Mansfield Girls Metro Basketball ~ the final season

Over

2011-03-05T23:37:00.000-05:00

Well the first round of the playoffs were today and for some reason we were moved up to with the D2 teams, but the girls didnt seem to care. All 10 of the girls today (down from 11 with Hannie's injury) absolutely played incredible today. The defense, press and offense were working against a very strong Natick team. However we would fall to Natick 40-32, but the score was not reflective of how close a game it truly was.
I have to say that the last 4 years have been one of the most rewarding coaching experiences that I have had. With 2 only original 4 year members, Ang and Hannie, I have had numerous girls play for me either once or back and forth; but I am proud to say that I have been lucky enough to work with them all.
After the game was over, the girls pleaded for one more run in the Mass Premier Spring league, but I need to check rosters and interest before I commit; but it sure would be fun to have one more go round.
Thank you to Jim O'Mara for his help on the bench, and to Michael and Don DeBolt for doing the book all year. And a final thank you to a great group of parents that have been enthusiastic and supportive during both wins and losses.
Todd

Back on track

2011-01-23T21:28:00.001-05:00

Well our girls returned home today to host Randolph in a late Sunday night showdown. The game would be fairly back and forth thru the first half, but our girls would take a small lead going into halftime.
Randolph came out fast in the 3rd quarter, with #5 getting 3 straight baskets cutting our lead down to 2. However with strong defensive play by both Morgan and Moriah, along with Sophie, Kayla and Hannie causing numerous turnovers on the press; the girls were able to bring the lead back to 10, ending the third quarter at 30-20. Excellent defense was played: in the paint by Maddie, Haley and Allie. The fourth quarter would go back and forth, but our girls would hold on for the win; 34-26. Strong offensive games from Ang and Lindsey.
Another home game next week as we take on Milton (who beat us last year in a close one at Milton Academy.

500

2011-01-17T22:31:00.000-05:00

Well after a loss to Brockton the girls now sit at .500 with a 3-3 record. I would love to say that it was a good game and all that but for those of you that were there, we know different. The girls really gave all they had, but it just wouldn't be their day.
I usually dont comment on opponents, however Brockton's unsportsmanlike actions from the stands, parent and players are beyond anything I have experienced in YOUTH SPORTS. Somehow as a society we have lost our way in what is important and how to show it. But it is what it is, and I can only comment on our own. I am very proud of the girls for inspite of everything around them, they battled to the end.
We head back home this week, when we play Randolph. Hopefully we can get back on the winning end of things.

A tough loss

2011-01-11T09:12:00.001-05:00

Well it most certainly wasnt due to lack of effort, as they fell to undefeated Holliston 30-26. The game started off with our girls down 14 - 6, as Holliston came out strong. But Mansfield would battle back on a 10-0 run, taking a lead of 16-14.
The rest of the game would be back and forth until Holliston would take a 7 point lead, led by #23 (who finished with 17 pts in the game). Our girls would continue to battle but couldnt close the gap at the end losing by 4. This is probably our best and most complete defensive game of the year. I was and am very proud of the girls.
This Sunday we travel to Brockton to take on the 2-3 Brockton girls, who are coming off a 7 point win against North Quincy.

Holiday Blues

2011-01-05T12:32:00.000-05:00

Well as the heading states last Sunday the girls had a Holiday/Vacation hangover, as we fell to Berkeley by 17 points, 39-22. The girls could just never get into any sort of rythmn and the offense was extremely silent (1 point in the first quarter alone). But per usual the girls displayed their usual effort and enthusiasm.
This Sunday we'll host undefeated Holliston at Mass Premier at 6pm.

2010-12-21T09:07:00.001-05:00

Wishing all of my girls and their families, a very Happy Holiday.

3 & 0

2010-12-20T11:59:00.001-05:00

Well the girls hit the road for the first time this Metro season, and brought home a big win vs. previously undefeated Weston 48 to 26. First quarter was a learning period, with the girls trying to figure out Weston's forward #22, going down to Weston 10 to 2. However the press would stop Weston's ability to run a set offense, creating numerous turnovers and the girls went on a 24 to 3 run and were up at half by 13.
Weston made a few adjustments in the 3rd quarter, but the swarming defense countered all of them and the girls extended their lead to 16 by the end of the 3rd quarter and 22 at the end of the game.
Offensive stars of the game were; Jess with 14 points and Lindsey with 11. Defensively; Ang and Maddie were big underneath with Moriah, Sophie and Haley making huge steals and setting up the transition to perfection. A few of the girls are still on the mend with Hannie seeing the court briefly coming back from her Stress fracture and a very anxious Morgan cheering from the bench coming back from her concussion in game two.
No game next week, but we will suit up in the Muscato Tournament in Easton with two games on the 26th.
Practice tonight then off for a few.
MERRY CHRISTMAS / HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all my girls and families.

Two games, Two wins

2010-12-13T08:46:00.000-05:00

Another home game and another close win, as our girls won 24-18. This time against a tough Dedham team, who had beat us last year and whose home court we lost on, to North Quincy in the opening round of the playoffs. Tough pressing defense really was the story of this game. The girls really attacked the ball well on defense and even though we were lacking in height vs. Dedham's forwards, the girls spaced well and rebounded consistently throughout the game.

Balanced scoring again was the key as Dedham was unable to concentrate on one girl. A great team effort.

Next week we hit the road for the first away game of the season, as we travel to Weston, as a battle of two undefeated teams will go head to head.

One and O

2010-12-08T10:50:00.001-05:00

Well it memory serves me right, after one game for the first time, we are undefeated.
The girls seemed to pick up where they left off from the last two tournaments, beating a tough Wayland team 31 - 28. All of the girls, except for Allie and Ang, scored in the game. But Allie & Ang were too busy rebounding, blocking shots and keeping the Wayland squad out of the paint; stopping many more points than they would have scored.

This Sunday we are home again, as we host Dedham at 4:40pm. Should be fun as always.

Tournament Summary

2010-11-28T17:46:00.000-05:00

After starting in Bellingham a bit out of sorts going 0-3, our girls ran off a combined 4-1 record in the next two tournaments, with the one loss only by 2 points in overtime. Looking at the Thanksgiving tournament; the press was working strong along with our great zone defense. Maddie, Allie and Ang were extremely strong underneath. The press was led by Kayla, Sophie and Jess; creating alot of turnovers which turned into many layups and easy baskets. Haley, Moriah and Lindsey kept our opponents in constant foul trouble driving to the hoop while all the girls contributed with everyone putting points on the board.

Regular season starts next week with the schedule to the right. Thanks to all that participated. Next week we get Morgan back for the regular season opener at Mass Premier on Dec 5th at 3:20. Hopefully the week after we will get Hannah back from the injury list and we will be back to the full squad.

Remember to email me any pictures you take at the games so I can post them.

Norwood and Thanksgiving

2010-11-22T13:17:00.001-05:00

Well two nice games last Saturday, with our girls going 2 and 0.
I did want to get you guys this weekend's schedule.

Fri Nov 26th
4:45pm Court 5 vs. Braintree

Sat Nov 27th
4:45pm Court 3 vs. Westwood
7:15pm Court 2 vs. Walpole

Should be fun - looking forward to rejoining the girls after being away last week.

Not exactly as scripted

2010-11-12T19:51:00.000-05:00

Ok well tonight didnt go as planned, but someone forgot to give the memo to the Franklin team that this was a Metro tournament NOT an AAU tournament. Regardless of the outcome, our girls busted their a-- for the full 40 and as always I am very proud of them for their efforts.

Thanks girls, tomorrow we go back to Metro teams.

Bellingham Tournament Schedule

2010-11-12T13:06:00.003-05:00

Friday November 12th
* 6:15pm @ Bellingham Middle School vs. Franklin
Saturday November 13th
* 4:30pm @ Bellingham High School vs. Bellingham
* 7:00pm @ Bellingham High School vs. Norton

Address to tonights game

2010-11-12T12:55:00.004-05:00

1. Basically get on 495 North
2. Take exit 6B to merge onto I-495 N toward Worcester 10.3 mi
3. Take exit 17 for MA-140 toward Franklin/Bellingham 0.2 mi
4. Turn left at MA-140 N/W Central St
Continue to follow MA-140 N 2.7 mi
5. Sharp left at S Main St 0.8 mi
6. Turn right at Blackstone St

Destination will be on the left 279 ft - it is right after the High School
(where we will be on Saturday night)

Bellingham Memorial Middle School
130 Blackstone Street
Bellingham, MA 02019-1684

Upcoming Tournament Schedules

2010-11-03T11:09:00.001-04:00

November 12th - 14th BELLINGHAM TOURNAMENT
November 20th - Saturday Only NORWOOD TOURNAMENT
November 26th - 28th THANKSGIVING WEEKEND TOURNAMENT

Thanks to the LYONS!!!

2010-10-25T10:41:00.000-04:00

First of all let me thank Head Coach Melissa Hodgdon & the Wheaton College Women's Basketball team for inviting our girls to their practice and for running some fun drills with them. Coach Hodgdon invited us back to see their games (2010-11 schedule), which I will coordinate for us to go to at least one game, as a group. But also has asked for our schedule to come and watch us.

It is a GREAT opportunity for the girls, and was very fun time for me to watch them all on the court with the Wheaton Squad.

Busy Week

2010-10-15T09:49:00.002-04:00

Busy next 10 days for the girls:
* Monday Oct 18th Practice Mass Premier 5:30 - 7
* Thursday Oct 21st Free Throw Challenge Mass Premier 7:20pm
* Sunday Oct 24th Practice with Wheaton College Women's Team 6pm

First Practice

2010-10-05T13:37:00.000-04:00

First Practice is Monday October 11th from 5:30 to 7pm at Mass Premier.
As last year, please bring your own basketballs.

Team Meeting Oct 7th

2010-10-04T12:45:00.002-04:00

Hey all - there is a mandatory team meeting on Thursday Oct 7th at Mass Premier
Time updated 8:30 - 9pm
This will be to:
1. Pay the Travel fee ($125 made out to MYBA),
2. To get any uniforms (shirt, pants OR complete uniform) you will need a seperate check for that.
3. Just to get the girls together quick to just talk for 10-15 minutes about the upcoming season.

Also hopefully by then I will know when we will be having our first practice.

Check it out....

2010-09-30T14:47:00.002-04:00

The roster for the 2010-2011 team was picked last night. I will be posting the team roster on Saturday evening, once the MYBA website is out.
Looking forward to getting with the girls next Friday for our first team meeting.

This is it!

2010-09-29T16:11:00.000-04:00

Tonight's the last night of tryouts and THE last tryout that the girls will ever have to play Metro basketball. Next time this year they will all be preparing for Freshman basketball.
This is a very difficult night trying to take a large group of girls over the course of 3 nights and pick up teams. Mansfield will actually be having a 3rd 8th grade Metro team this year, so all of the 34 that tryout will be on a travel team; with two teams of 11 and one of 12.
By 8:30 tonight I will know who my squad is. Then the team lists will be submitted to the league and the league will formally announce all of the travel teams on the MYBA website sometime on Saturday.
I wish all of the players luck tonight. It will be a difficult decision, but a exciting and fun season.
Good luck ~ Todd

2010 - 2011 Tryout Schedule

2010-09-01T08:45:00.000-04:00

Below please find the tryout schedule for this year. It is amazing and sad to think that this is the last tryout for this group as next year at this time they will be preparing to enter their Freshman year of High School. Anyway, here at the dates, see you all there.
Todd

GRADE 8 GIRLS

9/16 Thursday   Skills Session   8:00 – 9:00
9/23 Thursday   Full Tryout Session 1   7:30 – 9:00
9/29 Wednesday   Full Tryout Session 2   7:00 – 8:45

Summer time

2010-07-23T12:27:00.000-04:00

I have been really bad with posting anything to this since the regular Metro season ended but thought I would throw a quick post about the summer season at Mass Premier.
Generally in the summer I put a combination of the regular roster with some of the girls friends. Very small roster this year which started out with 8 girls (Ang, Sara, Sam, Jess, Allie, Hannah, Hayley and Sophie). Had the occasional addition for games (Kayla and Bethany) and this week added Maddie.
We started off the season 0-2 losing to Dover Sherborn and then the Bellingham A team (who dropped down to B for the Summer (go figure). But two nice come from behind wins against Attleboro and St Mike's has us sitting at 2-2 halfway thru the season. I will try to get a picture this week and throw it up there.

Mansfield 25 North Quincy 28

2010-03-08T09:03:00.000-05:00

Checklist
Effort - check
Energy - check
Enthusiasm - check
Rebounds - check
Full court press - check
Hitting our shots - NOPE

Well the girls played awesome, however we just couldn't get our shots to go in the hoop. The girls did everything that I had asked them to do for the entire game. I will put the season end stats and this game stats out on Tuesday.

Spring is around the corner and most will be playing in the MP league, but although sad to see this season end, thank you to all of the girls (and parents) for another fun and exciting season.

Team Picture

2010-03-04T09:58:00.000-05:00

Better late than never and thanks to Kelly for taking this last week.

Playoffs Bracket is out!

2010-03-01T16:17:00.004-05:00

Well the bracket is out and we have:
North Quincy on Sunday March 7th at 11:40 am.

Don't know much about them but their record is below.

See you all at practice.

Todd

Mansfield 22 Franklin 43

2010-02-28T13:25:00.001-05:00

Well a rough offensive first half, with the girls down 23 to 7. Franklin's press resulted in a few stolen passes and some turnovers.

However the second half would be a different story. The girls really came out to play, and play hard. Lots of steals and turnovers and the girls would outscore Franklin 15 pts to 13 pts.

Regardless of the score, I am very happy of the way they played and proud of the way that they ended their regular season.

This week's high scorers
1. Bethany 6 pts
2. Jess 5 pts
3T. Sophie 3 pts
3T. Cait 3 pts

Will put the final scoring numbers up at another time. Playoffs start this week and I will email all of you as soon as I hear practice and game times.

Mansfield 28 Dover-Sherborn 43

2010-02-23T12:11:00.004-05:00

Dover Sherborn, the only undefeated squad in our division, showed why as they beat our girls by a score of 43 to 28. The girls (per usual) played hard and came out matching D-S, being tied with them at 14 halfway thru the 2nd quarter. But some turnovers let DS pull out to a 8 point lead, and the girls were unable to get back into the game.

We take on another strong divisional apponent next Sunday vs. Franklin, before the regular season ends and the playoff tournament begins. My favorite time of the year; you win you play tomorrow you lose and you go home. Our own version of March Madness!

Games top scorers
1. Lindsey 8 pts
2. Sophie 6 pts
3T. Jess 4 pts
3T. Haley 4 pts

Mansfield 24 Easton 36

2010-02-15T12:59:00.002-05:00

What can you say about this game. Going into Sunday morning, I knew we were going to be missing Lindsey, Sophie and Ang. Then I get the email that Cait has fallen to the stomach bug that has hit a few of the other girls earlier.
So we show up in Easton at 5pm, down 4 girls. Then to make matters worse, Jess hurts her ankle and is out for the game so now we are missing both our 4's and our point guards. Sara, Kayla and Haley all took turns at the point and did a GREAT job. Without Cait and Ang, Beth was our only true 5 (center) but like the other 3 at the point, Allie did a great job giving Beth a breather. The girls would go down 10 to 1 at the end of the first quarter and with the wounded and missing, any comeback would be a tall task. And that is when the fun would start!
Some questionable foul calls and with 5 minutes left in the game, Hannie and Kayla would both foul out of the game. But fear of a 4 on 5 comeback, kept the Easton team pressing us. Not to let that hinder our spirits, Bethany would take the inbound pass from Hayley the length of the court for a nice left handed layup. Moments later Bethany would join Hannie, Kayla (fouls) and Jess (injured) as we watched Easton continue the press, now playing 5 girls against our 3. Oh well, hopefully we will see them again in the playoffs.
Hey if you cant be proud of the girls will to play yesterday, you truly can't appreciate our team.

Mansfield 14 Westwood 9

2010-02-08T10:34:00.000-05:00

Defensively the girls played well. I mean we did only give up 9 points. Offensively, not our day. Both teams scored only 4 baskets with the difference being in the foul shots. Congrats to Lindsey who went 3 for 4 from the line. Nice job!
Just couldn't seem to find a mix or flow that worked. But we have 3 games to find a way to put 4 great quarters together.

This weeks Scoring leaders
1. Lindsey 5 points
2. Cait 3 points
3T. Sophie and Hannah 2 points
4T. Jess and Ang 1 point

Year to Date recap

2010-02-03T11:25:00.001-05:00

Being that this is now my 3rd Metro season with the girls, I wanted to go back and look to see how we were doing in comparison to the first 2 years.

At Season end: In 2007-2008    5th grade
~ 3 wins vs. 9 losses Scored 187 pts Gave up 303 pts.
At Season end: In 2008-2009    6th grade
~ 3 wins vs. 9 losses Scored 252 pts Gave up 314 pts.
After 8 games: In 2009-2010   7th grade
~ 3 wins vs. 5 losses Scored 199 pts Gave up 201 pts

Same amount of wins with 4 games to go! Lets keep our fingers crossed. Be nice to beat the last two years.

Mansfield 27 Milton 28

2010-02-01T08:43:00.001-05:00

What an exciting game to watch yesterday. We definately were outsized but not outhustled. Came out quick building up a 6 point lead at the end of the first quarter, with a strong offensive showing from Jess, Haley, Sophie and Hannah. However the second quarter the offense would get shutout and Milton would build up a 3 point lead. The lead could have been bigger had not for the defensive hustle and effort by Kayla, Allie and Caitlin. Milton would continue to build the lead to 5 points by the end of the third quarter.
However not to have a repeat of the Taunton game, the girls would hold Milton to 4 points in the 4th quarter, and lead offensively by Bethany, Lindsey and Ang the girls would put up 8 points but unfortunately fall by one point to the Milton squad.

This Week's High Scorers
1T. Haley 6pts.
1T. Jess 6pts.
3. Bethany 5 pts
4. Ang 3 pts.

Mansfield 29 Bridgewater 17

2010-01-25T10:18:00.001-05:00

Now let me admit that at the half I actually thought (and said) that we were up by 3 when the score was 12 to 9. The girls were hustling, stealing, and playing hard, but unfortunately the ball wasn't going into the hoop. But the girls came out strong in the 3rd quarter putting up 8 unanswered points taking the 5 point lead and they never looked back. They would then turn up the defense with a stifling display as we kept the same group in for the end of the 3rd and beginning of the 4th quarter. The girls would put up 20 total points in the second half, and would end up winning by 12. As promised the seasonal scoring totals are FINALLY posted at the bottom of this post. Final note: to date we have scored 172 points vs. giving up 173 points. Cant get much closer than that. After 7 games last year we had only scored 142. With only one win to show for it. Great improvement girls!

This weeks high scorers

1T. Haley 6pts.
1T. Bethany 6pts.
3. Lindsey 5 pts
4T. Jess 4 pts.
4T. Kayla 4 pts.

Total Scoring for Year to Date
Haley 31 pts
Bethany 28 pts
Jessica 24 pts
Lindsey 24 pts
Allie 15 pts
Angela 14 pts
Caitlin 13 pts
Sophie 8 pts
Kayla 6 pts
Hannah 5 pts
Sara 4 pts

Mansfield 28 Sharon 33

2010-01-19T14:09:00.002-05:00

What a game! The girls came out strong from the beginning taking on a strong and undefeated Sharon A team, giving them all that they could handle and then some. A complete team effort as all girls contributed offensively and defensively. VERY PROUD of the team.

Two 90 minute practices this week, which I am looking forward to as this weekend, both the good and the bad parts; showed me a few things we need to work on.

This weeks high scorers
1. Allie 5 pts.
2. Ang 4 pts.
3. Bethany 3 pts.
4T. Jess/Kayla/Caitlin 2 pts. ea

Mansfield 28 Walpole 31

2010-01-19T14:07:00.004-05:00

I dont think I was the only one thinking: What team showed up for the first 3 quarters? But what a finish! Regardless of the final score, for our girls to be done by 12 going into the 4th quarter and bring the game to overtime, was impressive.
This weeks high scorers
1. Lindsey 7 pts.
2. Bethany 6pts.
3T. Ang 4 pts
3T. Caitlin 4 pts.

Mansfield 23 Taunton 39

2010-01-11T09:58:00.003-05:00

A tough one yesterday as it was almost the tale of two halves.
Girls came out tough on defense to start the game building up a 8 point lead with 3 minutes to go in the first half. A rush by Taunton cut the lead to 2 going into the start of the 3rd quarter. That's when we got derailed, with Taunton putting up 28 points in the second half to our 10.
As usual for our girls, not due to a lack of effort. Taunton is a big and physical team, who plays well, and had won their divisional championship last year. The girls played hard, and we head back to the practice court this Tuesday.

This weeks high scorers
1T. Allie 6 pts.
1T. Haley 6 pts.
3. Sophie 4 pts
4. Caitlin 3 pts.

Mansfield 21 Attleboro 13

2010-01-03T20:45:00.000-05:00

The roll continues, winning our second game in a row, bringing the team to 500 at 2-2. Almost a complete duplication of Saturday's game. Timely scoring, great passing and our regular tough defense. A tough game coming up in Taunton next Sunday the 10th. Very proud of the girls.
See you all on Tuesday night.

This weeks scoring leaders

1T. Ang 4 points
1T. Haley 4 points
3. Allie 3 points
4. 5 players tied with 2 points

Season Scoring Leaders
1. Haley 19 points
2. Jess 18 points
3. Bethany 14 points
4. Lindsey 12 points

Mansfield 33 Medfield 22

2010-01-02T16:05:00.003-05:00

We finally hit the win column this year with a great game in the snow makeup game, over Medfield. The day started off late, but that didn't seem to effect the girls as both teams came out playing hard.

The defense was really the star of the first quarter with both teams throwing a shutout at the end of the first quarter. Bethany, Sara, Allie and Kayla would all have to battle hard to keep Medfield's two big scorers out of the hoop and boxed out well on the rebounds. However Mansfield would put up 14 points in the second quarter led by Lindsey and Jess, who both put in 5 points each in the second quarter. Both would finish the game leading the team in scoring with 7 points each. The half ended with the score 14 - 7, favoring Mansfield.

The third quarter would see Medfield cut into the lead putting up 10 points to our 8. Put the girls continued to play hard with Sophie and Caitlin both making some big stops on the defensive end. Ang and Haley would lead the scorers in the second half scoring 4 and 6 respectively.

No rest for the girls as we suit up tomorrow at 4:40 vs. Attleboro.

This weeks scoring leaders

1T. Lindsey 7 points
1T. Jess 7 points
3. Haley 6 points
4. Bethany 5 points

Season Scoring Leaders
1. Jess 16 points
2. Haley 15 points
3. Bethany 12 points
4. Lindsey 10 points

2009-12-24T22:10:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to all of my girls and parents.

I hope you all have the best of holidays!!

Todd

Note this week's weeknight practice change

2009-12-21T10:35:00.005-05:00

Practice moved to Wednesday this week from Tuesday. Time remains at 7:30 to 9pm
Next week's practice is back to Tuesday the 29th but time is 6 to 7:30

2009-12-19T17:38:00.005-05:00

Sunday Dec 19th's game has been CANCELLED!!!

Makeup date: Saturday January 9th (time t/b/d)

The Tale of Two Halves

2009-12-13T17:06:00.003-05:00

Bellingham    20
Mansfield    16

First lets get the negative out of the way. Just a poor offensive first half. But from a shooting standpoint only. And in that just because they didn't take many shots and when we did we were rushing them. The girls really did an exceptional job with the passing, and running the offense. They are really stepping up in that regard and that is the hard part. But as we saw today, only scoring 4 points in the first half really makes it tough to win.
But after the half ended the girls really came out determined to get some points. The defense held Bellingham to 6 points in the second half and the girls (as always) fought hard to get back in the game. It really got exciting in the last 3 minutes, lots of steals and turnovers, but I think someone put plastic wrap over the basket as we just couldn't get the shots to fall.  Back to practice this Tuesday as we get ready for our last out of division game. Passing, shooting and especially foul shots, will be our point of emphasis as we ended up going 5 for 18 from the foul line.

This weeks scoring leaders
1. Haley 5 points
2T. Jess 3 points
2T. Allie 3 points
4. Sara 2 points

Season Scoring Leaders
1T. Haley 9 points
1T. Jess 9 points
3. Bethany 7 points
4. Allie 4 points

Thank you all for your cheering and support. Have a great week.

Not the way we wanted it but.....

2009-12-06T18:40:00.004-05:00

Ok lets get the bad news out of the way first:
~ Dedham 31
~ Mansfield 22
That being said, the girls really played well. The started off the game running the offense that we had been working on. The movement and picks were just as we have been doing. Both squads played our normal tough trapping defense. Dedham tried to spread the field but the girls (Allie, Lindsey, Sara and Caitlin) all stayed in their areas and refused to chase. Not as many steals and fast breaks, as we usually get, but Dedham was well coached and passed just as well. Ang and Beth had their hands full with #14 but they both made their adjustments by the middle of the first quarter and minimized any future damage. Jess and Kayla played the point on the trap and they both really made the Dedham guards work. Hannie and Haley had the long ball working as they both hit 3 pointers.

This weeks top scorers:
1T - Bethany 6 pts
1T - Jess 6 pts
3. - Haley 4pts
4. - Hannah 3 pts

I have said it before, but the girls are so close to really getting the offensive concept and running it for a full 32 minutes. You could see it at times today and they really are doing a nice job with it.
Sophie is back next weekend as we travel to old friend Bellingham. It will be our first regular season game with the full eleven. Nice to have 3 tough defensive point guards that we can run out on a regular basis.
See you on Tuesday for practice.
Take care - Todd

Almost there...............................

2009-12-02T10:11:00.000-05:00

Great Practice last night - (we missed you Soph).
Girls are working hard on their passing and grasping the new offense. We can definately see the light being turned on, as we are trying to explain to them WHY we are doing what we are and WHAT the benefits are to what we are teaching. We are SOOOOOOOO close to getting there - IT WILL COME! and when it does it is really going to be a lot of fun to watch.
Stay tuned.
Todd

Let the games begin...

2009-11-30T10:32:00.002-05:00

Well not the best win and loss record for the 3 tournaments but you can definately see the improvement with every game. And with the end of the tournament season begins the 2 practices a week and the regular Metro season.
The Tuesday practices are set at 7:30 to 9 every Tuesday and the Saturday schedule is to the right.
There is a link for the upcoming games (see Metrogame schedule to the left) and I will make sure that I update the upcoming game details including directions every week. Just a reminder that if you want to sign up to get an automatic email from the league (Metrowest not Mansfield itself) click this link CLICK HERE.

Before I sign off just a quick weekend recap:
Saturday - Mansfield 2 wins, Walpole 0 = The girls really took it to the 2 Walpole participants, including the one that had beat us (up) the Saturday before. They all really came out running, and with the exception of a 8 minute stretch where neither team scored in the beginning of the second half of the second game, Dave and I were very optimistic about seeing how the girls are picking up the offense. Especially considering that we only worked on it for an hour last Tuesday. Lots of work to still be done but they are doing great so far.
Sunday - Holliston. Again the girls played hard and continued to try to grasp the offense. You can really tell that we are going to be a running team, but as long as they stay with the concept of moving and setting picks when they dont have the ball, it wont make a difference if we are running or bringing the ball down slowly. It was also GREAT to see for the first time all ELEVEN girls on the court at the same time. The end result was obviously not what we were looking for, but the turnovers absolutely killed us! But it gives us something to work on and I am sure that the girls will be it.

Thanks to all for your support as always, and a special thanks to those that did the clock during the tournament. I was at Mass Premier for 11 games (our 3 and refereeing 8) and the tournament went off great. A nice job by the league.

Take care - Todd

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T10:17:00.000-05:00

I hope you all have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Clockkeepers needed!

2009-11-23T11:58:00.010-05:00

Ok so maybe not quite the same as the picture, but we need to have clock-keepers for the Thanksgiving Tournament. I sent the email out today but these are the times that we need. Please email back to me as quickly as you can so I can let the league know and put your name on the list.
Thanks

Friday
3:30 Court 3 - Geoff Somes

3:30 Court 6 - Paul Bjorkman

6pm Court 1 - Jim O'Mara

7:15 Court 2 - Chris Collins

7:15 Court 3 - Justin Nash

7:15 Court 4 - Jim O'Mara

8:30 Court 2 - Bob Hindman

Saturday
4:45 Court 5 - Dave Otto

4:45 Court 6 - Paul Bjorkman

6pm Court 3 - Mark Giambanco

Rugby and Track Meet

2009-11-23T11:21:00.001-05:00

I will be posting the Thanksgiving Tournament Schedule later today but just wanted to quickly comment on Saturday. Now as a patched IAABO referee myself, I really do try, although not always successful, NOT to comment on the referees too much, but they were God awful on Saturday. Especially in the first game. I dont really mind them missing some of the travels, but the fouls that weren't called were horrible.
Regardless though the girls, as always, played hard throughout. We will probably see that team again this year, so hopefully we will have long memories.
The second game really was fun to coach and watch (and hopefully for the girls to play). Having Bethany have to leave and Sam getting hurt in the first game and not able to play, it was like watching the calvary come over the hill to see Sara, Morgan, Moriah and Erin arrive for the second game. Having this team play so aggressively with such enthusiasm against a A Metro team, I couldn't be prouder. Everyone played great!

2009-11-17T10:46:00.002-05:00

Norwood Tournament INFO

4:30pm vs. Walpole (B) @ the Savage Center

Directions : Savage Educational Center (North Jr High), 275 Prospect St., Norwood

Route 128 to Route 1 South, Exit 15B. Route 1 South, take Norwood/Canton Exit (Norwood Center) to Nahatan Street. Top of ramp take first right onto Nahatan Street for approximately 2 miles or 6 full sets of lights to Prospect Street (through Norwood Center). At 7th set lights take left onto Prospect Street. Entrance to the James R. Savage Educational Center is approximately 2/10 mile on the right. It is located in the former Norwood North Junior High School. The gym is located to the far right side of the building.

From Route 1 North, take Norwood/Canton Nahatan Street exit. Top of ramp go ½ around rotary to Nahatan Street. Follow above.

7pm vs. Norwood @ Solomon Schechter

Directions: Solomon Schecter Day School of Norwood, 1 Commerce Way, Norwood

Take Route 128 to Route 1 South, Exit 15B. Follow Rt 1 through 3 sets of lights. At 4th light (Home Depot/Bertuccis on right), take right onto Sumner Street. Follow 100 yards and take 1st left onto Commerce Way (right behind Home Depot).

From South: Route 95 North to Route 1 North. Go through 3 sets of lights (go by Walpole Mall). At 4th set of lights (Home Depot on left), take left onto Sumner St. Take 1st left onto Commerce St (right behind Home Depot).

2009-11-17T10:46:00.001-05:00

METRO GAME SCHEDULE IS AVAILABLE ON LINE.

See link to the left. I will create a box for it this week.

2009-11-14T18:52:00.002-05:00

Bellingham RECAP
Well I have to say that with only 2 practices under the belt (working only drills - No offense or defense) that I was pleasantly surprised last night. Tough for half of the 8 last night, being new to the roster or coming from the other squad to help out, but by the second half they seemed to have figured it out.

Some nice play out of our bigs last night, seeing them take it to the basket. The guards and wings started seeing what they could do as the game progressed. The girls definately played hard, we just have to find a way to get them to play a little meaner :)

Big games against Bellingham and Franklin tomorrow and it will be fun to see the whole team together on the court.

UPDATE: Obviously from a wins and losses standpoint not the weekend anybody wanted but there are so many things to take out of this.
1. Although not used often, and once we actually spend 5 minutes or more in practice on it, is the PRESS going to be fun to watch or what?
2. Yeah I know, we are definately offensively challenged, and thank you to Jim O'Mara for tracking this; but Sunday morning vs. Bellingham we went 3 for 46 shooting. YUP we took 46 shots. WOW! A REAL encouraging sign.
3. Taking out of the equation the 4 minute "brain cramp" that we had in the second game, forgetting where we were passing, what a rebound was, etc.... the game vs. Franklin really was a blast to coach.
4. Good luck to Kayla, who sprained her ankle in the 2nd game vs. Franklin. Probably wont be available to play on Saturday, but she (along with Sara) sure play alot bigger than their height in inches. NICE JOB.

I'll let you go, see you all on Tuesday for PRACTICE.

2009-11-11T14:25:00.003-05:00

Bellingham Tournament Notes
Friday night game starts at 7:30 please be there by 7pm.
We will be wearing our Metro West jerseys for Friday ONLY!
Sunday games we will be wearing our new practice jerseys.
Friday's Game is at Bellingham HIGH SCHOOL

2009-11-04T08:48:00.003-05:00

First Practice Notes
Well our first practice is in the books, and with the exception of 3 of the girls in the M*A*S*H unit (Sophie, Allie and Hannie) I have to report that I think we are starting off on a very positive note.
Lots of shooting, passing and dribbling drills last night, and Dave, Jim and I will really work to find a cure for the offensive struggles that we have had over the past few seasons. The girls really worked hard (not a surprise there at all), and seemed to enjoy the drills.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE push the girls out to the driveway to shoot around. All of them really need to work on their shooting and lay-ups and with only 90 practice minutes a week, it is tough for us to spend alot of time on it. So any and all assistance we can get from you between practices would be great.

Get well wishes to Sophie, Allie and Hannah!
See you all on Tuesday,
Todd

2009-11-03T09:12:00.000-05:00

PRACTICE TONIGHT AT 7:30 !
Our first official practice starts tonight. It seems like forever since our season ended last year vs. Bellingham in the second round of the playoffs. With a few new faces but that same "never quit" attitude I am really looking forward to hitting the courts and starting the season off.

See you all tonight !
Todd

2009-10-30T08:23:00.000-04:00

Thank you to all of you for taking part in the Free Throw Shoot-out.
Regardless of who could attend, how many baskets were made, or dollar amount raised; it was great to see the girls. I have to admit that there was an awful amount of "trash talking" and ribbing done by yours truly to each of the girls on every missed shot. But they didn't seem to mind.

Just a reminder that practice starts on Tuesday Nov 3rd at Mass Premier. Lots of work to be done as our first "game" is Friday night November 13th in Bellingham. I will try to pick up another practice besides the 2 Tuesdays that we have coming up and will email and blog once I do. I am really looking forward to getting the season going.

Thanks to Chris Collins for spearheading the warm-up and basketball bags, they look great! The girls should wear them over their uniforms for each game. They dont need to wear them to practice.

Practice Jerseys will be handed out on Tuesday (have the girls ready to put them on that night). Reminder: the girls all need to bring their basketball to EVERY practice. Do NOT have them bring them to games (or tell them to leave them in their bags as they will get lost or stolen on game days).

I will be emailing all of you separately the amount owed for the tournaments and practice jerseys, hopefully by the end of the day today.

Take care - Todd

2009-10-27T09:06:00.000-04:00

Hello all -
well it seems like everyone likes the idea so I will start to work on this later this week. I had a couple suggestions and comments so I will apply those as well.
I will be putting up some pictures and as requested I will not be including any of the girls last names.
I think this could really be a fun thing for all, hope you guys enjoy it. If you have any suggestions please feel free to email me anytime.
Hope to see you all Wednesday. Practices and tournaments have been added to the blog on the right.
Take care
Todd

2009-10-23T11:38:00.001-04:00

MYBA Free Throw Shootout - coming up WEDNESDAY October 28th

Our team shoots at 6 to 6:45 on Court 5 - please be there 10-15 minutes early

Welcome

2009-10-23T11:14:00.000-04:00

Hello all,
I figured this may be a fun way for the girls to check out stuff about the team as well as a place for me to update all of you regarding upcoming games, practices, tournaments, results, whatever.

Stay posted, and get ready for a very fun season. - Todd