Jackrabbit Women's Basketball: 3 Impressions from Moorhead


With snow in the air this morning it is easy to believe that winter sports season is upon us!  The first to tip-off was the women's basketball squad.  Last night they took on Minnesota State University Moorhead in exhibition action.  The Jacks won convincing 93-58 with all healthy players getting game action.

If you haven't watched it yet, here is a video preview that came out last week.


Here are 3 thoughts I have from the game.

1.  Depth
The Jacks will make a return to the deeper line-up that has really been the backbone of their successes since Aaron Johnston (AJ) has been the coach.  The past two seasons have maybe featured a shorter bench then the Jacks are used to.  As fans it is fun to watch as entire new 5 check-in.  It frustrates the opposing coaches and wears down the opposing players.  In the past there hasn't been much, if any, of a drop-off in talent from the first 5 to the second 5.  In preseason interviews,  AJ has repeatedly stressed the position flexibility of the players.  For example, last night Macy Miller started off ball as a small forward/shooting guard with Lexi Alexander at PG, Madison Guebert at SG, Ellie Thompson at the 4 and Tagyn Larson in the middle.  With the depth, this team may return to the uptempo "running rabbits" that runs teams out of the gym.

 2.  Development and Additions
The depth is credited to player development, transfers, and an outstanding class of freshmen.  Player development may be one of the biggest keys that has made the Jackrabbits one of the top mid-majors in the country.  Sydney Palmer, Sydney Tracy, Tiffaney Flaata, and Megan Bultsma have all spent time in the program.  They should understand what AJ demands both on offense and defense and they should have some chemistry built up with their teammates.  Flaata is out for a 4-6 weeks following a surgery.  Flaata and Bultsma will be especially important as they have exceptional size which the Jacks will need when they play opponents who have a true center.  

 The transfers are Chynna Stevens (returns from University of San Diego), Tagyn Larson (University of Iowa), and Rylie Cascio Jensen (University of Nebraska).  All three will contribute heavily this season.  Larson got the stop for the Jacks and Stevens and Casicio Jensen were off the bench early last night.

The freshmen class is much heralded.  The Jacks landed Lindsey Theuninck (Mankato Loyola), Tylee Irwin (Wahpeton), and Myah Selland (Sanborn Central).  Each of these players holds nearly every scoring record for their respective high schools and they are winners.  All three can shoot the three with great accuracy and will look to provide a scoring punch either off the bench or in the starting lineup.  They will all need to adjust to the physicality of college basketball but all three were in Brookings this summer and have now experienced their first in-game minutes.

3.  Size
I am concerned about the lack of size and in-game experience at the center position.  The Jacks were actually out rebounded by Moorhead 36-34.   The Jacks should be fine during the Summit League and have adequate size at the other 4 positions.  I am concerned however about the non-conference schedule and the end goal, the NCAA tournament.  Clarissa Ober was such a strong presence on the block and was also able to knock down the occasional three pointer.  Hopefully Bultsma and Flaata can fill that role and provide quality defense and rebounding against the opponents bigs.

It should be another fun season following Jackrabbit women's basketball

Go Jacks!
-Matt  

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