No Post tonight. I am working on a question and answer with one of our favorite DWU basketball players. Keep checking back.
Sunday, November 8
Where do you go?
Where exactly do you go in the polls when you lose to a good unrated team, but beat the #2 team the next night? Maybe the better question would be, how do you look terrible one night, and great the next?
I can't say much about Friday's game verse Tech since I didn't see it, but it did not sound good from Tim Smiths point of view. The Tigers were 5 for 31 from 3 point range. Which first of all is a terrible percentage, but also way to many 3's to take in a game. Coach Hemmenway's post game interview Friday night started out with - "I love my players, they are great kids, great basketball players, but they are soft" - I think that pretty much summed up the game.
I was able to catch saturday nights game verse #2 Black Hill State on webcast. The game started with DWU in a early 16 point deficiet and ended up with them playing championship caliber basketball. The second half was the type of basketball we hope to see from this bunch - they took it to the BHSU.
Darrin Dorsey looked as advertised, quick, explosive, and lots of dunkability. Brady Wiebe is still a stud and hasn't lost the ability to get every loose ball and tons of offensive rebounds. Preston Braughton has a ways to go to get back after missing last season, but showed flashes of his 2007-2008 season. Mitch Bain continued his solid play and Chase Walder found his stroke and hit 3 clutch 3's. Bo LaCroix looked smooth for a freshman and might have been the spark to change the game from near disaster to an impressive victory.
Link to DWU Athletic Game Story
I can't say much about Friday's game verse Tech since I didn't see it, but it did not sound good from Tim Smiths point of view. The Tigers were 5 for 31 from 3 point range. Which first of all is a terrible percentage, but also way to many 3's to take in a game. Coach Hemmenway's post game interview Friday night started out with - "I love my players, they are great kids, great basketball players, but they are soft" - I think that pretty much summed up the game.
I was able to catch saturday nights game verse #2 Black Hill State on webcast. The game started with DWU in a early 16 point deficiet and ended up with them playing championship caliber basketball. The second half was the type of basketball we hope to see from this bunch - they took it to the BHSU.
Darrin Dorsey looked as advertised, quick, explosive, and lots of dunkability. Brady Wiebe is still a stud and hasn't lost the ability to get every loose ball and tons of offensive rebounds. Preston Braughton has a ways to go to get back after missing last season, but showed flashes of his 2007-2008 season. Mitch Bain continued his solid play and Chase Walder found his stroke and hit 3 clutch 3's. Bo LaCroix looked smooth for a freshman and might have been the spark to change the game from near disaster to an impressive victory.
Link to DWU Athletic Game Story
Lady Tigers Successful West River Trip
It was as a successful a road trip as you can get for going 1-1.
The women had a strong showing verse #9 Black Hills State a night after a dominating performance verse South Dakota Tech. Everyone I spoke with made it sound like it was a differnt team then we saw Wednesday night at the Corn Palace. (Yes, I did confirm that it was actually the same team!) I was glad to hear that, because I won't lie, I was a bit worried after the York loss. Angela Noteboom had a big weekend. Tim Smith kept repeating that it was the best basketball he has seen her play. Freshman Elizabeth Lamb had a big game Saturday nigh. Lamb is a playmaker and that is what the women's team needs - players that can create an put points on the board.
The women had a strong showing verse #9 Black Hills State a night after a dominating performance verse South Dakota Tech. Everyone I spoke with made it sound like it was a differnt team then we saw Wednesday night at the Corn Palace. (Yes, I did confirm that it was actually the same team!) I was glad to hear that, because I won't lie, I was a bit worried after the York loss. Angela Noteboom had a big weekend. Tim Smith kept repeating that it was the best basketball he has seen her play. Freshman Elizabeth Lamb had a big game Saturday nigh. Lamb is a playmaker and that is what the women's team needs - players that can create an put points on the board.
Friday, November 6
Friday Night Game Updates
Theeeeee Lady Tigers Win!
I had to call some fans at the womens game to verify that it was the same team on the court that we saw verse York. They confirmed it was. Good win for the Lady Tigers. Hopefully the game verse York was some first game jitters mixed with the fact that York is not as bad as we thought.
Two early upsets
Jamestown easily defeats #2 Northwestern.
Mount Marty defeats #9 Black Hills.
The Men are down 5 at half - lets hope they can pick it up.
I had to call some fans at the womens game to verify that it was the same team on the court that we saw verse York. They confirmed it was. Good win for the Lady Tigers. Hopefully the game verse York was some first game jitters mixed with the fact that York is not as bad as we thought.
Two early upsets
Jamestown easily defeats #2 Northwestern.
Mount Marty defeats #9 Black Hills.
The Men are down 5 at half - lets hope they can pick it up.
Thursday, November 5
We know him as Darrin Dorsey...
We know him as Darrin Dorsey the You-Tube world knows him as 'D-Murda'. Check out this video as a preview before we all get to see him make his Corn Palace Debut Wednesday night.
D-Murda YouTube Video
'D-Murda' was 3 rebounds short of a quadruple-double Tuesday. I know it was Nebraska-Christian, which being from Nebraska I didn't know existed, but still a triple-double the first night verse anyone is impressive.
Also, another nugget found on YouTube -thanks to assistant coach Matt Culhane who posted this video of what happened last time the Tigers played at Black Hills State.
Last BHSU Trip Video
D-Murda YouTube Video
'D-Murda' was 3 rebounds short of a quadruple-double Tuesday. I know it was Nebraska-Christian, which being from Nebraska I didn't know existed, but still a triple-double the first night verse anyone is impressive.
Also, another nugget found on YouTube -thanks to assistant coach Matt Culhane who posted this video of what happened last time the Tigers played at Black Hills State.
Last BHSU Trip Video
Wednesday, November 4
2009-2010 Season Preview
This season should be exciting for a number of reasons.
#1 Reason - Preston Broughton is back! All reports are positive and it appears his knee is ready for the season. Will he be the Preston of 2 years ago? Probably not, but Preston at 90% still means him dunking on most players at will.
#2 Reason - The rankings of #1 in GPAC, and #4 in NAIA Div II. Most of these accolades come without most people knowing much about the biggest JUCO transfer in DWU recent history. Darrin Dorsey comes from Bakersfield JUCO college and has made quite an impression on the coaching staff. One comment I have heard about him is "Brock Siem ability, but 10x more athletic".
#3 Reason - The Super Sophs are now upperclassman. Brady Wiebe is back after his 1st Team GPAC season, and Chase Walder is back after his honorable mention GPAC selection. Both have put many hours in the gym over the summer and should thrive as upperclassman.
#4 Reason - Recruiting continuing to be the Local Flavor. Bo LaCroix and Matt Dykstra are two of the best area recruits and once again, Coach Hemmenway was able to get them to DWU. These two are both 6'6" and athletic. They might need til mid-season to pick up the college game, but both have the ability to be future GPAC first teamers.
#5 Reason - The fact that I can name 4 other reasons without saying anything about Mitch Bain. Mitch is an extraordinary player and very fun to watch. It just shows you how good this team can be this year if everyone stays healthy and they gel as a team with all the talent around them.
#6 Reason - A toss up between the GPACs best coach in John Hemmenway and the GPACs best radio play-by-play announcer in Tim Smith. After much deliberation I am going with Tim Smith! Go TIGERS!
#1 Reason - Preston Broughton is back! All reports are positive and it appears his knee is ready for the season. Will he be the Preston of 2 years ago? Probably not, but Preston at 90% still means him dunking on most players at will.
#2 Reason - The rankings of #1 in GPAC, and #4 in NAIA Div II. Most of these accolades come without most people knowing much about the biggest JUCO transfer in DWU recent history. Darrin Dorsey comes from Bakersfield JUCO college and has made quite an impression on the coaching staff. One comment I have heard about him is "Brock Siem ability, but 10x more athletic".
#3 Reason - The Super Sophs are now upperclassman. Brady Wiebe is back after his 1st Team GPAC season, and Chase Walder is back after his honorable mention GPAC selection. Both have put many hours in the gym over the summer and should thrive as upperclassman.
#4 Reason - Recruiting continuing to be the Local Flavor. Bo LaCroix and Matt Dykstra are two of the best area recruits and once again, Coach Hemmenway was able to get them to DWU. These two are both 6'6" and athletic. They might need til mid-season to pick up the college game, but both have the ability to be future GPAC first teamers.
#5 Reason - The fact that I can name 4 other reasons without saying anything about Mitch Bain. Mitch is an extraordinary player and very fun to watch. It just shows you how good this team can be this year if everyone stays healthy and they gel as a team with all the talent around them.
#6 Reason - A toss up between the GPACs best coach in John Hemmenway and the GPACs best radio play-by-play announcer in Tim Smith. After much deliberation I am going with Tim Smith! Go TIGERS!
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