I'd say we need Brady to have a more impactful game. She's the leader of the team in so many ways.
This is true. She has been steady (as of late) but we need more! I know what she can do. I have followed most of these girls since high school. In watching the games (again) tonight she has not stood out, but did make some great passes and she always hustles. I really didn't notice much of anything during the game (that stood out) when I was watching it originally, but in re-watching it this evening her defense was on point. She played their shooters very well outside. She always had a hand in their face and think they only got one of the 12 3's off on her due to a double screen from WK. She had 4 or 5 careless turnovers, but that is not usual for her. I think she does all the little things that have to be done, but aren't as noticeable during a game.
I know that Brooke is only 5'4" but her defense really hurt us. She made up for it in points (tonight), but she is just not big enough to defend some of these girls in the Big 12 and NCAA. I think they got 4 or 5 3s off on her. And trying to go on top of a screen EVERY time always gets her in foul trouble. She had 3 I think. Of course I am very happy she finally came alive in this post season. Maybe now her nerves won't get the best of her.
Ariel will be great for us in the future. She is not doing bad whatsoever, but needs to work on less fouls. Her shot is beautiful and very smooth.
Don't understand why Krystal did not play that much. She had a couple of turnovers, but no more than anyone else did. I think we could have used her experience and even her 3 pt. shot today. She proved herself coming off the bench in the Big 12 tournament.
I have never been so impressed with Imani. She has proved herself in my opinion to start and hopefully play more minutes as long as her stamina is there.
Kelsi has had some really good games in the past, unfortunately most of them have been on weaker opponents. If a team has any aggressive players down low she just melts. I'm sure she will progress and get tougher in time. That inbounds from Brady at the end that hit her hands and deflected out was crazy. I blamed Brady for that while I was watching the game, but in re-watching tonight it was a great pass. Not too hard, but of course was a bounce pass around Brady's defender. Kelsi needs to move her feet to the ball. There were no defenders whatsoever on her. Every coach I know says "If it hits you in the hand(s), it should be caught".
Empress didn't play defense very well to start, but a fire got lit under her butt and she definitely gets kudos from me! She keeps getting better! Her and Brianna are a lot alike I think! Once they get "warm" there's no stopping them!!!
All in all, we won. Just wish they wouldn't give me a heart-attack in so many of these games!