Inside. Outside. Same difference. OSU women defeat Illinois.

In a game that seems to be an inside/out version of the last one these two programs played against each other, Jantel Lavender scored 30 points and snared 12 rebounds to lead the Buckeyes past Illinois 68-51 in Columbus Thursday night.

In Champaign, Illinois attempted to take Lavender away from Ohio State and the Buckeyes ran all over the Illini by a 30 + point margin. Last night Illinois switched manuevers and decided to cover the three point shooter who helped destroy them last game, instead.

From news reports, it’s stated Illinois had the margin between the two teams down to eight at some point in the second half but then had a number of empty possessions after that which led to their 17 point final margin of losery. [Yes, a new word. Instead of "Victory". "Losery". ]

The difference in strategy did contain Samantha Prahalis to a large degree. She had a “wunderkind” type of game in Champaign, but this time, as I didn’t see the game, she settled for a low amount of assists and points and it seems was probably content to direct the offense and watch it go. Star Allen added a 13 point/10 rebound effort to the Buckeye win.

With the victory Ohio State moves to 6-1 and 2nd place in conference behind Indiana.

Next game for the Buckeyes will be televised at 5pm on ESPN2 Sunday versus Purdue.

Buckeye basketball add ons

Some of this goes back a week or two but I think if you are a Buckeye fan you will appreciate the content nevertheless.

(((((((((((((((((_O_)))))))))))
(((((((((((((((((_H_)))))))))))
(((((((((((((((((_I_)))))))))))
(((((((((((((((((_O_))))))))))))

(((((((((((((((((_S_))))))))))))
(((((((((((((((((_T_)))))))))))))
(((((((((((((((((_A_)))))))))))))
(((((((((((((((((_T_))))))))))))
(((((((((((((((((_E_))))))))))))

1. Ohio State’s Tracey Hall, the Big Ten’s first 2-time Kodak All-American, will have her #44 jersey retired at halftime of the February 15th Northwestern game. Tracey played for Ohio State from 1985-1988. During the ceremony, she will have her jersey hung beside the only other Ohio State woman’s player to be so honored before her, Katie Smith.

I’ve heard nothing but great things about Tracey Hall for the quality of her basketball skills and the competitive nature she exhibited on court. It’s always great to hear the stories about players of her ilk when they are honored in this way. I can hardly wait for that day to arrive.

2. Jon Diebler and Evan Turner are together averaging 34 minutes apiece. Only two other Big Ten players average more.

This data was mined a few weeks back but it still seem like they are both on court for a million minutes each game. Here’s to hoping coach Matta finds a way to keep them fresh throughout the season.

3. In a pre-season poll among Big Ten players present at media day Emily Fox of Minnesota and Ohio State’s Jantel Lavender both garnered 4 votes (tied for the lead in that category) for being the player other conference competitors players were looking forward to competing against because they were respected and admired. Fox was voted pre-season MVP among the players with 5 and 2/3 votes and Lavender came in second with 5 and 1/12 votes.

It was interesting to watch Fox compete last week as the Gophers picked up their first win ever in Columbus against Ohio State. She’s a very good player and deserving of any awards or appreciation she recieves from her fellow competitors. But I also know just how good Jantel Lavender is. Buckeye fans are lucky to have her wearing the Scarlet and Grey for two more seasons past this one.

4. At one point Dallas Lauderdale had been credited with 28 blocked shots in 6 games but only blocked 6 in the next seven games.

Consequently, along with the loss of David Lighty, that change in the pace of blocked shot totals DL earned for Ohio State coincided with the difficulties the Buckeyes had in closing out games versus Minnesota and MSU.

5. Jon Gasaway, formerly known as the creator of the much read site Big Ten Wonk, who now works for the much respected Basketball and Baseball Prospectus site, rates former Buckeye commit, Nevada Wolfpack power forward, Luke Babbit as the 5th best freshman in the country.

I would have loved to have had Babbit play for Ohio State but I’m really happy with how William Buford and BJ Mullens have progressed this season for the Buckeyes. Neither of those two were rated by Gasaway but the list was a short one, I think ending at 15 total. By year’s end I feel certain one and probably both of Ohio State’s twosome will be ranked near the top of any list about the best 1st year players in the 08/09 class.

Greg Monroe of Georgetown was ranked number 1.

Big Ten Network comments on Ohio State’s womens team

After the game versus Illinois in Champaign The Big 10 Network’s analyst Stephanie White had some interesting things to say about the Ohio State team and two of it’s players. Here are those comments.

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))))))))

On Star Allen:

Star Allen is one of those players who is so versatile and she means so much to this Ohio State team. Such a complimentary player to Jantel Lavender. She gets it done in so many ways. Blue collar – 7 offensive rebounds (versus Illinois). You see her strength. Star Allen is so underrated in what she means to this Ohio State team. (Star was part of a Ohio State rebounding result which saw the Buckeyes go +19 against Illinois in that category)

((((((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Difference Samantha Prahalis makes to Ohio State this year as it’s point guard:

Samantha Prahalis assist to Brianna Johnson – three defenders put their eyes on her at the same time & Prahalis threaded the needle to get the ball to Johnson for a fastbreak layup. She’s so flashy in the open court. Can you say Joe Montana to Jerry Rice? Put air underneath it. Those are passes you just cannot teach. There is an element to her game that is just so instinctual and her great offensive and defensive instincts. More importantly she knows how to get the ball to her teammates in position to make them successful. That’s the difference. They have a point guard finally in Samantha Prahalis at Ohio State. Freshman of the Year, hands down. Brittany Rayburn at Purdue is having a tremendous year but Samantha Prahalis is exceeding expectations.

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Jim Foster is Coach of the Year (at this point).

Coach Foster interview

This interview was conducted after the game and includes some great quotes about a number of items which reflect what is going on with the Buckeyes right now. Mary Murphy is asking the questions:

Talk about Star Allen and the difference she makes?…

Foster – Star’s a very versatile player. She’s a player that can score on the block. She’s a player that rebounds. She’s a player that can pass. She’s very good at dribble handoffs. She’s very good at anticipating people who are going to backdoor. She’s a good solid player.

(((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))))))))

How does the uptempo game fit into your scheme?

Foster – We are going to run. it’s a constant. It’s something we want to do all the time abd when you have the opportunity to get out in the open floor we’ve got some players that can run, shoot the three, and spot up wide. So it makes for posion if we’re in transition.

(((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))

Talk about Brittany Johnson?

Foster – I’m pleased anytime a kid comes into the gym 45 minutes before and is in a deep sweat when practice starts. You know, I think that’s how you get better in this game and she’s committed to that.

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))))

Talk about your team overall and where it’s going?

Foster – I think our players are starting to understand who they ae in the framework of what we do and we can be very effective when we do that. I think we guard people. A lot of people talk about offense but I think we are a pretty good defensive basketball team. We got some length. We can get after the ball a little bit. We got some people who can close off possessions w/rebounds. It’s nice mix.

((((((((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))))))

Going forward, what can you improve upon as a team?

Foster – I don’t comment on that but I watch film. You get a lot smarter when you watch film. I can say something that I’m sorry I said. You know it’s the beginning of January. There’s a lot of things we can get better at. I’ll watch film on the flight home. I’ll have, by the time we land, I’ll have the answers.

((((((((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

OSU vs Illinois women’s blurbs

Here are more observations and quotes I gathered while watching the Ohio State women’s team defeat Illinois in Champaign two games back.

1. Have you noticed the quick, low dribbles Sammy Prahalis uses to get her rhythm together at the free throw line before shooting the ball? Her routine is one of the more interesting I’ve watched over the years and it matches her personna perfectly. I especially like how she performs the Michael Jordan follow through at the end of her shot, holding her fingers pointed down until the shot finishes in or out of the rim to accentuate her concentration. She’s a very good free throw shooter who will only get better, I feel.

2. Prahalis rolls by defenders on the fast break like water over rocks in a creek bed.

3. For some reason, Illinois players Lacey Simpson and Jenna Smith performed at halftime for viewers of the Big Ten Network by free versing to the title subject of “What is Illinois basketball?”
Simpson stated “Illinois basketball is in your face, baby! (Shows her bicep)
Smith stated “Illinois basketball is giving the business. We do what we gotta do. You get in and you get out. You don’t take it personally. You just compete and get out.”

I find this kind of thing amusing to say the least. But I like it. It’s cool to see them being themselves and expressing whatever it is they want to say. I also know I could never do this kind of thing.

4. During the Illinois telecast Buckeye wing Brianna Johnson was shooting the ball extremely well and playing well, overall, in general, I thought. Game announcer/analyst Mary Murhpy mentioned something I did not know about Johnson during second half action. She said Johnson averaged 31 points a game for her entire career as a high school player in the state of Illinois. She finished with 4,031 points overall and was the first player ever to go beyond the 4,000 point mark in the state of Illinois.

I was disappointed in Johnson at the start of the season but having viewed her play recently I think she is on the verge of becoming a consistently good player week to week for the Buckeyes. Jim Foster was very complimentary of her in his post game remarks, comments I will add onto this site in another post.

5. While she was hitting almost every one of her shots in the game, Johnson repeatedly was the target of numerous Samantha Prahalis assist attempts in the second half. Mary Murphy mentioned she thought this was one of the effects of the WNBA where an offense keeps going to the hot shooter. Johnson kept getting open. Prahalis kept drawing the Illinois defense and kicking the ball out to her.

That’s myabe the first time I’ve heard the WNBA referenced that way in the women’s college game.

6. Prahalis is just on another plane as far as the effort she gives in a game. She has obviously learned the more she is active, is anticipating, and trying to determine if she can get something done or not during a game, the more she actually does accomplish things most players only dream of even trying. It’s this attribute of hers that makes her special. She is just always in that different gear that great players have. For whole games at a time.

7. Illinois #12 player, last name McCulley, committed an intentional foul on Prahalis in the second half of the game after Sammy had rebounded another long miss by an Illinois shooter, driven the 3/4 length of the floor to the rim, and was in the process of converting a layup. McCulley neglected to go for the ball and shoved Prahalis in the back. Sammy hit the floor and slid on her stomach to cushion the fall. As she was getting up you could tell Sammy loved it. Her teammates were pulling her to her feet and it was easy to seee that’s how she likes the game to be played. She plays with passion and instills passion in both teammates and opponents alike. And that makes for great basketball game viewing.

8. The Big 10 Network was advertising it’s “SuperFan” promotion during the game and at halftime the camera caught a lady who might have wanted to be considered for the designation. Comically, the lady was napping, wearing a orange and blue afro wig, and here’s the kicker, had a horse collar around her neck for what had to be a neck related medical condition. Great stuff!

9. If you like studied offensive manuevers, watch Ashlee Trebilcock work. From a Mary Murphy observation, she is always prepared to recieve the ball and so something with it. Either as a jump shooter, from deep or off the dribble in the mid range game, or in going all the way to the rim, she has studied how to get done what is possible from any point. She isn’t always able to deal with physical defense applied against her, both from individual and team standpoints, but Ashlee is a great complimentary player whose experience shows well.

10. In stealing the ball, Shavelle Little throws her body at her opponent’s feet just like a wrestler would to gain a lower leg hold. She is very quick in using this manuever and usually it’s a miracle if the opponent can react quick enough to avoid having the ball taken by her. Shavelle has the quickness of a cobra in this respect. She studies intently and strikes when it’s best to accomplish her goal.

11. Mary Murphy states that Star Allen has “velcro hands”.

12. Murphy compares Samantha Prahalis to former Penn State player, Susie McConnell. She said that Prahalis is alot like McConnell as McConnell was up and down the floor and exciting to watch whenever the ball is in her hands.

In honor of the 44th President of the United States – Barack Obama/Those players who have worn #44 for Ohio State

In honor of Barack Obama being inaugurated today as the 44th President of the United States, here are the names of the OSU basketball players who have worn #44 during their careers in Columbus.

Bryant Johnson, a 6-7 200 pound forward from Washington, DC heads the group. Bryant, from Springarn High School, played for Ohio State from 1979-1982.

Men = Joseph Newell 1971 / Jimmy Ratliff 1991-1994 / Clinton Smith 1993 / Nate Wilbourne 1993-1994 / Craig Barclay 1968-1970 / Jami Bosley 1996 / Darrel Brautigan 1966-1967 / Jerry Francis 1986-1989 / Daniel Gerhard 1972-1974 / Eric Hannah 1995, 1996-1997 / Robert Lucas 1977 / Tim Martin 2001-2002

Women = Journey Beard 1977 / Ann Dooley 1978 / Tracey Hall (Whose number 44 will be retired in a home game versus Northwestern in February) 1985-1988 / Lisa Negri 1993-1996 / Amy Tucker 1979-1982

Hail to the Chief – #44 – Barack Obama!

Minus Shavelle Little, Buckeyes lose to Minnesota in Columbus for the 1st time ever, 59-56

I can’t truly state what Shavelle Little’s defensive ability means to the women’s team at Ohio State but I bet her being out with an injury played a part in Minnesota’s ability to function offensively versus the Buckeyes. Every time Minnesota needed a basket they were able to get one as the Buckeyes just didn’t get enough out of their own defense to get stops when required. Vice versa, credit has to be given to The Golden Gophers, who displayed their own brand of fierce defense throughout the game. Heck, late in the game, Jantel had made just 5 shots. Now, that doesn’t seem like a whole lot for the All Ammerican caliber post player that she is but what’s harder to fathom is that she had 5 of 6, count ‘em, six attempts at that point. I don’t know how many points Jantel ended up with, it was quite a few, but most of her total output was earned at the free throw line. In short, there were just not many open looks for anyone on the Ohio State squad last night, and especially that was the case for Lavender. Way too many offensive possessions ended in turnovers or with shots taken that were plain bad all round. Again, credit goes to Minnesota.

What a tough bunch of players Minnesota has. The return match at UMinn should be a real battle again, too, especially so if Little is able to return to her role as defensive disrupter by then. Minnesota should feel good about getting it’s very first road victory ever at Ohio State but the Gophers should also temper their enthusiasm as what they were able to do last night as far as feeling compfortable offensively was easier because Little wasn’t there to help harass the perimeter ball handlers. As it was, Minnesota was bothered by the defensive pressure of Ohio State, often applying a forearm shiver to a Buckeye defender when the heat was too much. But they were also able to successively counterpunch versus the pressure and defeat it as necessary.

I felt bad for Buckeye point guard Sammy Prahalis, who in attempting an entry pass to an open Jantel Lavender with less than :30 seconds to go, wasn’t able to pin point it and threw it over her head. It looked like her intensity got the best of her and she forgot her usual touch and sailed it out of bounds. Seeing her talk with coach Foster as she stood on the sidelines after the play, you could tell how very disappointed she was with what she had done. But she has nothing to hang her head about as everybody out there in a Buckeye uniform came up short last night. In fact, Prahalis was instrumental in keeping the Buckeyes close in this game as her intensity burned bright as she competed extremely hard. I look at last night as a night she’ll learn from in a big way. She is a huge competitor and it shows on court. She fights like crazy for everything and I know I am going to thoroughly enjoy watching her play these next three and 1/2 years. She’s not making any buddies in conference, see Illinois player McCulley who took her out form behind Monday night, but she isn’t dirty one bit. I wished the Ohio State men’s team worked as hard and cared as much on court about winning.

Anyway, enough for now.

Go Bucks!

Jet Fuel in transition/Home girl lights it up/versatile SuperStar/Lavender steadily spectacular/A.T. showing leadership

I’m anxious to get to a literal pile of observations concerning Ohio State’s women’s team 32 point win over Illinois Monday night. here’s the beginning of it. I’ll add on as is possible today:

1. Almost every OSU player who saw time Tuesday night was excellent. Watching this year’s team, offensively, is such a shock to me compared to other years as coach Foster allows for a certain amount of mistakes to be made in a high risk, high reward set up. Very cool to view for that difference.

2. To connect with the headline title, can you guess who each of the player’s are who fit the five descriptions I listed?

a. Jet Fuel in transition is a term Big Ten studio host, Stephanie White, gave to Samantha Prahalis, when describing SP’s game. White also labeled Prahalis with terms such as “Flashy…Fiesty…Instinctual…and Jason Kidd-like”, said designations I happen to agree with.
Sammy displayed those attributes all night versus Illinois. As usual, I see something special almost every time I watch her play for the Buckeyes.

b. Brianna Johnson hit almost every single shot she took Tuesday versus her home state school, Illinois. I haven’t read a single news report or looked at a box score but I have her with 14 points with a 4/4 effort from behind the three point line included. After the game. coach Foster stated, to commentator Mary Murphy, about Brianna’s results after the game with this praise “I’m pleased anytime a kid comes into the gym 45 minutes before and is in a deep sweat when practice starts. You know, I think that’s how you get better in this game and she committed to that.”
Obviously, Brianna’s coach Foster would like Johnson’s role at Ohio State to be one of the kids who is a threat to score from outside to stretch the court in order for Lavender to be allowed more room to manuever inside. It would work so well, in this team’s effort to improve, if Brianna could continue to hit those long bombs, which were often set up by Prahalis penetrating the middle of the Illinois defense. We know Sammy is going to get in the middle. Will Brianna be able to consistently add to Trebilcock’s total made shots from three as the season progresses? Thursday night, wouldn’t you agree, would be a good night for Johnson to begin to keep answering “Yes” to that question?

c. Star Allen’s best move this season, as a student athlete, in relation to her Ohio State teammates, is her remaining eligible to play on into the Big Ten schedule. I don’t think it can be quantified what she means to her teammates being successful on court. In order to have a special season, this Ohio State team needs her versatility and, sometimes astonishing, playmaking ability every game to win the Big Ten and, for once, to knock the socks off the rest of the collegiate basketball world with a STRONG showing in the NCAA tournament. Ohio State has only lost a overtime contest to #8 Auburn on their home court and to what I think is probably still a highly rated (I don’t have the rankings in front of me) North Carolina (Top 5?)squad in, a coin flip for 3/4 of the game, Columbus. With Allen along for the ride the rest of this season it looks good for the Buckeyes.
Star is a unusually gifted basketball player who can play inside or out, pass the ball, defend, rebound, drive the ball, post up, and make shots of all types. She’s very quick for her size, and with that sturdy body she is a matchup nightmare for opponents.

d. What else can be said about Jantel Lavender that someone already hasn’t? I can’t think of anything new to say about her. She is steady and spectacular and is the diamond that sparkles and cuts opponents the most each and every game. Everything revolves around her, She makes everyone on the Ohio State team better just by being on the court. You can count on her to put up conference MVP numbers every night with points, rebounds and defense. Buckeye fans may be hard pressed in the future to ever see another combination like Lavender and Prahalis working in concert together. Enjoy her, Buckeye fans!

e. I’ve come to appreciate Ashlee Trebilcock’s set of abilities and intangibles this season. If Prahalis is flashy, Lavender spectacular and steady, Allen versatile, then Trebilcock represents that aspect of Ohio State that keeps the wheels bolted to the wagon over the rough road which exists within each contest. She is a patient builder of positive results for the young team she is a senior member of.

Flavor of the game

Looking at all I have compiled about Ohio State’s women’s game versus Illinois Monday night I realize I can’t put it all down. So, I’m going to attempt to, at least, chronicle the flavor of the game in this post.

First off, the Big Ten Network joins other networks in asking participating universities to allow their players to introduce their game starting teammates.

Ohio State reserve post Andrea Walker led off the telecast for the Buckeyes. Here’s how she introduced the Buckeye starting 5:
(These are as close to possible to how both players delivered these)
……First off, we have “Little Sammy Prahalis”. Next, there’s “Chevy” Shavelle Little. Then, we have double zero A.T. Ashley Trebilcock. “SuperStar” Allen follows and Jantel Lavender.

Forward Lacey Simpson showed a strong personality in portraying her teammates:
…Lydia McCulley “Bam, Bam, Thank you ma’am. Macie Blinn, Macie run all night 3. Chelsea Graham Scoopalicious All Day. Lacey Simpson Bam Bam strong arms, up in your face, steals all night. All America coming at you all five Jenna Smith.

Kids…LOL.

Illinois definitely won the pre game attitude portion of the telecast. Too bad none the Illini women’s words ended up fitting any of their players after they played the game. But, it was in good fun, I’m sure, so what?

I admit to being leary of this 0-5, in conference, Illinois squad before the game started and I even wrote down “A little trickle of the bad feeling creeping in at this point” at the 12-7 Illinois advantage mark of the first half. That was written somewhere in the 1st 10 minutes of the game but then the wheels feel completely off for Illinois from, basically, that point on.

To that point, Illinois was sticking close with tough defense on Ohio State and by making shots here and there to add to how it started the game off. Ohio State, though, gradually began to take control behind it’s defense, which caused long misses by a stymied Illinois offense, rebounding and a running game that put together a 22-14 lead at the 5:30 mark.

Samantha Prahalis was in the middle of the run with spectacular point play. Three plays in a row started the avalanche that eventually buried the non Fighting Illini.

On the first, Sammy, who had earlier in the game had successfully gone behind the back while surrounded by three Illini players, hit Brianna Johnson with a 1/3 court length no look pass for a layup. Sammy must command a lot of attention from opposing teams, with good reason, as Illinois had three players in between she and Johnson before she dished the dime ball to Johnson on a line. Just before passing it (just beyond the half court line) all three Illinois players chose to forget Johnson was behind them and streaking toward the basket to turn and simultaneously face Prahalis as she pushed the ball up court on the run. And they paid for it, too, as the split second they did that, Prahalis burned them with the, turn my body to the sideline as I do it, no look assist.

The next play was even more fun to watch. Illinois missed another three, Prahalis rebounded, dribbled three times and threw the most beautiful timing pass pass 2/3 length of the court to Jantel Lavender for an easy layup. It was a great job by Lavender to get that deep on Illinois so quickly. To convert the pass, Samantha had to drop the ball over the head of closely trailing Illinois defender who was working to intercept the ball, if thrown, from a slight angle. The rainbow nature of the pass was perfectly drawn. It was a snap throw by Prahalis as she rebounded, was able to just get her head up to look downcourt, surveyed what she saw, kicked her legs up slightly off a little hop to gain power, and then pulled the trigger on a pass any Buckeye qb would be beamish about pulling off. Touchdown all the way!

Big 10 Network commentator Mary Murphy critically remarked about the Illinois play at this point, remarking at this point “Illinois formula of giving up easy fast break points…you get what you pay for if you are Illinois…yout take long 3s, create long rebounds, and opportunities for Ohio State and Sammay Prahalis to get out and get their track shoes on. The formula of missed shots is working in the wrong direction.”

The third play that began sealing the lid of the Illinois coffin shut came off a secondary break opportunity where Prahalis penetrated the lane to the left, dishing the ball to Maria Moeller under the rim to the left. Moeller instantly caught sight of Jantel Lavender sliding into sight and Maria deftly dealt the ball to her for a score. This is one example of the positive flow that seems to be contagious for Ohio State this season. I’m loving it!

Illinois was somewhat successful at staying close to Ohio State until half but the Buckeyes detonated in the second half, completely tearing through a searching for the emergency unit to stop the bleeding Illinois team during that time. The EMT’s never showed for the home squad and the final ended at 67-36 Ohio State as time mercifully ran out.

Highlights of the second half include Johnson’s shooting, Little’s defense, Allen’s all round play, Lavender’s stylings in taking the ball at the basket, Trebilcock’s offensive patience and Prahalis’s many assists. Heck, she had some turnovers, too, but even those are fun to watch. Other Buckeyes who got into the game include Cherise Daniels, (First name?) Jackson and Sarah Schultze. Congratulations on great play by everyone.

I’ve got to praise Maria Moeller at this point. The past few times I’ve seen her play she and Prahalis have been a good combo, one which I hope Foster continues to use this season. Maria’s ability to handle the ball and make the next pass in a sequence towards a score obviously complements Sammy so well, and is beneficial to the Buckeye team.

I’ve still a whole lot to add from this game. Guess I better hurry before tomorrow night’s contest versus Minnesota arrives. Check back for more today on this game and for a roundup of the Ohio State men’s game versus Indiana last night, too.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCKKKSSS!