Queens of the Court (FBPB3/FBCB) [Archive] - Front Office Football Central

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 02:19 AM

1974 NBA Standings

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ATLANTIC W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
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Finches 62 20 .756 35-6 12-4 38-14
Tempo 53 29 .646 33-8 8-8 31-21
Liberty 50 32 .610 28-13 8-8 31-21
Belles 43 39 .524 28-13 6-10 28-24
Charms 31 51 .378 23-18 6-10 22-30

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SOUTHEAST W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
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Mystics 56 26 .683 28-13 15-1 39-13
Sirens 50 32 .610 27-14 10-6 31-21
Dream 33 49 .402 20-21 6-10 21-31
Sting 30 52 .366 19-22 8-8 20-32
Miracle 16 66 .195 12-29 1-15 9-43

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CENTRAL W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
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Rockers 67 15 .817 38-3 14-2 44-8
Violets 42 40 .512 26-15 9-7 29-23
Shock 27 55 .329 16-25 9-7 21-31
Sky 25 57 .305 15-26 4-12 14-38
Fever 24 58 .293 16-25 4-12 12-40

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SOUTHWEST W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
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Wings 67 15 .817 37-4 12-4 42-10
Brigade 54 28 .659 31-10 9-7 35-17
Stars 52 30 .634 29-12 9-7 33-19
Pelicans 35 47 .427 21-20 7-9 22-30
Comets 27 55 .329 15-26 3-13 19-33

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NORTHWEST W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
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Summit 61 21 .744 33-8 13-3 40-12
Lynx 52 30 .634 28-13 9-7 31-21
Storm 31 51 .378 19-22 7-9 20-32
Talons 30 52 .366 21-20 8-8 21-31
Vixens 20 62 .244 14-27 3-13 9-43

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PACIFIC W L PCT HOME DIV CONF
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Monarchs 54 28 .659 30-11 12-4 33-19
Sparks 50 32 .610 29-12 11-5 30-22
Valkyries 42 40 .512 29-12 9-7 27-25
Aces 28 54 .341 18-23 4-12 15-37
Mercury 18 64 .220 13-28 4-12 13-39

1974 NBA Season Summary Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
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GM of the Year: Sarahi West Valkyries
Coach of the Year: Angelique Deleroeuwe Brigade

Most Valuable Player: PG Ariel Crippen Summit 39.0 3.1 5.8 4.2 0.3
Rookie of the Year: SF Evelyn Lopez Shock 25.6 2.6 3.1 1.4 0.2
Defender of the Year: PF Raelyn Hungerford Shock 22.3 7.4 4.6 3.3 2.0
6th Man of the Year: SF Mackenzie Lacey Rockers 8.9 2.2 3.3 1.4 0.2
Most Improved Player: C Aaliyah Waugh Belles 22.6 8.4 3.0 1.5 0.5

All-League 1st Team: C Aaliyah Waugh Belles 22.6 8.4 3.0 1.5 0.5
All-League 1st Team: F Gabriella Kuster Sky 39.6 6.7 7.0 2.2 0.6
All-League 1st Team: F Aubree Alger Wings 33.7 4.7 3.9 2.8 0.8
All-League 1st Team: G Sawyer Vega Lynx 36.3 3.1 10.3 3.7 0.5
All-League 1st Team: G Ariel Crippen Summit 39.0 3.1 5.8 4.2 0.3

All-League 2nd Team: C Sarah Martin Valkyries 20.8 6.7 2.9 0.4 0.5
All-League 2nd Team: F Ella Word Stars 29.6 6.4 3.6 1.4 0.3
All-League 2nd Team: F Raelyn Hungerford Shock 22.3 7.4 4.6 3.3 2.0
All-League 2nd Team: G Liana Parker Sparks 32.4 7.1 12.7 3.1 0.3
All-League 2nd Team: G Hallie Palmer Sirens 41.1 5.2 5.5 2.7 0.2

All-League 3rd Team: C Amaya Edwards Comets 19.7 8.5 2.9 1.2 2.8
All-League 3rd Team: F Lily Miller Pelicans 32.6 4.4 3.3 2.6 0.2
All-League 3rd Team: F Victoria Andrews Liberty 28.5 6.7 6.8 1.9 1.1
All-League 3rd Team: G Sloane Mowery Aces 41.1 3.7 4.6 3.0 0.4
All-League 3rd Team: G Katrina Grove Valkyries 35.9 5.2 12.1 3.7 0.5

All-Defense 1st Team: C Anna McKenzie Pelicans 11.2 9.1 3.3 2.7 2.7
All-Defense 1st Team: F Raelyn Hungerford Shock 22.3 7.4 4.6 3.3 2.0
All-Defense 1st Team: F Chloe Hayes Rockers 18.8 6.3 7.4 3.3 0.7
All-Defense 1st Team: G Ariel Crippen Summit 39.0 3.1 5.8 4.2 0.3
All-Defense 1st Team: G Riya Walker Sirens 32.9 4.1 12.7 4.3 0.4

All-Defense 2nd Team: C Amaya Edwards Comets 19.7 8.5 2.9 1.2 2.8
All-Defense 2nd Team: F Victoria White Sting 22.0 6.0 3.7 2.9 1.2
All-Defense 2nd Team: F Aubree Alger Wings 33.7 4.7 3.9 2.8 0.8
All-Defense 2nd Team: G Sawyer Vega Lynx 36.3 3.1 10.3 3.7 0.5
All-Defense 2nd Team: G Katrina Grove Valkyries 35.9 5.2 12.1 3.7 0.5

All-Rookie 1st Team: C Elisabeth Crist Finches 3.1 2.8 1.0 0.4 0.1
All-Rookie 1st Team: F Evelyn Lopez Shock 25.6 2.6 3.1 1.4 0.2
All-Rookie 1st Team: F Addison Hadlock Charms 20.1 5.2 3.5 2.3 0.4
All-Rookie 1st Team: G Ava Cottingham Rockers 20.8 2.7 2.4 0.9 0.2
All-Rookie 1st Team: G Ashley Barbee Dream 20.5 2.6 8.9 0.7 0.2

All-Rookie 2nd Team: C Alyssa Watson Fever 2.9 3.3 0.6 0.2 0.4
All-Rookie 2nd Team: F Haylie Jensen Aces 21.5 5.3 3.5 0.6 0.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: F Bailey Mathis Miracle 21.4 3.8 3.1 1.1 0.3
All-Rookie 2nd Team: G Sofia Cecil Comets 24.3 3.9 3.6 1.4 0.3
All-Rookie 2nd Team: G Alexis Oster Miracle 14.0 1.6 2.3 0.7 0.1

BALTIMORE'S RESET: Cap Spike Opens New Possibilities for Ospreys' Future
By Gary Wisler
Baltimore Sun Sports
June 15, 1974

BALTIMORE — The NBA's dramatic $10 million salary cap increase has transformed the Baltimore Ospreys' financial outlook from dire to promising overnight.

What initially looked like a $2.4 million cap nightmare has become a much more manageable situation. The Ospreys still carry the league's highest payroll at $16 million, but now operate with $4.1 million in cap flexibility beneath the new $20.2 million ceiling – a game-changing development for incoming General Manager Sarah Collins.

"This transforms our entire strategic approach," Collins explained during yesterday's press conference at the Old Bay Center. "Instead of being forced to shed salary, we can focus on building around our core pieces and even explore adding talent through our newly valuable mid-level exception, which has doubled to $2.05 million."

The timing couldn't be better for Baltimore. All-League Third Team forward Lily Miller's $4.5 million contract expires after this season, but the expanded cap means the Ospreys can seriously contemplate retaining both Miller and veteran guard Georgia Clark ($4.3 million in 1975) while still maintaining flexibility to improve the roster.

The league's new financial landscape has created intriguing possibilities. Eight teams have over $16 million in cap space, with the Charlotte Sting leading the way at $17.2 million. The Seattle Storm and Vancouver Vixens both have nearly $15 million in budget room, potentially making them attractive trade partners.
"The expanded cap means teams can be more creative," Collins noted. "We're seeing unprecedented player movement potential. When you have multiple teams with $16-17 million in space, it creates opportunities for complex deals that weren't possible before."

Collins inherits a roster featuring Miller (32.6 PPG, All-League Third Team) and Anna McKenzie (All-Defense First Team). The immediate challenge isn't just cutting salary – it's maximizing the new financial flexibility to build a contender around this talented core.

"We're entering an era where financial constraints won't limit basketball decisions as much," Collins said. "With the mid-level exception now at $2 million, we can be serious players for impact free agents while maintaining our core. That's transformative for a team in our position."

The Ospreys still face challenges – they're $7.6 million over their internal budget – but the cap spike has given Baltimore's basketball renaissance room to breathe. Instead of dismantling a talented roster, Collins can focus on strategic additions to push this team toward contention.

For a franchise making its Baltimore debut, the timing of the league's financial expansion couldn't be better. The Ospreys aren't just bringing professional basketball back to Charm City – they're arriving with the tools to build something sustainable.

ESPN.com - June 15, 1974
BREAKING: Ospreys Deal Miller, Clark in Blockbuster Three-Team Trade
By Maria Anderson, NBA Senior Insider
The Baltimore Ospreys have agreed to trade All-League forward Lily Miller to the Denver Summit and guard Georgia Clark to the Philadelphia Belles in a three-team deal that reshapes the NBA's competitive landscape, sources tell ESPN.

The complete trade, per sources:
Denver receives:

F Lily Miller from Baltimore

Philadelphia receives:

G Georgia Clark from Baltimore

Baltimore receives:

G Natalia Markus from Philadelphia
G Bethany Speight from Denver
2025 first-round pick from Philadelphia
2027 first-round pick from Denver

This marks the first major move for new Ospreys GM Sarah Collins, who inherited the league's highest payroll upon the team's relocation from New Orleans. The deal sheds nearly $8.7 million in salary commitments, giving Baltimore significant flexibility under the newly expanded $20.2 million salary cap.

"This is a franchise-altering move for three teams with very different objectives," a Western Conference executive told ESPN. "Denver gets their second star next to MVP Crippen, Philly adds an elite playmaker, and Baltimore hits the reset button with young talent and picks."

TRADE GRADES
Denver Summit: A-
Adding Miller (32.6 PPG, All-League Third Team) creates perhaps the league's most lethal scoring duo alongside MVP Ariel Crippen. While surrendering a future first and Speight isn't insignificant, the Summit's championship window is now.

Philadelphia Belles: B+
Clark (23.8 PPG, 9.3 APG) immediately elevates Philadelphia's offense, and they managed to keep their young core intact. Losing Markus and a 1975 first stings, but Clark's playmaking could be the missing piece for a deep playoff run.

Baltimore Ospreys: B
While trading two stars typically signals a rebuild, Collins secured impressive returns. Speight (46% from three) and Markus (56% from deep) are intriguing young guards, and two future firsts provide crucial rebuilding capital. Most importantly, the cleared cap space gives Baltimore flexibility to reshape their roster.

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 02:16 PM

I haven't really messed with the pro game in a long time, so it's taking me a few years to tweak the FBB.ini file to get it closer to what I want to see, but I did fix some longstanding issues with tweaking the pro game to work for women's basketball most notably removing dunking. I like a more uptemo game, but scoring was obviously a little absurd for a bit, but I've decided to just roll with that history treating it like the early NBA years with wacky stats and numbers.

We can look back on that era when this league advances and imagine it to be not as good, even if those players were indeed elite since it's a pretty static talent universe.

The pro league mostly exists as a way for me to stay connected to the college players after they graduate. I'll weave college stories into this too, once I figure out what I'm doing. For now, I'm just expecting to stat dump storylines until I come up with something more interesting to delve into.

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 03:48 PM

The New Guard: How Youth and Cap Space Are Reshaping the NBA's Power Structure

In a league where dynasties seem to rise and fall with the predictability of tides, the 1978-79 NBA season has thrown conventional wisdom into beautiful chaos. The San Antonio Stars (62-20) may have dominated the regular season behind MVP Sawyer Vega's otherworldly 32/2.8/9.7 statline, but it's the story of the Washington Mystics' improbable championship run that defines this year's narrative.

The End of an Era?

The Chicago Sky's grip on the league has finally loosened. After their back-to-back championships in '69 and '70, followed by years of Western Conference dominance, the Sky find themselves at a crossroads. They're $65,982 over the cap, their core is aging, and their draft position (18th) offers little immediate help. The numbers tell a story of a team that's still dangerous (57-25) but no longer feared.

The New Economics of Success

Looking at the league's financial landscape reveals an fascinating pattern: the teams with the most cap flexibility are rapidly becoming the most dangerous. The Orlando Miracle, sitting pretty with $9.5 million in cap space, has positioned themselves for a massive offseason despite their middling 36-46 record. Meanwhile, traditional powers like the Sacramento Monarchs ($1.3 million over the cap) and Boston Charms ($2.3 million over) are finding themselves increasingly hamstrung.

Draft Deep Dive: The Next Generation

If you're looking for the next franchise cornerstone, keep your eyes on Evelyn Frisch. The shooting guard prospect has been lighting up scouting reports with her combination of scoring touch (21.3 PPG in limited minutes) and defensive instincts (1.9 SPG). The Kansas City Brigade, holding the first overall pick, would be foolish to pass on her.

The draft class features an intriguing mix of guards and wings, with Ruby Smith and Maddison Gee rounding out a top three that could reshape the league's competitive balance. What makes this class particularly fascinating is the depth at the point guard position – eight of the top fifteen prospects play the one, suggesting we're seeing a fundamental shift in how the game is played.

The Mystics' Blueprint

Washington's championship run offers a masterclass in modern team building. Despite sitting 15th in available cap space ($1.7 million), they've managed to construct a roster that perfectly balances veteran savvy with young talent. Itsel Galdarres' emergence as a defensive anchor (11.2 RPG, 3.0 BPG) provided the foundation for their success.

Looking Ahead: Power Vacuum

The 1979-80 season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. The Stars will remain favorites behind Vega's brilliance, but the financial flexibility of teams like the Talons ($8.3 million in cap space) and Finches ($5.8 million) suggests we could see some dramatic roster reshaping this summer.

Special attention should be paid to the Pittsburgh Finches, who not only have significant cap room but also collected both GM of the Year (Desiree Nelson) and Coach of the Year (Elizabeth Smith) honors. Their 54-28 record and young core suggest they're built for sustained success.

The Bottom Line

If there's one lesson to take from this season, it's that the old model of success – spending big to keep a championship core together – may finally be giving way to a more fluid, cap-conscious approach. The teams that will dominate the next decade won't necessarily be the ones with the biggest stars, but those who can balance the books while developing young talent.

For now, though, we can appreciate the beautiful chaos of a league in transition. And maybe, just maybe, start preparing ourselves for a future where the phrase "salary cap space" becomes as exciting as "buzzer-beater."

The Price of Glory: How the Champion Mystics' Salary Cap Crunch Could Reshape Their Dynasty Before It Starts

The champagne's barely dried in the Washington Mystics' locker room, but GM Gor Sampson is already staring down the kind of roster crisis that keeps executives up at night. Madison Martinez, the franchise cornerstone who just orchestrated their title run with a casual 26.3 points and 9.3 assists per 36 minutes? She's hitting free agency. Liana Brown, their microwave scorer dropping 31.1 points per 36 off the bench? Also heading to market.

This is the cruel reality of success in the salary cap era - sometimes the bill comes due right when you're ordering another round of celebration.

The numbers tell a story that would make an accountant reach for the whiskey bottle. The Mystics are looking at nearly $8 million in salary walking out the door this summer between Martinez and Brown alone. For context, that's enough cap space to sign half a starting lineup in today's NBA. The kind of money that turns "dynasty" into "remember when?"

But here's where it gets interesting: The Mystics aren't completely cooked. They've got Bella McKean locked in for two more years at just under $3 million annually, a bargain for someone dropping 30 points per 36 with the efficiency of a German luxury car. Micah Hill, their defensive specialist who makes opposing wings question their career choices, is secured through '79 at a reasonable $1.8 million.

The real genius might be in the margins. Leah Carpenter, signed through 1980 on a rookie deal that barely dents the cap, showed flashes of being exactly the kind of versatile big that modern NBA teams salivate over. Sure, it's a small sample size, but her per-36 numbers (11.9 points, 4.1 rebounds) hint at a player ready for a bigger role.

The question isn't whether the Mystics can keep everyone - they can't. The question is whether they can thread the needle between championship defense and financial sanity. Do you break the bank to keep Martinez, whose court vision makes her worth every penny of what will surely be a max contract? Do you gamble on Brown finding another gear as a starter somewhere else while betting on McKean to shoulder more of the scoring load?

This is what makes the NBA beautiful and terrifying all at once. The Mystics just reached the mountaintop, and instead of planting their flag, they're already calculating the cost of oxygen at altitude. Their front office is about to give us a masterclass in modern NBA roster construction - or a cautionary tale about letting a championship core slip away.

Looking at their cap sheet is like watching a game of Jenga in reverse. You can see exactly which pieces are loose (Martinez, Brown), which are locked in (McKean, Hill), and which might unexpectedly hold the whole thing together (Carpenter). The Mystics' brain trust needs to figure out how to pull out the expensive pieces without bringing the whole tower down.

They're not the first champions to face this dilemma, but their decisions this offseason could set a template for how to navigate success in the modern NBA. Do you go all-in to keep your stars and worry about the financial consequences later? Or do you trust your player development system and bet on finding the next Madison Martinez in the draft?

One thing's certain: by this time next year, the Mystics will either be the model for sustainable success in the NBA or the cautionary tale teams point to when explaining why they let their own stars walk. The clock's ticking, the cap sheet's getting tighter, and somewhere in Washington, an accountant is probably already sweating.

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 03:53 PM

NBA Teams by Division

Atlantic Division
- Boston Charms
- Baltimore Ospreys
- New York Liberty
- Philadelphia Belles
- Pittsburgh Finches

Southeast Division
- Atlanta Dream
- Charlotte Sting
- Miami Sirens
- Orlando Miracle
- Washington Mystics

Central Division
- Cleveland Rockers
- Detroit Shock
- Indiana Fever
- Milwaukee Violets
- Minnesota Lynx

Midwest Division
- Chicago Sky
- Dallas Wings
- Houston Comets
- Kansas City Brigade
- San Antonio Stars

Northwest Division
- Denver Summit
- Portland Talons
- Seattle Storm
- Vancouver Vixens
- Sacramento Monarchs

Pacific Division
- Golden State Valkyries
- Las Vegas Aces
- Los Angeles Sparks
- Phoenix Mercury
- Toronto Tempo

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 04:38 PM

HALL OF FAMERS SO FAR

NBA Hall of Fame Plaques: 1977-1978 Classes

LILY MILLER
SHOOTING GUARD | INDUCTED 1978
Kettering, Ohio
Philadelphia Belles 1969-1971
New Orleans Hornets 1973-1974
Denver Summit 1975
Milwaukee Violets 1976-1977
New York Liberty 1978

A dynamic two-way force who revolutionized perimeter defense. Two-time NBA scoring champion (1969, 1970). Three-time All-Defensive First Team selection. All-League Second Team (1969) and Third Team (1974). Four-time All-Star. Career highlights include 48.9 PPG season in 1971 and 54.4 PPG in 1970. Finished career with 22,691 points and 2,153 steals.

RIYA WALKER
POINT GUARD | INDUCTED 1977
Creighton University
Sacramento Monarchs 1970-1973
Miami Sirens 1974-1977

Masterful floor general who dominated both ends of the court. NBA Champion (1977). Two-time MVP (1975, 1976). Two-time Defensive Player of the Year. Five-time All-Defensive First Team. All-League First Team (1975), Second Team (1976, 1977). Led league in assists and steals multiple seasons. Career averages of 36.5 PPG and 12.6 APG. Eight-time All-Star selection.

YASMIN PEPPER
POINT GUARD | INDUCTED 1977
Wichita State University
New York Liberty 1970-1977

Scoring virtuoso with unprecedented shooting efficiency. NBA scoring champion (1971). All-League First Team (1971), Third Team (1970, 1972). Three-time All-Star. Set records for shooting efficiency while maintaining high volume scoring. Career-high 47.3 PPG in 1971. NBA 3-Point Shootout Champion (1971).

ALEXIS HOFFMAN
POINT GUARD | INDUCTED 1978
Furman University
New Orleans Hornets 1970-1973
Philadelphia Belles 1974-1978

Elite playmaker known for revolutionary pick-and-roll mastery. All-League Third Team (1972). Career highlights include 47.2 PPG season with New Orleans (1971). Conference Player of the Year at Furman. Transformed point guard position with combination of scoring and playmaking.

CHLOE STRAIN
SHOOTING GUARD | INDUCTED 1977
Syracuse University
Utah Vixens 1970-1972
Vancouver Vixens 1973
New York Liberty 1974-1977

Dynamic scorer who set new standards for shooting efficiency. NBA scoring champion (1971). All-League First Team (1971), Third Team (1970, 1972). Three-time All-Star. NBA Slam-Dunk Contest Champion (1972). Career-high 54.9 PPG in 1971. NBA 3-Point Shootout Champion (1971).

VICTORIA ANDREWS
SMALL FORWARD | INDUCTED 1977
Dallas Wings 1970-1973
New York Liberty 1974-1977

Versatile wing who redefined two-way play at small forward position. NBA Champion (1973). All-League First Team (1972), Third Team (1974, 1975). Three-time All-Star. Two-time NBA Slam-Dunk Contest Champion (1971, 1973). Combined elite defensive presence with efficient scoring and playmaking.

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 05:27 PM

From Green Bay to the Big Time: Molly Baltoski's Journey to the Draft
Nahdeen Martinez
ESPN The Magazine

The old gym at Watertown High still echoes with the squeak of sneakers and the rhythmic bounce of basketballs, just as it did when Mike Baltoski coached here for two decades. But these days, the conversations are less about high school rivalries and more about lottery odds, as his daughter Molly stands on the verge of making NBA history.

"We never imagined this," Mike says, watching Molly put up shots after another pre-draft workout. "A kid from Watertown, by way of Green Bay, about to go in the lottery? That wasn't even a dream back then."

But here we are. After averaging 26.2 points and 5.8 assists in her senior season at Wisconsin-Green Bay, Baltoski has positioned herself as one of the most intriguing prospects in this year's draft. Her career 24.8 scoring average places her third all-time in NCAA history, behind only legends Ella Root and Mackenzie Short. More impressively, she's done it while shooting over 60% true shooting percentage in her final two seasons.

The Baltimore Ospreys, coming off a dismal 16-66 season, desperately need the kind of offensive creation Baltoski provides. Their league-worst offense managed just 98.2 points per game, and their point guard rotation produced the lowest assist percentage in the NBA. The Indiana Fever (19-63) and Kansas City Brigade (24-58) are also potential landing spots in need of a floor general who can both score and create.

"What makes Molly special isn't just the scoring numbers," says one Eastern Conference scout. "She sees the game two steps ahead. That's what happens when you grow up as a coach's kid and then play for two different successful college coaches."

Those coaches – Bobbie McKinnon and London Castleman – helped transform Baltoski from the #518 recruit in the country into a potential top-3 pick. McKinnon spotted her talent early, leveraging an old connection with Mike Baltoski to get Green Bay in the door before bigger programs came calling. When McKinnon left for St. Bonaventure, Castleman arrived from Marquette and helped elevate Molly's game to new heights.

"Coach McKinnon saw my foundation," Baltoski reflects during a break in her workout. "Coach Castleman showed me how to build on it. They both taught me different ways to see the game."

That basketball intelligence has NBA teams intrigued. The Boston Charms, picking fourth, have already brought her in for two workouts. The Golden State Valkyries at five have made no secret of their interest in pairing her with their young core. Even teams like the Denver Summit at seven have explored trading up.

"You're getting someone who can step in day one and run your offense," says another Western Conference executive. "But she's also shown she can carry a scoring load when needed. That combination is rare in any draft."

The transformation of Baltoski's game mirrors Green Bay's rise under her leadership. From a 16-16 record her freshman year to this season's 32-4 mark and Elite Eight run, she's proven she can elevate a program. Her efficiency increased each season despite facing constant double teams and being the focus of every defensive gameplan.

Back in that Watertown gym, Mike Baltoski points to the rafters where his daughter's Green Bay jersey hangs. "That number might be retired in two places soon," he says with a proud smile. "But what matters most is she did it her way. Stayed home, built something special, and now the basketball world is coming to her."

The NBA draft lottery will ultimately determine where Baltoski begins her professional career. But after four years of proving doubters wrong at Green Bay, she's ready for whatever comes next. From an unheralded recruit to a potential franchise cornerstone, Molly Baltoski has already rewritten what's possible for a kid from Watertown. Now she's about to do the same at the next level.

Nahdeen Martinez is a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine.

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 05:34 PM

The Year Offense Took Over: Your Complete 1982-83 NBA Season Review
The 1982-83 NBA season wasn't just high-scoring - it was a complete reimagining of what professional basketball could be. The Minnesota Lynx captured their first title since 1972 behind MVP Mckinley Rager's brilliant season, but the story of this year goes way beyond just one team's triumph.

The Scoring Explosion
Let's start with the obvious: scoring was up everywhere. Seattle's Alyssa Shah led all scorers with an eye-popping 36.5 PPG, but she wasn't alone in lighting up scoreboards. Atlanta's Monique Lorfeure (35.0 PPG) and Washington's Avery Gallego (34.9 PPG) weren't far behind, while Chicago's Sixth Woman of the Year Kylie Carter dropped 33.0 PPG off the bench.

The Minnesota Lynx and Sacramento Monarchs tied for the league's highest-scoring offense at 122.4 points per game, well above the league average of 114.5. In total, nine teams averaged over 117 points per game. This wasn't your mother's NBA.

Individual Brilliance
The league's talent explosion went beyond just scoring. Phoenix's Marianna Larson earned Most Improved Player honors while putting up 32.3 PPG and leading the league with 4.1 steals per game. The Charms' rookie point guard Olivia Emery turned heads with 23.8 PPG and 8.1 assists, capturing Rookie of the Year honors.

Toronto's Charity Alvarado might have had the most unique stat line in the league - 11.3 PPG, 10.6 APG, and 3.4 SPG en route to Defensive Player of the Year honors. Meanwhile, over in Minnesota, Rager's MVP campaign (31.8 PPG, 6.8 APG, 6.9 RPG) exemplified the modern triple-threat guard.

Team Stories
The Portland Talons posted the league's best record at 59-23 behind Chloe Hager's two-way excellence (26.4 PPG, 3.7 SPG). Chicago wasn't far behind at 57-25, with Klementina Zhitnik (28.8 PPG, 8.9 APG) orchestrating an offense that ranked eighth in the league despite their gaudy win total.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Baltimore Ospreys struggled to a league-worst 16-66 record, though Elizabeth Ake's 27.2 PPG provided some hope for the future. The Indiana Fever (19-63) and Phoenix Mercury (20-62) also had rough campaigns, though the Mercury showed promise behind Marianna Larson's breakout season.

Statistical Standouts
The Mystics led the league in rebounding (38.6 per game), while the Belles topped the assists column (31.5). The Liberty's aggressive defense generated a league-high 14.0 steals per game. And in a season defined by offense, the Sparks, Finches, and Wings tied for the lead in blocks at 5.8 per game.

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 05:55 PM

1982-83 NBA Playoff Recap: Minnesota Lynx Claim Championship
The Minnesota Lynx captured their first NBA championship since 1972, defeating the Phoenix Mercury in six games behind a transcendent playoff run from MVP Mckinley Rager.

The Road to the Title
First Round

#1 Portland Talons defeated #8 Sacramento Monarchs (4-0)
#4 Los Angeles Sparks defeated #5 Seattle Storm (4-2)
#2 Chicago Sky defeated #7 Las Vegas Aces (4-0)
#3 Phoenix Mercury defeated #6 San Antonio Stars (4-0)
#1 Minnesota Lynx defeated #8 Milwaukee Violets (4-2)
#4 Atlanta Dream lost to #5 Cleveland Rockers (1-4)
#2 Detroit Shock lost to #7 Washington Mystics (0-4)
#3 Philadelphia Belles lost to #6 Orlando Miracle (2-4)

Conference Semifinals

#1 Portland Talons defeated #4 Los Angeles Sparks (4-3)
#2 Chicago Sky lost to #3 Phoenix Mercury (2-4)
#1 Minnesota Lynx defeated #5 Cleveland Rockers (4-3)
#6 Orlando Miracle defeated #7 Washington Mystics (4-2)

Conference Finals

#3 Phoenix Mercury defeated #1 Portland Talons (4-3)
#1 Minnesota Lynx defeated #6 Orlando Miracle (4-1)

NBA Finals

Minnesota Lynx defeated Phoenix Mercury (4-2)
Playoff MVP: Mckinley Rager (Minnesota Lynx)

The Evolution of Excellence: Mckinley Rager's Path to NBA Immortality

There's a small gym in Fouke, Arkansas, where Mckinley Rager's retired high school jersey hangs on the wall. It's a reminder of where this basketball journey began – but it hardly captures where it would lead. As Rager hoists the 1982 NBA Championship trophy, having just completed one of the most dominant playoff runs in league history (34.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 7.0 APG), it's almost hard to believe this is the same player who began her career coming off the Orlando bench.

"People forget she won Sixth Woman of the Year before she won MVP," says former Orlando coach Sasha Thompson. "Who does that? That's not supposed to be possible."

The first overall pick in the 1975 draft by Orlando, Rager's early career was a masterclass in patient development. She played just 11.7 minutes per game as a rookie, but by her second season had become the league's best reserve, capturing both Sixth Man and Most Improved Player honors while averaging 28.6 points off the bench.

Then came the breakthrough. Over her next two seasons in Orlando, Rager established herself as one of the league's premier scorers, earning All-League honors and establishing herself as a franchise cornerstone. But it was her decision to sign with Minnesota as a free agent in 1979 – a five-year, $21.6 million deal that raised eyebrows at the time – that would truly cement her legacy.

"We knew she was special," says Minnesota GM Theresa Kane. "But what she's become here? That's exceeded even our highest expectations."

In Minnesota, Rager's game reached new heights. Her playmaking flourished – jumping from 4.9 assists per game in her final Orlando season to 6.6 in her first year with the Lynx. The efficiency became otherworldly – she's never shot below 58% from the field during her Minnesota tenure, including an absurd 64.3% during their championship season.

The accolades followed: back-to-back MVPs in 1981 and 1982, three straight All-League First Team selections, and finally, the crowning achievement – the 1982 championship and Finals MVP. Her playoff performance during that run bordered on mythical: 57.7% from the field, 57.6% from three, 98.3% from the line.

"There are scorers, and then there are basketball savants," says Lynx teammate Zoie Kelly. "She sees the game in slow motion. The efficiency isn't just about making shots – it's about knowing exactly which shots to take, and when to take them."

Now, at 30, with two years remaining on her current deal, Rager continues to redefine what's possible on a basketball court. Her 2982-83 campaign (34.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 7.3 APG) suggests she's still at the peak of her powers. The decision to join Minnesota, which seemed bold at the time, has proven transformative – both for her career and for the franchise.

That jersey hanging in Fouke might represent where the journey began, but Rager's legacy will be felt wherever basketball is played. From sixth woman to MVP, from promising scorer to complete superstar, she hasn't just climbed to the top of her profession – she's redefined what's possible along the way.

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 06:46 PM

Small City, Big Dreams: How Sioux Falls Shocked the NBA World

The San Antonio Stars should have been celebrating. Coming off a 45-37 season and their latest playoff appearance, the team had established itself as a consistent contender. Instead, they found themselves effectively homeless when their arena lease negotiations collapsed, forcing an unexpected sale that would reshape the NBA landscape.

Enter Harold Brookfield, the founder of Brookfield Foods, whose frozen food empire had grown into a $100 million enterprise competing with industry giant Schwan's. His bid for the Stars wasn't just higher than competing offers from St. Louis, Nashville, Tulsa, and Omaha – it came with a vision that seemed almost impossibly ambitious: bringing the NBA to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

"The league office had concerns, naturally," says one NBA executive who requested anonymity to discuss the process. "But then those season ticket deposits sold out in 90 seconds. That got everyone's attention."

NBA Commissioner Edward Marsh sees echoes of the league's roots in this bold move. "The NBA started in small cities like this one," Marsh noted at the announcement. "What we care about are the regional rivalries, strong fan support, and this beautiful facility that our players will get to play in. Big cities are great, small cities are great. NBA fans everywhere will see themselves in Sioux Falls."

The newly christened Zeniths inherit more than just a playoff-caliber roster led by veteran point guard Sawyer Vega (30.7 PPG, 8.2 APG career averages). They're taking over a region starving for professional sports, with civic pride that borders on fervent. "We've always wanted to be big time," says Sioux Falls Mayor Sarah Hendrickson. "This is bigger than that. This is about showing what a community our size can do when it believes in something."

The business fundamentals present clear challenges. Sioux Falls will become the NBA's smallest market by a considerable margin. But Brookfield's vision – modeled after the NFL's success in Green Bay – banks on regional support extending far beyond city limits. The team enters its inaugural season with over $6 million in cap space, suggesting an ownership group ready to compete both on and off the court.

The roster itself offers interesting parallels to the city's ambitions. Forward Emma Simon, who played collegiately at South Dakota, represents the kind of regional connection the front office hopes to build upon. Vega brings star power and playoff experience. Young talents like Anika Jones and Alyssa Sanders offer promise for the future.

But the real story might be the community's response. Local businesses have already snapped up luxury suites. The team store had to triple its initial merchandise order after pre-sales exceeded projections. A city that many thought too small for the NBA is doing everything it can to prove otherwise.

"What's happening here isn't just about basketball," says Brookfield. "It's about showing that with the right community support, the right facility, and the right vision, any market can be 'big league.' The NBA started in places like Fort Wayne and Rochester. We're not reinventing the wheel – we're just reminding people what made this league great in the first place."

The Zeniths face immediate challenges beyond geography. They'll need to navigate free agency, maximize their cap flexibility, and continue building their roster. But for now, as season ticket holders snap up every available seat and construction crews put the finishing touches on their state-of-the-art arena, Sioux Falls is showing that sometimes the biggest NBA dreams come in surprisingly small packages.

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 07:31 PM

All In: Zeniths Ready to Reset the Deck for Baltoski

Multiple league sources confirm that the Sioux Falls Zeniths, who haven't even played their first game in their new home, are prepared to take an unprecedented approach to Thursday's NBA draft: treating themselves as a de facto expansion team and making their entire roster available to move up for Wisconsin-Green Bay star Molly Baltoski.

"Everything is on the table," says one Eastern Conference executive. "They've made it clear they'll discuss anyone – Vega, Simon, everyone. They're viewing this as a complete reset."

The strategy represents a stunning pivot for a franchise that made the playoffs last season as the San Antonio Stars. But new owner Harold Brookfield and GM Regina Thompson appear to have a clear vision: build around Baltoski, the two-time National Player of the Year who led Green Bay to an Elite Eight appearance, as the face of the NBA's newest market.

The Zeniths, currently slated to pick 19th, have reportedly already engaged with multiple lottery teams. Their most aggressive overtures have been to Baltimore, Indiana, and Kansas City – holders of the top three picks. The package being discussed includes not only current players but also multiple future first-round picks.

"They're thinking bigger than just the draft," says a Western Conference scout. "They've identified several international players not currently in the NBA who they believe could be immediate contributors. The idea is to pair Baltoski with young talent that can grow together."

The approach makes sense for a market looking to establish its identity. Baltoski, who played her college ball just six hours from Sioux Falls, brings both elite talent (she's third all-time in NCAA scoring) and regional appeal. Her four-year run at Green Bay, which included three NCAA tournament appearances and multiple conference Player of the Year awards, transformed that program from a mid-major afterthought to a legitimate national contender.

What makes the Zeniths' strategy particularly intriguing is their willingness to move Sawyer Vega, their dynamic point guard who's averaged 30.7 points and 8.2 assists over her career. "They see this as a rare opportunity to build something from scratch," says another league executive. "When you're a small market, sometimes you need to take big swings."

The risk is substantial. Gutting a playoff roster for a rookie, even one as talented as Baltoski, represents a massive gamble. But Thompson believes the unique circumstances – a new market, a transcendent local talent, and a deep international talent pool – justify the aggressive approach.

"What we're hearing is they've already identified several European and Asian players they think are NBA-ready," says the Eastern Conference executive. "The idea would be to surround Baltoski with young, hungry talent that can develop together while connecting with this new market. It's high-risk, but the upside is fascinating."

For now, the basketball world watches to see if the Zeniths can pull off their ambitious plan. But one thing is clear: Sioux Falls isn't interested in being just another small market. They're swinging for the fences right out of the gate.

"Look at their season ticket deposits, their community support," says the Western Conference scout. "They've already shown they'll support this team. Now imagine if they can land a talent like Baltoski, someone with local ties who could be the face of the franchise for the next decade? That's worth going all-in for."

The Sioux Falls Zeniths' bold approach to the draft and roster construction is as much a reaction to external pressures as it is a proactive strategy. The move from San Antonio to Sioux Falls has been met with considerable resistance from players and agents alike. Sources within the league report that agents have been aggressively exploring trade options for their clients, citing concerns over market size, media exposure, and the broader lifestyle adjustment of relocating to the Midwest.

This sentiment has forced the Zeniths' front office to recalibrate their strategy. Management, led by owner Harold Brookfield and GM Regina Thompson, was aware of the potential challenges when they agreed to the relocation but remain unwavering in their belief that the team can thrive in its new home. "We knew this wouldn't be an easy transition," said a source close to the organization. "But we also knew the opportunity to redefine what an NBA franchise could look like in Sioux Falls was worth the initial turbulence."

Despite these early hurdles, the Zeniths are doubling down on their vision. They see the draft as an opportunity to create a fresh identity, one that is tied to the region and reflects the values of their new fanbase. By treating their roster as fluid and embracing unconventional international scouting, the team hopes to flip the narrative and establish Sioux Falls as a unique, innovative market within the league.

Whether this gamble pays off or not, one thing is certain: the Zeniths are committed to charting a course that sets them apart. "It's about more than basketball," said the same source. "It's about proving that Sioux Falls can be a place where a championship culture takes root. We're ready to build something special."

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 07:56 PM

Sioux Falls Zeniths Orchestrate Blockbuster 3-Way Trade
July 7, 1983

The Sioux Falls Zeniths have pulled off a stunning roster overhaul ahead of the upcoming NBA Draft, orchestrating a complex three-team trade that sends longtime franchise cornerstone Sawyer Vega to the Baltimore Ospreys.

In the deal, the Zeniths shipped Vega, a 12-year veteran who has spent her entire career with the franchise, to Baltimore. In return, Sioux Falls acquired the Ospreys' 1983 first-round pick and a 1985 second-round selection, while also sending their own 1983 second-rounder and 1985 first and second-rounders to Baltimore and Miami.

The Ospreys also sent a package of players - C Mackenzie Lewis, PG Millie Hook, SG Sam Collins, and a 1983 second-round pick - to the Miami Sirens, who parted with PG Scarlett Fajardo and a 1983 first-round pick to Baltimore.

It's a complex deal, but the Zeniths' intentions are clear - they are treating this offseason like a de facto expansion year, even after making the playoffs last season as the San Antonio Stars. With the team's sights set on landing an impact draft prospect to build around, parting with Vega, a 12-time All-Star, was deemed a necessary sacrifice.

"It's never easy to move on from a player like Sawyer, who has given so much to this organization over the years," said Zeniths GM Regina Thompson. "But we believe this aggressive approach gives us the best chance to build something truly special in Sioux Falls."

For Vega, the move marks a significant change after spending over a decade as the face of the franchise in San Antonio. The 35-year-old has been vocal about his reluctance to relocate to the Dakotas, so the trade to Baltimore represents an opportunity to continue his career on a new team.

"This is bittersweet for me," Vega said in a statement. "I've poured my heart and soul into this organization for the past 12 years. But I understand the Zeniths' vision, and I'm excited for the opportunity to help turn things around in Baltimore."

The Ospreys, who have never made the playoffs since relocating from New Orleans in 2016, are clearly hoping Vega can help them break that drought and become an immediate contender in the Eastern Conference.

"Sawyer is a proven commodity, a dynamic playmaker who can take over games," said Ospreys coach Margot Stevenson. "Putting her alongside our younger core gives us the best chance to finally take that next step and become a playoff team."

As for the Zeniths, the trade sets the stage for them to potentially land a franchise-altering talent in the upcoming draft. While they haven't specifically named any prospects, the team is determined to find an impact player who can lead them into their new era in Sioux Falls.

"We're swinging for the fences here," Thompson said. "Sometimes you have to be willing to take big risks to build a champion. We're excited to see what the future holds for this organization."

PLAYER DETAILS

#21 PG Sawyer Vega - Ospreys
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Height: 5-10
Weight: 191
DOB: 12/17/1947 (35)
College: Duke
Hometown: Kernersville, NC
Exp: 12

Attributes:
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Type INS JPS FTS 3PS HND PAS ORB DRB PSD PRD STL BLK QKN STR JMP STA
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Current: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Potential: - - - - - - - - - - - -

Health: Good
Status: Active Roster
Salary: $6,618,938
Length: 1

Stat Averages:
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Season LGE TEAM G GS MIN PTS ORE REB AST TO A/T STL BLK PF
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1982 NBA SAS 82 82 39.0 32.1 1.6 3.2 6.7 3.9 1.74 2.5 0.5 1.3
1981 NBA SAS 63 63 37.8 34.8 1.4 2.8 6.8 4.1 1.67 3.2 0.6 1.0
1980 NBA SAS 80 79 35.3 32.3 1.4 3.0 8.3 4.0 2.07 3.6 0.6 1.2
1979 NBA SAS 80 80 36.1 34.1 1.6 3.1 9.1 4.0 2.26 3.3 0.7 1.4
1978 NBA SAS 81 80 36.2 32.0 1.3 2.8 9.7 4.3 2.24 3.1 0.5 1.3
1977 NBA SAS 66 65 34.6 31.8 1.2 2.5 9.8 3.7 2.69 3.3 0.5 1.1
1976 NBA SAS 74 74 34.4 30.6 1.3 2.8 9.3 3.8 2.48 3.4 0.4 1.1
1975 NBA SAS 77 77 38.4 33.8 1.4 3.4 9.9 4.5 2.21 2.8 0.4 1.6
1974 NBA MIN 82 82 42.2 36.3 1.3 3.1 10.3 6.3 1.64 3.7 0.5 1.1
1973 NBA MIN 52 50 38.9 35.2 1.2 3.3 8.8 5.7 1.55 3.3 0.4 0.7
1972 NBA MIN 82 0 8.6 8.1 0.3 0.7 1.5 1.5 1.02 0.8 0.1 0.2
1971 NBA MIN 82 38 30.4 30.3 1.2 3.3 8.3 4.8 1.74 2.6 0.5 0.9
Career 901 770 34.1 30.7 1.3 2.8 8.2 4.2 1.74 2.9 0.5 1.1

Shooting Averages:
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Season FGM FGA FG% FTM FTA FT% InsM InsA In% JsM JsA Js% 3PM 3PA 3P%
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1982 12.0 22.1 .541 1.2 1.3 .890 2.0 2.3 .856 3.0 6.9 .444 7.0 13.0 .538
1981 13.0 22.2 .586 0.7 0.8 .857 1.8 2.3 .782 3.2 6.7 .483 8.0 13.3 .605
1980 11.8 19.7 .600 1.3 1.4 .901 1.5 2.1 .702 2.9 5.6 .525 7.4 12.0 .617
1979 12.4 21.0 .589 1.4 1.5 .958 1.6 2.3 .694 2.9 5.6 .507 7.9 13.0 .606
1978 11.6 19.7 .586 1.6 1.7 .913 1.9 2.8 .695 2.2 4.3 .523 7.4 12.6 .584
1977 11.5 18.5 .622 1.5 1.7 .919 1.9 2.5 .778 2.2 4.3 .517 7.3 11.7 .628
1976 11.0 18.5 .597 1.8 2.0 .938 2.3 3.3 .706 2.0 3.9 .526 6.7 11.3 .589
1975 12.1 19.5 .620 2.2 2.4 .914 2.7 3.7 .719 2.0 3.9 .518 7.4 11.9 .623
1974 13.4 20.7 .646 1.6 1.7 .937 3.6 4.7 .775 1.8 4.1 .443 7.9 12.0 .664
1973 13.2 20.6 .640 1.1 1.3 .866 3.6 4.6 .780 1.8 4.4 .412 7.7 11.5 .670
1972 3.0 4.8 .626 0.3 0.3 .929 0.8 1.0 .762 0.4 1.0 .412 1.8 2.7 .656
1971 11.3 19.4 .581 1.3 1.4 .920 3.0 3.9 .762 1.8 4.7 .375 6.5 10.7 .606
Career 11.2 18.8 .599 1.3 1.5 .917 2.2 2.9 .750 2.2 4.6 .477 6.9 11.2 .610

Stat Totals:
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Season LGE TEAM G GS MIN PTS OREB REB AST TO STL BLK PF +/-
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1982 NBA SAS 82 82 3198 2630 128 265 549 316 205 38 104 343
1981 NBA SAS 63 63 2381 2190 88 176 430 257 200 38 62 384
1980 NBA SAS 80 79 2823 2584 109 241 665 321 284 51 97 1075
1979 NBA SAS 80 80 2884 2725 130 245 729 323 262 52 108 1221
1978 NBA SAS 81 80 2930 2595 108 223 782 349 248 37 106 1204
1977 NBA SAS 66 65 2281 2102 80 168 650 242 216 33 74 1034
1976 NBA SAS 74 74 2545 2261 98 206 691 279 252 28 80 1201
1975 NBA SAS 77 77 2957 2606 109 259 765 346 212 32 122 1058
1974 NBA MIN 82 82 3458 2977 110 251 843 514 307 39 87 723
1973 NBA MIN 52 50 2023 1828 62 170 456 295 172 19 37 789
1972 NBA MIN 82 0 706 665 24 59 126 123 66 10 17 192
1971 NBA MIN 82 38 2494 2481 95 270 683 392 217 39 76 597
Career 901 770 30680 27644 1141 2533 7369 3757 2641 416 970 9821

Shooting Totals
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Season FGM FGA FTM FTA 3PM 3PA
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1982 981 1812 97 109 571 1062
1981 821 1401 42 49 506 837
1980 945 1575 100 111 594 963
1979 989 1679 115 120 632 1043
1978 936 1597 126 138 597 1023
1977 758 1219 102 111 484 771
1976 816 1367 136 145 493 837
1975 933 1504 170 186 570 915
1974 1096 1697 134 143 651 980
1973 684 1069 58 67 402 600
1972 246 393 26 28 147 224
1971 923 1588 104 113 531 876
Career 10128 16901 1210 1320 6178 10131

Efficiency:
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Season LGE TEAM G TS% PPS AST TO USG ORR DRR RR PER VA EWA +/- OEFF DEFF
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1982 NBA SAS 82 .707 1.45 20.1 11.6 30.7 5.4 6.1 5.8 28.0 810.9 27.0 4.2 118.1 113.1
1981 NBA SAS 63 .770 1.56 20.4 12.2 31.8 5.1 5.6 5.3 32.2 753.5 25.1 6.1 121.6 113.8
1980 NBA SAS 80 .796 1.64 25.5 12.3 31.4 5.8 6.5 6.2 34.6 995.1 33.2 13.4 131.0 112.0
1979 NBA SAS 80 .786 1.62 26.2 11.6 33.2 6.5 5.5 6.0 35.3 1047.3 34.9 15.3 130.5 109.4
1978 NBA SAS 81 .783 1.62 28.0 12.5 32.1 5.4 5.3 5.4 32.2 926.0 30.9 14.9 126.8 106.8
1977 NBA SAS 66 .829 1.72 30.1 11.2 31.3 5.3 5.2 5.3 35.8 844.2 28.1 15.7 132.7 110.2
1976 NBA SAS 74 .790 1.65 28.8 11.6 31.5 5.9 5.5 5.7 33.5 856.1 28.5 16.2 131.0 108.4
1975 NBA SAS 77 .822 1.73 28.4 12.8 30.3 5.6 6.6 6.2 32.0 928.2 30.9 13.7 132.1 114.2
1974 NBA MIN 82 .845 1.75 27.0 16.5 28.6 4.7 5.5 5.1 30.9 1052.4 35.1 8.8 120.6 111.1
1973 NBA MIN 52 .832 1.71 24.7 16.0 29.5 4.5 7.0 5.8 32.0 649.9 21.7 15.2 122.5 105.4
1972 NBA MIN 82 .820 1.69 19.3 18.8 31.6 5.2 6.2 5.7 32.9 230.4 7.7 2.3 107.7 94.3
1971 NBA MIN 82 .757 1.56 25.2 14.4 35.0 4.1 6.8 5.5 25.8 569.8 19.0 7.3 121.8 113.2
Career 901 .791 1.64 25.8 13.1 31.3 5.3 6.0 5.7 32.0 9663.9 322.1 10.9 125.5 110.5

Playoff Averages:
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Season LGE TEAM G GS MIN PTS ORE REB AST TO A/T STL BLK PF
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1982 NBA SAS 4 4 36.0 29.8 2.0 3.0 3.8 4.5 0.83 1.0 0.3 1.3
1981 NBA SAS 10 10 39.4 30.1 1.8 3.1 6.9 5.0 1.38 2.2 0.6 1.5
1980 NBA SAS 16 16 35.9 30.3 1.4 3.0 8.9 4.3 2.09 4.6 0.6 1.1
1979 NBA SAS 17 17 36.9 36.3 1.7 3.1 9.2 4.7 1.95 3.6 0.8 1.1
1978 NBA SAS 7 7 39.7 36.0 2.4 4.0 8.6 6.3 1.36 2.6 1.1 1.1
1977 NBA SAS 17 17 35.6 34.0 1.5 3.6 9.8 4.5 2.16 3.8 0.4 0.8
1976 NBA SAS 20 20 38.9 35.0 2.0 3.1 9.5 4.7 2.01 2.8 0.7 1.5
1975 NBA SAS 13 13 43.2 32.4 2.1 4.1 10.5 5.3 1.97 2.9 0.8 1.3
1974 NBA MIN 13 13 39.8 35.3 1.0 2.7 7.4 5.9 1.25 3.8 0.5 1.1
1973 NBA MIN 19 19 41.8 31.8 1.3 2.8 8.1 5.7 1.41 2.7 0.5 1.1
1972 NBA MIN 23 0 7.5 6.3 0.5 0.8 1.1 1.7 0.66 0.6 0.1 0.2
1971 NBA MIN 6 0 20.7 21.0 0.8 1.7 5.5 3.7 1.50 2.7 0.3 0.3
Career 165 136 33.8 29.1 1.5 2.8 7.5 4.5 1.50 2.8 0.6 1.0

Playoff Shooting Averages:
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Season FGM FGA FG% FTM FTA FT% InsM InsA In% JsM JsA Js% 3PM 3PA 3P%
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1982 10.8 22.5 .478 0.8 0.8 1.000 1.3 1.8 .714 2.0 6.0 .333 7.5 14.8 .508
1981 10.9 20.0 .545 1.4 1.6 .875 1.5 2.6 .577 2.5 5.9 .424 6.9 11.5 .600
1980 11.4 19.9 .571 1.0 1.0 1.000 2.3 2.7 .860 2.6 5.4 .471 6.5 11.8 .550
1979 13.3 21.6 .614 1.4 1.4 1.000 1.5 2.4 .650 3.5 6.3 .551 8.3 13.0 .638
1978 13.4 23.1 .580 1.3 1.6 .818 2.4 3.0 .810 3.1 5.7 .550 7.9 14.4 .545
1977 12.4 18.2 .680 1.6 1.8 .871 1.9 2.6 .727 2.8 4.2 .662 7.7 11.4 .675
1976 13.0 22.1 .586 2.1 2.1 .976 3.2 3.9 .808 2.8 5.7 .487 7.1 12.6 .562
1975 12.0 21.9 .547 1.5 1.7 .864 2.5 3.5 .711 2.6 4.7 .557 6.9 13.8 .503
1974 13.1 19.5 .672 1.2 1.3 .941 3.8 5.1 .758 1.3 3.0 .436 7.9 11.4 .696
1973 11.8 19.2 .615 1.7 1.8 .914 4.2 5.1 .814 1.1 3.4 .328 6.5 10.7 .611
1972 2.3 4.2 .563 0.3 0.3 1.000 0.5 0.6 .857 0.5 1.5 .353 1.3 2.1 .625
1971 7.7 13.3 .575 2.2 2.2 1.000 2.3 3.3 .700 1.8 3.7 .500 3.5 6.3 .553
Career 10.7 18.0 .597 1.3 1.4 .932 2.3 3.0 .762 2.1 4.4 .488 6.3 10.6 .595

Playoff Totals:
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Season LGE TEAM G GS MIN PTS OREB REB AST TO STL BLK PF +/-
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1982 NBA SAS 4 4 144 119 8 12 15 18 4 1 5 -74
1981 NBA SAS 10 10 394 301 18 31 69 50 22 6 15 -16
1980 NBA SAS 16 16 575 484 23 48 142 68 74 10 18 94
1979 NBA SAS 17 17 627 617 29 52 156 80 62 14 18 292
1978 NBA SAS 7 7 278 252 17 28 60 44 18 8 8 38
1977 NBA SAS 17 17 606 578 25 61 166 77 65 7 13 213
1976 NBA SAS 20 20 777 700 40 62 189 94 56 14 30 108
1975 NBA SAS 13 13 561 421 27 53 136 69 38 10 17 44
1974 NBA MIN 13 13 517 459 13 35 96 77 50 7 14 38
1973 NBA MIN 19 19 794 604 24 54 154 109 52 9 21 -8
1972 NBA MIN 23 0 173 145 11 18 25 38 13 3 5 -20
1971 NBA MIN 6 0 124 126 5 10 33 22 16 2 2 -42
Career 165 136 5570 4806 240 464 1241 746 470 91 166 667

Playoff Shooting Totals
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Season FGM FGA FTM FTA 3PM 3PA
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1982 43 90 3 3 30 59
1981 109 200 14 16 69 115
1980 182 319 16 16 104 189
1979 226 368 24 24 141 221
1978 94 162 9 11 55 101
1977 210 309 27 31 131 194
1976 259 442 41 42 141 251
1975 156 285 19 22 90 179
1974 170 253 16 17 103 148
1973 224 364 32 35 124 203
1972 54 96 7 7 30 48
1971 46 80 13 13 21 38
Career 1773 2968 221 237 1039 1746

Playoff Efficiency:
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Season LGE TEAM G TS% PPS AST TO USG ORR DRR RR PER VA EWA +/- OEFF DEFF
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1982 NBA SAS 4 .659 1.32 12.1 14.5 34.5 7.3 4.1 5.8 15.4 9.4 0.3 -18.5 113.5 138.9
1981 NBA SAS 10 .725 1.51 21.2 15.3 29.1 6.1 4.6 5.3 18.1 42.0 1.4 -1.6 111.9 113.9
1980 NBA SAS 16 .742 1.52 26.5 12.7 32.0 5.9 5.9 5.9 24.3 114.3 3.8 5.9 120.8 112.7
1979 NBA SAS 17 .813 1.68 25.4 13.0 33.4 6.8 4.5 5.6 26.3 142.8 4.8 17.2 133.2 109.6
1978 NBA SAS 7 .754 1.56 22.1 16.2 35.7 8.9 5.6 7.3 20.0 37.4 1.2 5.4 122.3 115.6
1977 NBA SAS 17 .895 1.87 29.3 13.6 30.5 6.4 7.8 7.2 29.2 164.3 5.5 12.5 126.3 108.9
1976 NBA SAS 20 .761 1.58 25.4 12.7 32.8 7.4 3.9 5.6 22.5 133.6 4.5 5.4 129.5 122.4
1975 NBA SAS 13 .712 1.48 27.2 13.8 30.2 6.8 5.9 6.3 18.4 62.4 2.1 3.4 126.6 122.5
1974 NBA MIN 13 .885 1.81 22.2 17.8 26.8 3.7 5.7 4.7 24.0 104.3 3.5 2.9 120.0 117.3
1973 NBA MIN 19 .797 1.66 24.0 17.0 26.2 4.5 5.0 4.7 19.4 105.8 3.5 -0.4 120.8 121.5
1972 NBA MIN 23 .727 1.51 15.4 23.5 33.9 9.6 5.1 7.1 18.6 19.5 0.7 -0.9 98.3 101.9
1971 NBA MIN 6 .733 1.58 23.4 15.6 38.0 4.2 5.3 4.7 21.5 20.4 0.7 -7.0 116.2 128.2
Career 165 .782 1.62 24.5 14.7 30.9 6.2 5.3 5.8 22.4 956.2 31.9 4.0 122.9 117.0

Career Highs:
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Type Pts OReb Reb Ast Stl Blk TO FGM FGA FTM FTA 3PM 3PA
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Season 55 5 7 18 6 2 11 20 31 6 8 14 20
Playoff 68 7 8 19 9 4 10 24 32 7 8 17 23
Career 68 7 9 19 10 4 15 24 40 10 10 18 25

Awards & Achievements:
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Season Award
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Total Player of the Game: 399
Total Player of the Week: 31
Total Player of the Month: 12
Total All-Star Appearances: 8
Total All-League First Team : 4
Total All-League Second Team : 1
Total All-League Third Team : 2
Total All-Defensive First Team : 2
Total All-Defensive Second Team : 2
Total Playoff MVP : 1
Total Most Valuable Player : 2
Total Championships: 2
1982 NBA All-League Second Team
1982 NBA All-Star
1981 NBA All-Star
1980 NBA All-Defensive First Team
1980 NBA All-League First Team
1980 NBA Most Valuable Player
1980 NBA All-Star
1979 National Basketball Association Champion
1979 NBA Playoff MVP
1979 NBA All-Defensive Second Team
1979 NBA All-League First Team
1979 NBA All-Star
1979 NBA 3-Point Shootout Champion
1978 NBA All-Defensive First Team
1978 NBA All-League First Team
1978 NBA Most Valuable Player
1978 NBA All-Star
1978 NBA 3-Point Shootout Champion
1976 NBA All-League Third Team
1976 NBA All-Star
1976 NBA 3-Point Shootout Champion
1975 NBA All-League Third Team
1975 NBA All-Star
1974 NBA All-Defensive Second Team
1974 NBA All-League First Team
1974 NBA All-Star
1972 National Basketball Association Champion
1971 NBA All-Rookie Second Team
1970 Conference Player of the Year (Atlantic Coast Conference)
1970 1st Team All-Conference (Atlantic Coast Conference)

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 08:07 PM

"With the 1st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Sioux Falls Zeniths select... Molly Baltoski, from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay."

Thunderous applause erupted throughout the arena as NBA Commissioner n announced Baltoski's name, the young star from Watertown, Wisconsin walking confidently to the stage to don the Zeniths cap and jersey. It marked the culmination of a whirlwind few weeks for the franchise, who orchestrated a blockbuster three-team trade to position themselves to land the highly coveted prospect.

"Molly is a generational talent, the kind of player who can truly transform a franchise," said Zeniths GM Regina Thompson. "When we made the difficult decision to move on from a legend like Sawyer Vega, it was with the sole focus of building around someone with Molly's potential."

The Zeniths paid a steep price to move up, sending Vega to the Baltimore Ospreys along with a bevy of future draft picks. But for a market like Sioux Falls, desperate to establish an identity and build a contender, the gamble was worth it.

"This is an exciting day, not just for the Zeniths, but for the entire state of South Dakota," said an ebullient Thompson. "Molly is a homegrown talent who understands what it means to represent this community. She's ready to be the face of our franchise."

Baltoski, a four-time Horizon League Player of the Year, said she was thrilled to have the opportunity to stay close to home and play in front of her family and friends.

"I know Sioux Falls is a small market, but that's never intimidated me," the 23-year-old said. "This team made it clear they wanted me, that they were willing to go all-in on building around me. That means the world, and I'm ready to prove I can be the cornerstone they need."

With career averages of 22.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, Baltoski arrives in the NBA as one of the most decorated college players in recent memory. She led Green Bay to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight run in 2022 that captivated the country.

Now, the young phenom will look to bring that same level of success to the Zeniths franchise in a new market. Analysts believes Baltoski has the talent and the temperament to thrive in Sioux Falls.

"Molly Baltoski is exactly the kind of player who can energize a market and inspire a fanbase," said one pundit. "Her combination of skill, leadership, and local ties make her the perfect choice to be the face of the Zeniths. We can't wait to see what she accomplishes at the next level."

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 08:59 PM

Sioux Falls Zeniths Soaring in the Heartland

Everyone wondered if the relocated Sioux Falls Zeniths roster had assembled would even be able to compete in the NBA. After all, they threatened to trade most of their roster and only made that one blockbuster 3-team deal, bringing in rookie sensation Molly Baltoski (29.1 PPG, 8.1 APG) and signing guard Ava Buford (29.7 PPG, 3.6 APG), the reigning Greek League MVP.

But here we are at the All-Star break, and the Zeniths are sitting atop the Midwest division with a 36-13 record, just percentage points behind the Sky for the best record in the league. "I wouldn't care if they played on the moon. I wanted to be back in the NBA and this is a really hidden gem place to play," said Buford, who's made the All-Star team in her first season back stateside.

Another key signing was former Miami Sirens forward Addison Hadlock (18.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG), who inked a 4-year, $12.1 million deal with Sioux Falls. The rest of the roster are holdovers from the San Antonio Stars, which is why it's no surprise this team is actually in playoff contention - except this time, they're the most popular ticket for several hundred miles.

But the real story in Sioux Falls is "the rook," Molly Baltoski. No one has seen anything quite like the out-of-nowhere superstar the Zeniths landed with the 1st overall pick. Molly Fever has teams selling out arenas in advance, little girls AND boys wearing "Shoot like Molly" shirts, and her jersey has been the #1 seller in the league since draft day. It's unparalleled.

Baltoski is 14th in the league in scoring (29.1 PPG) and 13th in assists (8.1 APG) at the break, making the Rookie Game, but missing the actual All-Star team. "If the NBA had fan voting, there's no doubt she would've been an All-Star," said one Eastern Conference executive.

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 11:08 PM

Heartland vs. Big Apple: A Finals Matchup for the Ages
By Jasmina Ortiz
NBA Insider Magazine

When the Dakota Zeniths take the floor for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, they'll be wearing jerseys that make a statement. The "Dakota Home" uniforms aren't just a marketing gimmick – they're a testament to how this team has captured the imagination of an entire region, with fans flying in from Boise to Billings, driving across the midwest to be part of what's become basketball's most compelling story.

"We're not just Sioux Falls' team anymore," says rookie sensation Molly Baltoski, whose playoff numbers (29.0 PPG, 9.7 APG, 6.4 RPG) have been nothing short of spectacular. "When you see people making 10-hour drives just to be part of this? That's special."

But New York Liberty coach Dana Richardson isn't buying into the Cinderella narrative. "Hey, they're a good story, but we've been grinding too. That's not a Cinderella team over there," she says, pointing to her own squad's impressive run to their first Finals since 1975.

The matchup presents fascinating contrasts across the board. Baltoski's playoff excellence meets Azariah Copeland's steady brilliance (24.3 PPG, 12.1 APG in the playoffs). The Liberty's Bella Reilly has elevated her game to new heights, averaging 30.9 points in the postseason, while the Zeniths counter with their own scoring duo of Baltoski and Ava Buford (25.9 PPG in playoffs).

The veteran presence of 40-year-old Liana Parker (14.6 PPG, 8.8 APG, 6.0 RPG in playoffs) provides the Zeniths with championship poise, while Emma Simon's interior defense (2.2 blocks per game) has been crucial in their postseason run.

New York brings its own firepower. Beyond Reilly and Copeland, sixth woman Alyvia Williams has been a playoff revelation, averaging 23.1 points off the bench. The frontcourt duo of Jaylynn Pulley and Olivia Song combines for 13.4 rebounds per game in the postseason.

"What makes this series special is that both teams are chasing their first title," says NBA analyst Keisha Thompson. "New York's been waiting since the franchise began. Dakota's inherited San Antonio's history but is writing their own story. Someone's drought ends here."

The Zeniths' path through the playoffs – surviving seven-game wars with both Los Angeles and Phoenix after dispatching Las Vegas – has tested their mettle. Their starting five has been remarkably consistent, with all five starters maintaining or elevating their regular season production in the playoffs.

New York's route wasn't easier, including an epic seven-game Eastern Conference Finals against Philadelphia. Reilly's explosion from 27.0 PPG in the regular season to 30.9 in the playoffs shows a star entering her prime at the perfect moment.

But it's the atmosphere that might give Dakota an edge. Their home court has become the NBA's most intimidating venue, with crowds routinely exceeding capacity. "The whole region has embraced us," says head coach Teresa Richmond. "When you've got people flying in from three states away just to be part of this? That's more than home court advantage – that's destiny."

The Liberty aren't intimidated. "We play in the world's most famous arena," says Copeland. "Pressure? That's what we do every night."

As the series begins, one thing is certain: history will be made. Either the NBA's smallest market will complete its fairy tale first season, or New York will finally reach the mountain top after decades of trying.

For Dakota's players, wearing those "Home" jerseys carries special meaning. "This whole region deserves this moment," says Baltoski. "Now we just have to finish the story right."

Hardware Haul: Zeniths Clean Up at NBA Awards

The Dakota Zeniths' magical first season wasn't just about wins and losses. The league's newest franchise dominated the NBA's individual awards, validating their bold move to the heartland with hardware.

Rookie sensation Molly Baltoski lived up to every bit of hype that followed her from Green Bay, capturing Rookie of the Year honors with a stat line (29.1 PPG, 9.0 APG, 6.3 RPG) that would be impressive for a veteran, let alone a first-year player. Her transition from college superstar to professional cornerstone has been seamless, and her playoff numbers (29.0 PPG, 9.7 APG) suggest she's only getting better.

The Zeniths' other backcourt star, Ava Buford, earned Most Improved Player after elevating her game to new heights (29.3 PPG, up significantly from her previous season). Her development into an elite scorer has given Dakota a lethal one-two punch that's carried them to the Finals.

Perhaps most significantly, GM Abigail Spence was named Executive of the Year, recognition not just for the team's 68-win season but for the entire organizational transformation. Her fingerprints are everywhere: from the Baltoski selection to key veteran acquisitions to the successful marketing strategy that's turned the Zeniths into a regional phenomenon.

The only major award the Zeniths didn't claim was MVP, which went to Phoenix's Marianna Larson (38.2 PPG, 5.6 APG) after a historic scoring season. But with Dakota advancing past Larson's Mercury in the Conference Finals, there might be an even bigger prize awaiting them.

"Individual awards are great," says Spence, "but we came here to bring a championship to the Dakotas. That's been the goal from day one."

With Game 1 of the Finals approaching, the Zeniths have a chance to add the most important hardware of all to their already impressive collection.

1983-84 NBA AWARDS

1983 NBA Season Summary Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM of the Year: Abigail Spence Zeniths
Coach of the Year: Samantha Anderson Sting

Most Valuable Player: PG Marianna Larson Mercury 38.2 3.3 5.6 3.7 0.4
Rookie of the Year: PG Molly Baltoski Zeniths 29.1 6.3 9.0 2.1 0.3
Defender of the Year: PG Mia Evans Miracle 26.4 5.0 8.5 4.3 0.3
6th Man of the Year: SG Alyvia Williams Liberty 25.9 2.7 3.3 2.9 0.1
Most Improved Player: SG Ava Buford Zeniths 29.3 3.2 3.3 1.1 0.2

All-League 1st Team: C Jazlynn May Rockers 23.7 6.1 1.9 0.9 0.2
All-League 1st Team: F Emily Howell Aces 30.2 5.0 5.6 1.1 0.5
All-League 1st Team: F Katerina Nemecek Mystics 21.9 11.1 3.2 2.0 1.3
All-League 1st Team: G Mckinley Rager Lynx 36.6 7.2 6.5 2.5 1.0
All-League 1st Team: G Marianna Larson Mercury 38.2 3.3 5.6 3.7 0.4

All-League 2nd Team: C Imani Choi Shock 17.1 6.3 1.9 1.3 0.6
All-League 2nd Team: F Sloane Reynolds Tempo 27.0 6.3 2.4 2.1 0.5
All-League 2nd Team: F Ella Hawes Mercury 26.1 4.9 8.9 2.0 0.6
All-League 2nd Team: G Joelle Schell Belles 31.3 4.5 6.9 3.9 0.2
All-League 2nd Team: G Mia Evans Miracle 26.4 5.0 8.5 4.3 0.3

All-League 3rd Team: C Silvia Savarese Dream 11.3 10.5 3.3 1.4 1.6
All-League 3rd Team: F Bella Reilly Liberty 27.0 4.7 4.3 2.6 0.5
All-League 3rd Team: F Elsie Burris Sting 27.3 3.6 4.1 2.1 0.2
All-League 3rd Team: G Abagail Tyus Vixens 33.7 6.3 5.3 2.3 0.4
All-League 3rd Team: G Lauryn Falk Fever 27.8 4.9 7.2 3.5 0.2

All-Defense 1st Team: C Anna McKenzie Fever 8.7 8.0 3.8 2.4 1.7
All-Defense 1st Team: F Angelika Wohlschlager Sirens 18.7 4.6 3.5 3.3 0.1
All-Defense 1st Team: F Makena Villarreal Monarchs 13.1 6.8 4.0 3.0 0.2
All-Defense 1st Team: G Mia Evans Miracle 26.4 5.0 8.5 4.3 0.3
All-Defense 1st Team: G Joelle Schell Belles 31.3 4.5 6.9 3.9 0.2

All-Defense 2nd Team: C Abigail Roden Sparks 7.8 11.2 2.7 0.9 3.7
All-Defense 2nd Team: F Aubree Alger Summit 16.5 5.1 3.2 2.7 0.6
All-Defense 2nd Team: F Naomi Roark Shock 14.2 5.2 4.3 3.0 0.5
All-Defense 2nd Team: G Klementina Zhitnik Sky 25.4 8.4 9.5 3.7 0.6
All-Defense 2nd Team: G Marianna Larson Mercury 38.2 3.3 5.6 3.7 0.4

All-Rookie 1st Team: C Kassidy Wildman Storm 10.4 5.6 1.4 0.5 0.2
All-Rookie 1st Team: F Sloane Reynolds Tempo 27.0 6.3 2.4 2.1 0.5
All-Rookie 1st Team: F Elsie Burris Sting 27.3 3.6 4.1 2.1 0.2
All-Rookie 1st Team: G Molly Baltoski Zeniths 29.1 6.3 9.0 2.1 0.3
All-Rookie 1st Team: G Irina Kravchuk Brigade 23.6 4.8 6.0 2.0 0.2

All-Rookie 2nd Team: C Elyse Jacinto Lynx 10.3 6.1 1.7 0.7 1.0
All-Rookie 2nd Team: F Aria Bennett Violets 15.5 4.7 3.3 0.6 0.5
All-Rookie 2nd Team: F Kylie Sommers Wings 16.2 5.2 2.0 0.6 1.5
All-Rookie 2nd Team: G Ava Breeding Summit 28.2 2.9 7.6 2.5 0.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: G Charley Jeanlouis Finches 19.0 2.8 2.9 1.0 0.2

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 11:16 PM

DAKOTA DISASTER!
Liberty Steamrolled in Finals Opener
By Mickey Sullivan
New York Post

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Welcome to the Dakota territory, where the Liberty just got ambushed.
In a brutal 147-133 beatdown that wasn't even as close as the score suggests, the Liberty learned the hard way that these Zeniths are no fairy tale. Veteran Liana Parker (10 assists) orchestrated a second-quarter surge that turned Madison Square Garden's finest into prairie dust, outscoring New York 42-37 in a frame that set the tone for the night.

Bella Reilly's 34 points felt hollow against the Zeniths' balanced assault, which saw six players score in double figures. While Rookie of the Year Molly Baltoski didn't lead Dakota in scoring, her 11 assists carved up the Liberty defense like a thanksgiving turkey.

"They punched us in the mouth," admitted Liberty coach Dana Richardson. "But this is a series, not a game."

Tell that to the 12,703 howling Dakota fans who turned their arena into basketball's version of Little Bighorn. The Liberty need answers fast, or this dream season might turn into a nightmare on the plains.

PAYBACK IN THE PRAIRIE
Liberty Shows Fight But Falls Short in Game 2
By Mickey Sullivan
New York Post
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. The Liberty learned that harsh lesson last night in a gut-wrenching 115-110 loss that sends them back to the Garden in an 0-2 hole.

Bella Reilly (36 points) came to play, but rookie sensation Molly Baltoski (28 points, 10 assists) and the red-hot Ava Buford (31 points) proved too much in the end. Even a heroic 13-rebound effort from Jaylynn Pulley couldn't save New York from another Dakota comeback.

"We had our chances," said a frustrated Azariah Copeland, who dished out 11 assists but shot just 8-19. "That's what hurts the most."
The Liberty held leads in every quarter but couldn't contain Dakota's lethal three-point shooting (48.7%). Every time New York threw a punch, the Zeniths countered with a haymaker from beyond the arc.

Now it's back to the Garden, where Richardson's squad faces the ultimate test. No team has ever come back from 0-2 to win the Finals after dropping the first two on the road.

"They held serve at home," said Reilly. "Now it's our turn."

The Liberty better hope she's right, or basketball's newest small-market success story might write its ending right in the heart of the Big Apple.

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 11:21 PM

Zeniths Take Command With Road Victory, 120-109
By James Holbrook
Argus Leader, June 12, 1984
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NEW YORK — The Dakota Zeniths, playing with the steady composure that has marked their remarkable inaugural season, weathered an intense New York crowd and a late Liberty rally to secure a 120-109 victory and a commanding 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals.

Addison Hadlock, often overshadowed by the Zeniths' celebrated backcourt, emerged as the decisive figure with 37 points on 16-for-19 shooting. The 6'3" forward from Kansas established her presence early, scoring 12 points in the first quarter as Dakota built a 26-23 advantage they would never relinquish.

"We understood the significance of this game," Hadlock said afterward in the visitors' locker room. "Playing in this building, against this team — you have to maintain your concentration for 48 minutes."

Rookie sensation Molly Baltoski orchestrated the offense with precision, recording 15 assists while adding 26 points of her own. Her partnership with veteran Liana Parker (17 points, 8 assists) proved particularly effective in the third quarter when the Liberty threatened to narrow the gap.

The Liberty's Bella Reilly, who has carried much of New York's offensive burden throughout the series, scored 30 points in defeat. But the Zeniths' defensive pressure limited her supporting cast, with starting forwards Jaylynn Pulley and Francesca Boyd combining for just 13 points.

The game's critical sequence came midway through the second quarter. With New York trailing by three, Dakota embarked on a 12-2 run highlighted by Hadlock's three consecutive field goals from the left baseline. The Liberty never drew closer than seven points thereafter.

A crowd of 19,712, the largest to witness a basketball game in Madison Square Garden this season, maintained its vocal support until the final minutes. But the Zeniths' methodical execution and superior rebounding advantage (34-22) gradually subdued both the Liberty and their faithful.

"This team has demonstrated remarkable poise all season," Dakota coach Teresa Richmond noted. "To come into this building and control the tempo as we did — that speaks to the character of this group."

The Zeniths can secure the first championship in franchise history with a victory in Game 4 here Thursday evening. No team in NBA history has recovered from a 3-0 deficit in any playoff series.

For the moment, however, Dakota's players maintained the measured approach that has served them so well. "We haven't accomplished anything yet," Parker said. "This is New York. They won't go quietly."

Yet as the Zeniths departed the Garden floor, their businesslike demeanor suggested a team that understands exactly how close they are to completing their extraordinary first season with the sport's ultimate prize.

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 11:22 PM

HEARTLAND'S CHAMPIONS: Zeniths Complete Sweep, Bring NBA Title to Dakota
By Thomas Whitaker
Omaha World-Herald, June 14, 1984

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NEW YORK — In the end, basketball's grandest stage belonged to the heartland.

The Dakota Zeniths, a team that has captured the imagination of an entire region, claimed the NBA championship with a commanding 133-108 victory over the New York Liberty, completing a historic four-game sweep and bringing professional basketball's ultimate prize to the American midwest.

As the final seconds ticked away in basketball's most famous arena, you could almost hear the celebrations erupting from Sioux City to Fargo, from Lincoln to Rapid City. This wasn't just Sioux Falls' victory — it was a triumph for every small town and city that had been told professional sports belonged only in the bright lights of major metropolises.

"We felt the energy of the entire region behind us," said veteran forward Liana Parker, who orchestrated the clinching victory with 22 points and 12 assists. "Every time we stepped on the court, we weren't just playing for Dakota — we were playing for everyone who's ever been told they were too small, too remote, too far from the spotlight to matter."

The Zeniths displayed the same balanced excellence that has marked their entire inaugural season. Ava Buford led all scorers with 32 points, including a devastating 6-for-14 performance from three-point range that silenced the Madison Square Garden crowd at crucial moments. The frontcourt duo of Emma Simon (18 points) and Addison Hadlock (14 points, 9 rebounds) controlled the interior, while rookie sensation Molly Baltoski added 17 points in limited minutes.

The Liberty's last stand was led by sixth woman Alyvia Williams, who scored 26 points in defeat. But New York's starting lineup struggled against Dakota's relentless defense, with star forward Bella Reilly managing just 11 points on 4-of-11 shooting.

"They were simply better," admitted Liberty coach Dana Richardson. "Sometimes you just have to tip your cap to a special team, and what Dakota has done this season — that's special."

The championship represents more than just athletic achievement. When Harold Brookfield purchased the San Antonio Stars and announced their relocation to Sioux Falls last summer, skeptics abounded. But the Zeniths turned their inaugural season into a regional phenomenon, drawing fans from six states and turning their arena into the NBA's most formidable home court.

"This isn't just about basketball," said Brookfield, clutching the championship trophy amid a shower of confetti. "This is about showing that excellence can flourish anywhere if you give it the right support, the right environment, and the right community behind it."

As the Zeniths' players celebrated on the Garden floor, their "Dakota Home" jerseys glistening under the championship spotlight, the magnitude of their achievement began to sink in. They had not merely won a title — they had validated a vision of what professional sports could be in the heartland.

"Look around this locker room," said head coach Teresa Richmond, gesturing to her celebrating players. "These women believed in something bigger than themselves. They believed in each other, they believed in their community, and they believed that greatness knows no zip code."

For one glorious spring, the Zeniths united an entire region behind a common cause. Tonight, as the championship trophy begins its journey west, the heartland celebrates not just a basketball team, but a reminder that dreams can take root and flourish in the most unexpected places.

The parade route in Sioux Falls awaits. But make no mistake — this celebration belongs to us all.

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 11:29 PM

History in the Heartland: Baltoski Caps Rookie Season with Finals MVP
By Thomas Whitaker
Omaha World-Herald, June 14, 1984

NEW YORK — When the Dakota Zeniths traded up to draft Molly Baltoski last summer, they believed they were getting a franchise cornerstone. What they got instead was history.

Baltoski became the first rookie in NBA history to win Finals MVP, capping an extraordinary debut season that already included Rookie of the Year honors. Her series averages of 25.3 points and 11.5 assists orchestrated a dominant four-game sweep of the New York Liberty, transforming what was supposed to be a tight series into a coronation.

"Sometimes the moment finds the right person," said Zeniths coach Teresa Richmond, watching as her young point guard clutched both the championship and MVP trophies. "Molly didn't just handle the pressure — she embraced it."

The Green Bay product's Finals performance reads like basketball poetry: 26 points and 15 assists in the Game 3 victory at Madison Square Garden, a masterful Game 2 showing with 28 points and 10 assists, and the clinching Game 4 where her 17 points in limited minutes helped seal the championship.

"You dream about these moments growing up in Wisconsin," Baltoski said, her voice breaking slightly. "But you never really believe... I mean, this is beyond dreams."

The journey from unheralded high school prospect to Finals MVP seems almost fictional. Ranked #518 in her recruiting class, Baltoski chose to stay home at Green Bay, where she transformed the program into a national contender. When Dakota made her their primary target in the draft, many questioned whether a mid-major star could lead a professional franchise.

Those questions seem almost quaint now.

"She plays with the poise of a ten-year veteran," said one opposing GM. "We tried everything — traps, switches, different defenders. But great players have answers, and she had an answer for everything we threw at her."

For Dakota GM Abigail Spence, Baltoski's emergence validates not just a draft strategy but a broader vision of what basketball could be in the heartland. "Molly understands this region because she's of this region," Spence said. "She knows what it means to be underestimated, to be overlooked. And she knows how to prove people wrong."

As the championship celebration erupted around her, Baltoski kept returning to one theme: gratitude. "This organization believed in me when others didn't. This community embraced us from day one. This isn't just my award — it belongs to everyone who believed this was possible."

From #518 to #1. From mid-major star to professional champion. From hometown hero to Finals MVP. Molly Baltoski's rookie season reads like a basketball fairy tale. But as the Zeniths head home to celebrate with their region, one thing is clear: this story is just beginning.

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 11:37 PM

Post in r/LibertysCrown

The Liberty lost this title because they traded Jazzlynn May to Cleveland for Bella Reilly - here's why

Look, I get that Reilly had a great series and put up numbers (averaged 30 ppg through most of the playoffs), but trading away May is what killed our interior presence against the Zeniths. May was putting up career numbers (23.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg) and shooting 64% from the field this season in Cleveland. Her size at 6'8" would've been crucial against Dakota's frontcourt.

Instead we got absolutely destroyed on the boards in crucial moments. Game 3? Outrebounded 34-22. Game 4? 46-26 on the glass. May's offensive rebounding (3.0 per game this season) could've given us crucial second chances when shots weren't falling.

Don't get me wrong - Reilly balled out. But May's efficiency and interior presence was exactly what we needed against a team like Dakota. Just look at the shooting percentages in the Finals - we couldn't get anything easy inside.

The trade made us too perimeter oriented. Change my mind.

KnicksFan77: Terrible take. May hasn't made it past the first round in 3 years. Reilly was the reason we even got to the Finals. Without her 36 in Game 6 against Philly we don't even get there. We lost because Dakota was just better, not because of some trade from last summer.

HoopAnalyst: The numbers actually support OP here. Our offensive efficiency dropped by 8 points per 100 possessions in the paint during the Finals compared to regular season. May's interior scoring (77.5% at the rim this year) would've given us a different dimension.

LibertysChild: Y'all are crazy if you think May would've stopped Baltoski from doing what she did to us. Guard play wins in today's NBA. The problem wasn't Reilly vs May, it was not having an answer for their backcourt.

NYCBaller23: Delete this nephew. Reilly carried us all season. May couldn't stay healthy in Cleveland and you think she was gonna change this series? The Zeniths were just special. Sometimes you gotta tip your cap.

stats_nerd: Interesting point about the rebounding differential. Looking at the advanced metrics, our offensive rebounding rate dropped from 27.3% in regular season to 19.1% in Finals. May's presence definitely could've helped there.

Young Drachma

12-08-2024, 11:43 PM

NBA Offseason Financial Outlook: Champions Have Decisions to Make

The newly crowned Dakota Zeniths find themselves in an interesting position this offseason, sitting 18th in available cap space ($11.3M) as they look to defend their title. After their historic run, they'll need to be creative to keep their core together while adding pieces.

The rebuilding Baltimore Ospreys have positioned themselves perfectly for a major offseason splash, leading the league with $22.7M in cap space. After their league-worst finish, they have both the financial flexibility and the #1 pick to accelerate their rebuild.

Other notable situations to watch:

Pittsburgh ($21.7M) and Minnesota ($20.7M) both have significant space to chase top free agents
Finalist New York Liberty are tight against the cap with just $9.1M to work with
Five teams (Sparks, Vixens, Sky, Fever) have less than $5M in cap room, severely limiting their options

Teams to watch for potential big moves:

Cleveland Rockers ($20.1M) - Could be players for top free agents after strong season
Charlotte Sting ($16.5M) - Well-positioned to add to their young core
Golden State ($15.9M) - Need to make moves after disappointing year

The increased salary cap ($33.2M) has created more flexibility across the league, with 18 teams having at least $10M to work with. This could lead to one of the most active free agency periods in recent memory.

Young Drachma

12-09-2024, 01:28 PM

On the college side, I started right out of the chute with all of the modern conferences, then I just move things around whenever it makes sense especially as teams outgrow their leagues.

The modern setup did leave the new Pac pretty bereft, same with Mountain West, so I did the reverse merger and get rid of the Mountain West, freeing up an at-large bid which is nice.

NCAA Champs

Season Team Record Opponent Score
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1984 Syracuse Orange 31-8 Auburn Tigers 99-96
1983 Seton Hall Pirates 30-9 Saint Mary's Gaels 84-75
1982 Texas Longhorns 33-5 Penn State Nittany Lions 101-72
1981 Cincinnati Bearcats 29-8 Kansas Jayhawks 91-79
1980 Tennessee Volunteers 36-3 Purdue Boilermakers 90-86
1979 Villanova Wildcats 38-1 Clemson Tigers 84-70
1978 Kansas Jayhawks 34-4 Tennessee Volunteers 85-77
1977 Miami Hurricanes 33-5 Houston Cougars 84-75
1976 Florida State Seminoles 38-1 Marquette Golden Eagles 92-63
1975 Florida State Seminoles 38-1 Purdue Boilermakers 90-82
1974 Purdue Boilermakers 33-6 Michigan State Spartans 78-67
1973 Duke Blue Devils 29-8 USC Trojans 83-65
1972 Iowa Hawkeyes 31-8 North Carolina Tar Heels 83-70
1971 Oregon Ducks 26-11 Tennessee Volunteers 90-89
1970 Cincinnati Bearcats 29-9 Iowa Hawkeyes 85-73
1969 Boise State Broncos 30-7 Florida State Seminoles 83-74

Young Drachma

12-09-2024, 04:36 PM

1985-86 NCAA SEASON RECAP & TOURNEY PREVIEW

From Green Bay to Vanderbilt, Parity Reigns Supreme
By Claude Coltrane, The Athletic
As the 1985-86 women's college basketball season comes to a close and we look ahead to the NCAA tournament, one thing is crystal clear - there are no dominant teams and the race for the national title is wide open.

Green Bay enters the Big Dance ranked #1 in the nation with a 31-2 record, but they are far from invincible. The Phoenix didn't even win their own conference, falling to St. Bonaventure in the Atlantic 10 tournament final. The Bonnies, with a matching 31-2 mark, are nipping at Green Bay's heels at #2 in the Top 25.

Traditional powerhouses like Tennessee and North Carolina find themselves further down the rankings than usual at #9 and #14 respectively. Instead it's schools like Villanova, Temple and Cincinnati, none of whom were in the Top 10 at the start of the year, who surged to earn top 5 seeds.

Out west, San Diego State put together an impressive 30-3 campaign to win the Pacific-16 regular season title. But Oregon, Utah and upstart Boise State are all lurking as potential bracket-busters from that part of the country.
In the SEC, it was business as usual with Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Florida beating up on each other. The Lady Vols may be the most dangerous 9-seed the tournament has ever seen.

Two mid-majors to keep an eye on are #13 Robert Morris out of the Northeast Conference and #20 UT Rio Grande Valley from the WAC. Both dominated their leagues but will be looking to prove they can hang with the big girls in March.
So who will be cutting down the nets when all is said and done?

Your guess is as good as mine in this unpredictable season. But with so many teams harboring legitimate title dreams, the 1986 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament promises to be a wild ride from the first round to the Final Four. Buckle up and enjoy the Madness!

FINAL REGULAR SEASON AP POLL (3/17/86)

Top 25

# Team FPV Record Points Prv Conference
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Green Bay (58) 31-2 1779 2 Atlantic 10 Conference
2. St. Bonaventure (8) 31-2 1730 1 Atlantic 10 Conference
3. Villanova (6) 30-3 1675 3 Big East Conference
4. Temple 30-3 1549 5 American Athletic Conference
5. Cincinnati 27-6 1491 4 Big 12 Conference
6. San Diego State 30-3 1485 6 Pacific-16 Conference
7. Texas 25-7 1353 7 Southeastern Conference
8. Vanderbilt 26-6 1277 13 Southeastern Conference
9. Tennessee 25-8 1223 9 Southeastern Conference
10. Seton Hall 24-7 1135 8 Big East Conference
11. Saint Mary's 27-5 1070 11 West Coast Conference
12. Kansas 24-8 1005 10 Big 12 Conference
13. Robert Morris 28-4 846 17 Northeast Conference
14. North Carolina 25-8 829 19 Atlantic Coast Conference
15. Florida 23-9 819 18 Southeastern Conference
16. Iowa 24-7 718 12 Big Ten Conference
17. Oregon 24-8 695 15 Big Ten Conference
18. Utah 23-8 606 16 Big 12 Conference
19. Miami 24-7 533 14 Atlantic Coast Conference
20. UT Rio Grande Valley 26-5 424 20 Western Athletic Conference
21. Kansas State 24-10 407 NR Big 12 Conference
22. Boise State 24-9 231 NR Pacific-16 Conference
23. Gonzaga 22-9 222 21 Big East Conference
24. Houston 20-10 116 22 Big 12 Conference
25. Lamar 24-6 91 25 Southland Conference

Others Receiving Votes:
Penn State 21-10 50 Big Ten Conference
Baylor 20-11 16 Big 12 Conference
FAU 24-10 15 American Athletic Conference
Marquette 22-10 9 Big East Conference
Georgia Tech 21-10 1 Atlantic Coast Conference

68 Teams, 1 Dream: Breaking Down the 1986 NCAA Women's Tournament Field
By Claude Coltrane, The Athletic
March Madness is upon us once again, and 68 teams are gearing up for their shot at the 1986 NCAA Women's Basketball National Championship. After a season defined by parity, the tournament promises to be wide open.

Perennial contenders and fresh faces alike populate the bracket. In the West Region, the Cincinnati Bearcats clawed their way to the 1-seed, hoping to add a second title to their 1981 trophy. But Cinderella hopefuls like Boise State, who stunned the country with a championship run in 1969, and Oklahoma State will look to bust brackets.

The Midwest Region runs through Manhattan, Kansas, where the Kansas State Wildcats used a dominant season to lock up the 1-seed. Historic powerhouses like the 3-time champion Tennessee Volunteers and 1983 winner Seton Hall Pirates loom as dangerous lower seeds.

Down in the South Region, it's the Vanderbilt Commodores leading the charge. The Dores are a program on the rise after cutting down the WNIT nets just two years ago. Meanwhile, the Miami Hurricanes will aim to recapture their 1977 title magic.

In the East Region, the Villanova Wildcats, still basking in the glow of their 1979 championship, snagged the top spot. But the 15-seed Marist Red Foxes have the nation's leading scorer and could be primed to pull off a historic upset.
Speaking of bracket busters, 11-seeds are always a popular pick, and this year's crop is especially intriguing. The Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs out of the South and the Robert Morris Colonials in the East are both riding the momentum of conference tournament titles.

At the other end of the spectrum, traditional powers like the Syracuse Orange (1984 champs), Texas Longhorns (1982), Penn State Nittany Lions (runners-up in 1982), Kansas Jayhawks (1978), and Florida State Seminoles (back-to-back titles in '75-'76) find themselves in the unfamiliar position of lower seeds. Never count these battle-tested programs out though.

Beyond just the matchups, there are limitless compelling storylines to follow. Will the Cincinnati Bearcats' stifling defense propel them to a second championship? Can the Kansas State Wildcats' high-flying offense shoot them to their first-ever title? Will a superstar like Temple's Marilyn Stephens or Oregon's Tracy Lis take over the tournament?

We can't forget the snubs either. 21-win Cornell, St. John's with 3 top-50 wins, 23-9 Navy, and 19-13 Virginia all had their bubbles burst. They'll have to regroup and refocus on making a run in the WNIT.

Only one thing is certain: the next three weeks will be a wild ride. From the first round to the Final Four in Austin, we'll witness thrilling upsets, agonizing defeats, and the crowning of a new national champion. It's time for these 68 teams to lace 'em up and dance.

Young Drachma

12-09-2024, 09:11 PM

Green Bay's Unfinished Business: The Phoenix's Quest for Redemption and Glory
By Serena Williamson
March 15, 1987
The New Yorker

As the Green Bay Phoenix prepare for their seventh straight NCAA Tournament appearance, there is a palpable sense of unfinished business hanging over the program. After three consecutive trips to the Elite Eight or beyond, including a heartbreaking loss in the 1985 Final Four, the Phoenix enter the 1987 Big Dance with one goal in mind: winning it all.

"We've been knocking on the door for a while now," said senior point guard Adelyn Shelly, the engine that makes the high-powered Phoenix offense go. "But close isn't good enough anymore. This is our last chance to finish what we started and bring a national championship back to Green Bay."

Shelly, a Chicago native who was lightly recruited out of high school, has blossomed into one of the nation's premier floor generals under head coach Jacqueline Martin. This season, she's averaging 17.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and a team-high 6.1 assists per game while shooting a blistering 41.4% from three-point range. Her steady hand and leadership have been instrumental in Green Bay's 31-2 campaign.

But Shelly is far from a one-woman show. She's flanked in the backcourt by fellow senior Zoe Williams, a 5'10" sharpshooter from Rhinelander, Wisconsin who leads the team in scoring at 18.9 points per game. Williams' quick release and deep range make her a nightmare for opposing defenses; she's shooting 44.7% from beyond the arc on over six attempts per game.

"Zoe is one of the purest shooters I've ever seen," said Martin, who is in her third season at the helm after taking over for London Castleman in 1984. "She has unlimited range and a green light to let it fly whenever she's open. Her gravity opens up so much for the rest of our offense."

That offense, which ranks first in the nation in scoring at 80.8 points per game, is fueled by a relentless transition attack and unselfish ball movement. The Phoenix rank second nationally in assists at 18.5 per game, with Shelly and senior wing Jaliyah Fortin (3.4 apg) leading the distribution.

Fortin, a former walk-on who earned her spot through grit and determination, has developed into the emotional heartbeat of the team. Though she averages a modest 15.6 points per game, her impact goes far beyond the box score.

"Jaliyah is our rock," said senior forward Chloe Baltoski. "Whenever we need a big stop or a key bucket, she's the one we turn to. She sets the tone with her work ethic and toughness."

Baltoski, the cousin of Green Bay legend Molly Baltoski, brings a strong interior presence to complement the perimeter prowess of Shelly, Williams, and Fortin. At 6'4", she anchors the Phoenix defense (which ranks first nationally in opposing field goal percentage) and provides efficient scoring around the basket. Her 12.1 points per game come on 52.4% shooting.

With a starting five that features four seniors, Green Bay is battle-tested and hungry for redemption after last year's Final Four heartbreak. They know this is their last chance to cement their legacy and bring home the ultimate prize.

"We've been through so much together," Shelly said. "The ups, the downs, the close calls. We've poured our hearts and souls into this program for four years now. To go out on top, to finish what we started—that would be a dream come true."

The road won't be easy; the women's game is as deep and talented as ever this year. But with a high-octane offense, suffocating defense (only 52.4 points allowed per game), and unshakeable bond forged through years of shared struggle and triumph, the Phoenix like their chances against anyone.

"We know we belong among the nation's elite," Martin said. "We've proven that over the last few years. Now it's time to take that final step and hang a banner. These seniors deserve it; Green Bay deserves it."

40 minutes. That's all that separates this team from immortality in each round of the tournament that tips off in just a few days' time. After so many years of knocking on the door, Green Bay is ready to kick it down once and for all.

"Our time is now," Williams said, a steely glint in her eye. "No more close calls, no more what-ifs. This is our moment to show the world what Green Bay basketball is all about."

In a city known for its grit, its resilience, and its unshakeable belief in the power of the underdog, the Phoenix have become a living embodiment of those values. Now, they stand on the precipice of history—four wins away from bringing a long-awaited national championship back to the shores of Lake Michigan.

A team of destiny? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the Phoenix will leave everything they have on the floor in pursuit of their ultimate goal. For this group, for this program, for this community—failure is no longer an option.

Green Bay Aims to Finish the Job
By Mark Johnson
March 12, 1987
Sports Illustrated

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix enter the 1987 NCAA Tournament on a mission. After suffering a heartbreaking loss to St. Bonaventure in last year's Final Four, the battle-tested Phoenix are determined to take that final step and bring home the school's first national championship.

Green Bay, led by 3rd year head coach Jacqueline Martin, steamrolled through the regular season to the tune of a 31-2 record and #1 national ranking. The high-octane Phoenix lead the country in scoring at a blistering 80.8 points per game, field goal percentage (52.9%), and margin of victory (+28.5). Defensively, they suffocate opponents, allowing a measly 52.4 points per contest on 39.4% shooting.

The catalyst is Chicago native Adelyn Shelly. The 5'10" senior point guard stuffs the stat sheet, averaging 17.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting a scorching 41.4% from deep. Her backcourt running mate, 5'10" sharpshooter Zoe Williams, leads the Phoenix in scoring at 18.9 points per game on 44.7% from three.

"Adelyn and Zoe are a nightmare for defenses," said Martin. "They put so much pressure on you with their ability to score from anywhere. And when teams overcommit, they make you pay as passers too."

Jaliyah Fortin and Chloe Baltoski provide scoring balance. Fortin, a gritty former walk-on, chips in 15.6 points and 3.4 assists. Baltoski, a 6'4" stretch four and cousin of Phoenix legend Molly Baltoski, adds an interior presence with 12.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game on 52.4% shooting.

Green Bay opens the tournament on Sunday against Ivy League champion Columbia (17-13). While the Lions are heavy underdogs on paper, the experienced Phoenix are taking nothing for granted. "At this point, every team is fighting for their lives," said Shelly. "We have to treat every opponent like they're the '85 St. Bonaventure team that beat us. It's do or die now."

A victory would likely set up a Round of 32 matchup with 8-seed Saint Mary's (22-9) or 9-seed Temple (21-10). Potential Elite Eight opponent Vanderbilt (30-3) looms on the horizon.

But Green Bay is battle-tested, hungry, and laser focused. "Our goal is to be the last team standing," said Williams. "We've worked too hard for too long to be satisfied with anything less."

Is this Phoenix squad a team of destiny? Can they finish the job and hang a long-awaited championship banner in the Phoenix Sports Center? The next three weeks will reveal all. But one thing is certain: Green Bay has all the ingredients to set the tournament ablaze.

Young Drachma

12-09-2024, 09:30 PM

Green Bay Soars Back to Final Four with 64-57 Win Over Miami
By Serena Williamson
Associated Press

EAST REGION FINAL
Green Bay 64, Miami 57

GREEN BAY, Wisc. (AP) - The Green Bay Phoenix are heading back to the Final Four for the second consecutive year after a hard-fought 64-57 victory over the 2-seed Miami Hurricanes in the East Regional Final.

Led by the stellar play of senior point guard Adelyn Shelly, Green Bay weathered a late Miami rally to punch their ticket to Omaha. Shelly was sensational, pouring in a game-high 22 points to go with 7 assists and 4 rebounds. The All-American candidate shot 7-15 from the field, including a scorching 5-8 from three-point range.

"Adelyn was a warrior out there today," said Green Bay head coach Jacqueline Martin. "She hit some huge shots for us down the stretch and controlled the tempo all game long. She's been our rock all season."

Shelly had plenty of help from her supporting cast. Fellow senior Jaliyah Fortin added 17 points on an uber-efficient 5-6 shooting, while sophomore reserve Emily Christie chipped in 9 points off the bench, including a pair of clutch second-half threes.

But it was the Phoenix defense that ultimately proved to be the difference. Green Bay held Miami to just 35.7% shooting and forced 18 turnovers. The Hurricanes' star duo of Alexis Wilson and Ava Jeffreys were held in check, combining for just 18 points on a frigid 6-23 from the floor.

"Our identity all year has been on the defensive end," said Fortin. "We take a lot of pride in making things difficult for the other team's best players. Lex and Ava are great, but we did a good job of limiting their good looks today."

Miami made a late push, using a 12-2 run to cut the deficit to 58-55 with under 2:00 to play. But Shelly responded with a cold-blooded three from the top of the key to push the lead back to six and effectively ice the game.

With the win, Green Bay improves to a sparkling 35-2 on the season and will face fellow 2-seed Michigan State in the national semifinals on Friday night. The Spartans earned their spot with a 74-67 win over Houston.

In the other semifinal, 2-seed Tennessee will take on 5-seed Penn State. The Lady Vols cruised past St. Bonaventure 72-50, while Penn State routed Cinderella 14-seed Drexel 77-57.

For the Phoenix, it's a chance at redemption after last year's heartbreaking loss to St. Bonaventure in the Final Four. With Shelly and Fortin leading the charge and a suffocating defense as their backbone, Green Bay will be a tough out in Omaha.

"We're not satisfied," said Shelly. "Last year left a bitter taste in our mouths. We've worked too hard to let this opportunity slip away again. We're ready for the challenge."

Young Drachma

12-09-2024, 10:08 PM

Green Bay Reaches Title Game with 71-58 Win Over Michigan State
Associated Press

NATIONAL SEMIFINAL
Green Bay 71, Michigan State 58

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The Green Bay Phoenix are one win away from their first national championship after dispatching Michigan State 71-58 in the Final Four at CenturyLink Center Omaha.

Senior forward Chloe Baltoski had a monster game, pouring in a game-high 25 points and grabbing 6 rebounds to lead the Phoenix. The 6'4" stretch four shot 6-13 from the field and 10-12 from the free throw line in a dominant performance.

"Chloe was unbelievable tonight," said Green Bay head coach Jacqueline Martin. "Legends do legendary things, I'm so dang proud of her making a name for herself in this program, it's not easy to follow a legend with your same name, but she's come here and made her mark."

Star point guard Adelyn Shelly added 22 points, 19 rebounds and 3 assists for the Phoenix, who improved to a sparkling 36-2 on the season. The senior All-American controlled the tempo all night, attacking the rim relentlessly and either finishing or getting to the free throw line.

Green Bay's perimeter shooting was also on point, as they connected on 12 of 33 attempts from beyond the arc. Shelly hit 6 of 11 from deep, while Baltoski chipped in 3 triples of her own. As a team, the Phoenix shot 36.4% from three compared to just 22.2% for the Spartans.

Michigan State was led by forward Nickie Musum's 14 points and 5 rebounds in the losing effort. Freshman center Madison Campbell added a 13-point, 14-rebound double-double, but it wasn't enough to overcome Green Bay's firepower.

"You have to give Green Bay a ton of credit," said Spartans head coach Dannon Smith. "They took us out of a lot of the things we wanted to do offensively and really made us pay with their shooting and offensive rebounding. They were the better team tonight."

With the win, Green Bay advances to Sunday night's national championship game, where they will face the Tennessee Volunteers. The Vols earned their spot with a 98-85 shootout victory over Penn State in the other semifinal.

Tennessee will present a stiff challenge for the Phoenix, led by electric point guard Dakota Foxworth. The 5'6" speedster exploded for 25 points and 8 assists against the Nittany Lions, pushing the pace and getting to the rim at will. 6'0" wing Abigail Perry added 22 points and 9 rebounds, punishing Penn State inside and out.

It sets up a fascinating point guard duel between Shelly and Foxworth, two of the best floor generals in the country. Whichever star can dictate the tempo and control the game will go a long way toward determining the national champion.

"We know Tennessee is a great team with a lot of weapons," said Shelly. "But we're going to come out and play our game, try to set the tone defensively and on the glass. It should be a battle."

Tipoff is set for 8:00 PM Eastern on Sunday night, with the national title and a place in the history books on the line. After three straight years of heartbreak, Green Bay is 40 minutes away from cementing their status as one of the greatest mid-major programs of all time.

"This is what we've worked for since we got to campus," said Baltoski. "To have a chance to bring a championship back to Green Bay, in front of our fans - it would mean everything. We're going to leave it all on the floor."

Young Drachma

12-09-2024, 10:14 PM

Green Bay Cuts Down Nets, Wins First National Title

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Green Bay 93, Tennessee 77

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The Green Bay Phoenix are national champions. Let that sink in.

The little school from Wisconsin that could completed their improbable and historic journey with a resounding 93-77 victory over Tennessee to capture the program's first-ever NCAA title on Sunday night at CenturyLink Center Omaha.

Senior forward Chloe Baltoski put on a championship performance for the ages, erupting for a game-high 28 points on scorching 8-14 shooting from downtown to lead the Phoenix. The All-American added 10 rebounds, 5 offensive, to record a double-double on the biggest stage.

"This is a dream come true," said an emotional Baltoski amid the postgame celebration. "I can't even put into words what this means, to do this with this group that's been through so much together. It's everything we've worked for."

Baltoski's frontcourt partner Jaliyah Fortin was just as brilliant, contributing 15 points, 6 assists and relentless intensity on both ends. The former walk-on turned herself into a star through sheer grit and now walks off into the sunset a champion.

But the night, and season, belonged to transcendent point guard Adelyn Shelly. The Chicago native dazzled with 19 points and 11 assists in her collegiate finale, capping one of the greatest careers in recent memory.

"Adelyn Shelly is the best point guard I've ever coached," said Phoenix head coach Jacqueline Martin. "But more importantly, she's an incredible leader and the heart and soul of this team. She put us on her back time and again, and there's no one I'd rather go to battle with."

Green Bay put on an offensive clinic, shooting a blistering 53.8% from the field and 50% from three. The Phoenix's 18 made triples set a new NCAA Tournament record, breaking the previous mark of 16.

They needed every one of them against a gritty Tennessee squad that simply refused to go away. Junior point guard Dakota Foxworth poured in a team-high 20 points for the Vols, attacking the rim with abandon. But in the end, Green Bay simply had too much firepower.

The Phoenix led 49-41 after a back-and-forth first half and threatened to run away with it early in the third quarter. But Tennessee showed their mettle, cutting an 18-point deficit to just 7 with a furious rally spanning the end of the third and beginning of the fourth.

That's when Shelly and Baltoski took over. The dynamic duo combined for a 12-3 run to push the lead back to 16 and effectively put the game out of reach. Shelly whipped a behind-the-back pass to a streaking Baltoski for a layup and then buried a three of her own on the next possession, letting out a primal scream as the Phoenix bench erupted.

When the final horn sounded, Shelly leapt into Baltoski's arms at center court as the Green Bay faithful that made the 9-hour drive roared with delight. Four years of sweat, tears and heartbreak had built to this crowning moment.

"This is for every mid-major program that was ever told they couldn't do something," said a champagne-soaked Martin. "For every player who was overlooked or underestimated. We hope we showed that if you believe and work and fight, anything is possible."

Baltoski was named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, adding to a trophy case that now includes All-American and Academic All-American honors. Shelly, Fortin and sharpshooting guard Zoe Williams joined her on the NCAA All-Tournament Team.

The win caps a 37-2 season for the Phoenix, setting a new program record for victories. This team will go down as one of the greatest in the history of mid-major basketball, and has forever put the Green Bay program on the map.

"This moment, with this team, is something I'll cherish for the rest of my life," said Baltoski. "I can't wait to get back to Green Bay and share this with the best fans in the country."

They'll get their chance soon, as the team is scheduled to return to campus for a championship parade on Tuesday. For one night, Titletown belongs to the Phoenix.

Here is an article recapping the major national awards and postseason tournament results from the 1986-87 women's college basketball season:

Shelly, Martin Lead Postseason Honors as Green Bay Dominates Awards Circuit

After cutting down the nets in Omaha, the Green Bay Phoenix continued their historic season by claiming most of the major national awards.

Point guard Adelyn Shelly took home Player of the Year honors after a spectacular senior campaign. The Chicago native averaged 17.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game while leading the Phoenix to their first-ever national title. Her brilliant play throughout the NCAA Tournament, including 19 points and 11 assists in the championship game victory over Tennessee, cemented her case.

Joining Shelly on the All-American First Team were teammates Zoe Williams and Jaliyah Fortin. Williams, a senior sharpshooter, averaged 18.8 points while connecting on over 44% of her three-point attempts. Fortin did a little bit of everything, contributing 15.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists and tenacious defense.

Villanova's Mia Pardo and Wyoming's Emmalee Fitz Gerald rounded out the First Team at center and power forward respectively. St. Bonaventure, runners-up in the East Region, placed three players on the All-America squads: Savannah Weese (1st team), Samora Passenger (2nd team) and Kawanda Wheeler (2nd team).

On the sidelines, Green Bay's Jacqueline Martin was the runaway choice for Coach of the Year after guiding the Phoenix to a 37-2 record and the national championship. The former Florida State point guard has established herself as one of the brightest minds in the game.

Little Rock point guard Audrina Nichols took home Freshman of the Year honors after a stellar debut season. Nichols averaged 18.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game, establishing herself as one of the nation's most exciting young talents.

In the other postseason tournaments, Marshall topped USC to win the WNIT, giving the Thundering Herd their first postseason title of any kind. Auburn knocked off rival LSU to capture the WBIT crown, while Colgate defeated SE Missouri State in the WBI, a tournament intended to showcase mid-major programs.

But in the end, no one could steal the spotlight from Green Bay. With a star-studded roster, a brilliant young coach and now a national title in tow, the Phoenix have established themselves as the new gold standard in women's college basketball. As the program prepares to defend their championship in 1988, one thing is clear: the road to the Final Four now runs through Green Bay.

1986 OVERALL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SR PG Adelyn Shelly Green Bay 17.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 6.3 APG 0.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR PG Audrina Nichols Little Rock 18.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.0 APG 1.0 SPG, 0.0 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Jacqueline Martin Green Bay 37 - 2 (18 - 0)

All-league 1st Team:
C SR Mia Pardo Villanova 14.2 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.6 SPG, 2.5 BPG
PF SR Emmalee Fitz Gerald Wyoming 18.7 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 4.4 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.7 BPG
SF SR Savannah Weese St. Bonaventure 14.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
SG SR Zoe Williams Green Bay 18.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG SR Adelyn Shelly Green Bay 17.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 6.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SO Ava Todd Texas A&M 16.4 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.1 BPG
PF JR Elizabeth Stark North Carolina 12.3 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.7 BPG
SF SR Delaney Coleman UCLA 16.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SG SR Samora Passenger St. Bonaventure 16.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.1 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.0 BPG
PG SR Kawanda Wheeler St. Bonaventure 19.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-league 3rd Team:
C SR Abigail Yim Marquette 11.5 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
PF SR Avery Oster Baylor 11.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.3 BPG
SF SR Jaliyah Fortin Green Bay 15.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SG SR Angelica Ballard Austin Peay 16.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG SR Dakota Foxworth Tennessee 18.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.6 APG, 2.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Edith Charest USC 8.8 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PF FR Ava Harkins Nebraska 3.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.7 BPG
SF FR Rowan Sedillo Villanova 10.6 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SG FR Samantha Houlihan Auburn 11.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG FR Audrina Nichols Little Rock 18.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.0 BPG

Young Drachma

12-09-2024, 11:54 PM

Conference Carousel: Green Bay Weighs Historic Mountain West Opportunity
By Sarah Thompson
Women's Hoops Today

The college basketball landscape is shifting again, with Temple's move to the Atlantic 10 potentially just the prelude to an even bigger shake-up. The focus now turns to Green Bay, as the powerhouse Phoenix program weighs a potentially transformative offer from the newly formed Mountain West Conference.

The Mountain West, born from a dramatic restructuring that saw several programs break away from the Pac-16 (now Pac-12) and Wichita State's departure from the Big East, represents an intriguing blend of established success and fresh ambition. Utah State's Elite Eight run last season and Gonzaga's remarkable consistency (just one missed NCAA tournament since 1969) headline a conference hungry to make its mark.

For Green Bay, the decision isn't simple. Their current A-10 home boasts Dayton (fresh off a Sweet Sixteen appearance), tournament regular Temple (seven straight appearances including a 1982 Final Four), and Rhode Island, who made last year's First Four. But the Mountain West offers something different: a collection of strong football brands that could elevate Green Bay's entire athletic profile.

"While the distances are significant - Wichita State, at roughly 640 miles away, would be our closest Mountain West opponent - the opportunity to align with these football brands could be transformative for our entire institution," a Green Bay athletic department source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "The Big Ten isn't calling, and there's no midwestern conference that combines the basketball prestige we're seeking with the institutional profile we want."

The Mountain West's pursuit of Green Bay makes strategic sense. The upstart conference is seeking a basketball powerhouse to help establish its credentials in year one, and Green Bay's national championship pedigree fits the bill. For the Phoenix, playing in a league with strong football brands could help engage alumni at an even higher level and potentially benefit their men's program as well.

"Geography isn't the only consideration," our source continued. "We're looking at the total package - competitive level, institutional fit, and long-term stability. The Mountain West presents an intriguing combination of all three."

The decision carries historical weight. Green Bay has flourished in the A-10, building on their Horizon League success to become a perennial NCAA tournament team. Their 1986 national championship and consistent tournament appearances have established them as more than just a mid-major success story.

As conference realignment continues to reshape college athletics, Green Bay's decision could set a precedent for how successful basketball programs navigate an increasingly complex landscape. With strong options on both coasts, the Phoenix find themselves in an enviable position - but one that requires careful consideration of their long-term future.

The clock is ticking on this decision, and both conferences await Green Bay's choice. Whatever they decide could influence not just their program's future, but potentially how other basketball powerhouses approach conference alignment in an era where football often drives the conversation.

MoonlightGraham

12-10-2024, 07:56 AM

Young Drachma

12-10-2024, 12:29 PM

I just finished catching up with your dynasty. I'm enjoying the different ways you're telling the story.

Your NBA had some crazy high scorers in the 1970s, didn't it? It looks like the offense has toned down a bit in the 80s, however.

I'm going to enjoy following this one!

Yeah I've been tweaking the FBB.ini file to get this thing closer to what I like, right now I tell myself that a higher scoring women's game makes it a better product and how it's become more popular than men's basketball in this alternate history, but the college game I've actually tweaked downward. There's a weird balance in the game of not depressing star player scoring without making teams score 150+ regularly.

I'm still balancing it, I could see a future where scoring stays very down in the sub-100s but not yet.

Thanks for reading!

Young Drachma

12-10-2024, 04:49 PM

Far North Rising: Alaska's Basketball Revolution
By Denny Wallace
The Sporting News

The Western Athletic Conference's northernmost outpost is having a moment. The Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks, sitting atop the WAC with a 15-1 conference record, have transformed from Division I newcomers into legitimate conference powerhouses, while crafting one of college basketball's most unique success stories.

"People used to ask why we were in the WAC," says Athletic Director Sarah Walton. "Now they're asking how we built this program so quickly." The answer lies in a combination of strategic investment and an unlikely recruiting advantage that has turned the last frontier into a basketball destination.

The Nanooks have dominated the WAC this season, leading the conference in scoring margin (+6.4 points), rebounding margin (+4.2), and field goal percentage defense (39.9%). Their 25-6 record represents the program's best mark since joining Division I, a far cry from the team that won just two games in 1981.

What makes this success even more intriguing is that it's part of a larger basketball renaissance in Alaska. Their in-state rival, Alaska-Anchorage, has established themselves as a consistent competitor, making three straight postseason appearances before this season. The two Alaska schools have turned the WAC's northernmost games into must-watch basketball, creating what's quickly becoming one of the conference's most compelling rivalries.

"The Alaska schools bring something unique to the WAC," says conference commissioner James Martinez. "When Utah Valley or UT Arlington make that trip north, they know they're in for a different kind of challenge."

That challenge includes playing in the state-of-the-art Alaska Airlines Center, funded by oil revenue and passionate local benefactors who saw Division I hockey's success as a blueprint for basketball. The facility rivals many Power 5 programs, complete with specialized training equipment designed for sub-arctic conditions.

The Nanooks' roster reflects their unique recruiting approach. Senior Lainey Muliere, a Canadian sharpshooter leading the team with 14.5 points per game, anchors a lineup that includes 7-foot French forward Marthe Desesprechin (8.2 rebounds per game) and Australian wing Grace Gleeson. The international players have become the program's backbone, seemingly unfazed by the extreme conditions that might deter others.

"Our pitch is simple," says head coach Michelle Davidson. "Come be part of something unique. Play high-level basketball in one of the world's most beautiful places."

The strategy is working. The Nanooks' defensive efficiency leads the WAC, holding opponents to just 55.1 points per game. Their balanced offense, shooting an impressive 43.7% from the field, has proven particularly effective in conference play, where they've lost just once this season.

As the WAC continues to evolve, with Utah Valley (18-13) and UT Arlington (15-16) establishing themselves as regular contenders, Alaska Fairbanks has emerged as an unlikely standard-bearer for the conference. Their success, along with Anchorage's steady improvement, has created a new power base in college basketball's northernmost frontier.

"Five years ago, people thought Alaska was too far, too cold, too difficult," says Davidson. "Now they're seeing what we've always known – you can build something special anywhere if you have the right vision and the right people."

As the northern lights dance above the Alaska Airlines Center, that vision has never been clearer. The Nanooks aren't just winning games; they're redefining what's possible in college basketball's most remote outpost.

Young Drachma

12-10-2024, 04:54 PM

The Architect: Jacqueline Martin's Quest for Another Title
By Gia Rogers
Basketball Times Special Feature

When Jacqueline Martin arrived at Kansas before the 1987-88 season, eyebrows raised across women's college basketball. Why would the architect of Green Bay's national championship team leave a program she had built into a powerhouse? The answer became clear as the Jayhawks stormed to the national title game in her first season.

"Some people thought I was crazy to leave after winning it all," Martin reflects, sitting in her office adorned with memorabilia from both her Green Bay and Kansas tenure. "But I saw something special brewing in Lawrence."

That vision has already proven prescient. In their first season in the newly-expanded Big Ten, Martin's Jayhawks have claimed the conference title with a 17-3 mark, earning the top seed in the Midwest Region as they seek redemption for last year's championship game loss to Cincinnati.

Martin's journey to the top of college basketball has been anything but conventional. After cutting her teeth as an assistant at Ohio and Southeastern Louisiana, she joined Kansas' staff during their 1978 national championship run. That taste of success would shape her coaching philosophy.

"Those early years at Kansas showed me what it takes to build a championship culture," says Martin, who served as lead scout during the Jayhawks' title season. "When I got my shot at Georgia State, I knew exactly what I wanted to build."

After three seasons of steady improvement at Georgia State, Martin took the Green Bay job in 1984 and transformed the program almost overnight. Three straight deep NCAA tournament runs culminated in the 1986 national championship, as the Phoenix stunned Tennessee 93-77 in the title game.

But Kansas called again, and Martin couldn't resist the opportunity to return to Lawrence as head coach. Her impact was immediate: the Jayhawks went 33-5 last season, falling just short against Cincinnati in the national championship game.

Now in their new Big Ten home, Kansas has continued to thrive. Their 27-5 record and No. 2 national ranking speak to Martin's ability to adapt her system to new challenges. The conference move has only seemed to energize her program, as the Jayhawks have dominated a league that features six ranked teams.

"Coach Martin brings an intensity to everything we do," says senior point guard Michelle Carter. "She's been to the mountaintop before, and she makes us believe we can get there too."

At 47, Martin has already assembled a resume that many coaches would envy: a 217-65 career record, a national championship, and numerous coach of the year honors. But it's the one that got away last season that drives her now.

"Losing in the championship game stays with you," Martin admits. "But it also teaches you. This team has learned from that experience, and we're better for it."

As Kansas enters the NCAA tournament, they carry the weight of expectations that comes with being a one-seed. But Martin has been here before - both as an assistant during the 1978 championship run and as the head coach of Green Bay's title team. That experience could prove invaluable in the weeks ahead.

"Every championship journey is different," Martin says, glancing at the 1986 Green Bay championship banner hanging in her office. "But they all require the same things: talent, preparation, and belief. This team has all three."

For Martin and Kansas, the road to redemption begins now. And if history is any indication, betting against Jacqueline Martin in March might not be wise.

Young Drachma

12-10-2024, 08:17 PM

1989 NCAA Women's Tournament Preview: Powerhouses and Cinderellas Collide

The brackets are set for March Madness, with several compelling storylines emerging across all four regions. Let's break down the key matchups and potential paths to the Final Four.

Midwest Region: Kansas Leads the Way
Top-seeded Kansas (27-5) begins their redemption tour after last year's championship game loss, drawing the winner of a play-in game in their opener. The Jayhawks, in their first season in the Big Ten, face a potentially tricky second-round matchup against either Oakland or #9 Houston. Fifth-seeded Green Bay (26-6), fresh off joining the Mountain West, could face #4 Marquette in the second round, setting up a potential Sweet Sixteen clash with Kansas.

West Region: Texas Takes Top Billing
#1 Texas (29-4) leads a loaded region that includes #2 Michigan (23-8) and #3 Virginia. The Longhorns open against Northern Colorado, while a fascinating 8/9 matchup pits Georgetown against Georgia Tech. Kansas State (25-8) earned a 5-seed and could face Michigan in the second round.

South Region: Battle-Tested North Carolina
North Carolina (27-6) earned the top seed and faces Florida A&M in the opening round. Second-seeded Wisconsin (23-10) lurks on the bottom half of the bracket, while #3 Florida State (25-7) could face a challenging second-round game against either Butler or Arizona.

East Region: Villanova Heads Strong Field
Villanova (27-6) leads a region that includes #2 Tennessee (25-7) and #3 Purdue (21-9). The bracket features several interesting mid-majors, including Temple (25-8) as a 7-seed and Charleston (23-10) as an 11-seed.

Notable Storylines
- Alaska (25-6) seeking their first-ever NCAA tournament bid, missing out on an at-large bid after losing to Utah Valley in the WAC title game, despite their impressive record due to a weak strength of schedule (241st nationally). They'll hope for a redemptive run in the WNIT.

- Green Bay, after their move to the Mountain West, continues their tournament streak. Their potential Sweet Sixteen matchup with Kansas and their former coach, could be one of the tournament's most anticipated games.

- The Big Ten flexes its muscles with eight teams in the field, led by #1 seed Kansas and including Wisconsin, Michigan, Purdue, Penn State, Minnesota, Iowa, and Maryland.

The tournament tips off March 16 with First Four action across all four regions, culminating in the Final Four two weeks later.

Young Drachma

12-10-2024, 08:30 PM

1984 NBA Season Summary Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM of the Year: Reina Sieres Lynx
Coach of the Year: Elissa Kara Lynx

Most Valuable Player: PG Abagail Tyus Vixens 40.1 5.6 5.7 2.4 0.5
Rookie of the Year: PG Haylee Klein Wings 29.0 2.7 6.5 1.5 0.3
Defender of the Year: PG Marianna Larson Zeniths 34.2 3.2 4.8 4.4 0.6
6th Man of the Year: SG Marissa Miele Mercury 20.9 3.3 5.7 1.6 0.2
Most Improved Player: SG Celeste Bryant Ospreys 28.5 4.3 7.0 1.1 0.1

All-League 1st Team: C Bailee Espinal Monarchs 22.3 7.2 2.8 1.0 1.2
All-League 1st Team: F Angel Beer Talons 27.6 5.2 7.9 3.5 0.2
All-League 1st Team: F Genesis Legg Lynx 25.9 4.3 5.1 0.6 1.9
All-League 1st Team: G Abagail Tyus Vixens 40.1 5.6 5.7 2.4 0.5
All-League 1st Team: G Marianna Larson Zeniths 34.2 3.2 4.8 4.4 0.6

All-League 2nd Team: C Jazlynn May Rockers 22.6 6.7 2.1 0.9 0.3
All-League 2nd Team: F Karen Hill Rockers 22.7 6.6 3.7 2.3 0.1
All-League 2nd Team: F Ella Montoya Sparks 23.2 7.0 2.6 1.7 1.8
All-League 2nd Team: G Mia Evans Miracle 30.4 4.7 7.3 4.3 0.2
All-League 2nd Team: G Mckinley Rager Lynx 29.9 7.0 6.0 3.5 1.2

All-League 3rd Team: C Imani Choi Shock 20.0 5.8 1.8 1.7 0.4
All-League 3rd Team: F Bella Reilly Storm 22.6 4.9 3.5 2.0 0.8
All-League 3rd Team: F Klementina Zhitnik Sky 19.0 8.1 8.2 3.4 0.7
All-League 3rd Team: G Adrianna Malcom Sirens 33.6 5.5 6.5 2.9 0.6
All-League 3rd Team: G Molly Baltoski Zeniths 26.8 6.9 8.1 2.4 0.5

All-Defense 1st Team: C Jayla Wilson Valkyries 8.2 4.5 2.4 1.6 1.9
All-Defense 1st Team: F Klementina Zhitnik Sky 19.0 8.1 8.2 3.4 0.7
All-Defense 1st Team: F Madeline Rimmer Aces 15.5 8.1 4.0 3.0 0.6
All-Defense 1st Team: G Marianna Larson Zeniths 34.2 3.2 4.8 4.4 0.6
All-Defense 1st Team: G Mia Evans Miracle 30.4 4.7 7.3 4.3 0.2

All-Defense 2nd Team: C Anna McKenzie Fever 9.1 6.3 3.8 2.1 1.4
All-Defense 2nd Team: F Angel Beer Talons 27.6 5.2 7.9 3.5 0.2
All-Defense 2nd Team: F Makena Villarreal Monarchs 13.3 7.5 4.3 3.1 0.3
All-Defense 2nd Team: G Mckinley Rager Lynx 29.9 7.0 6.0 3.5 1.2
All-Defense 2nd Team: G Olivia Emery Charms 28.7 3.3 8.1 4.0 0.5

All-Rookie 1st Team: C Willow McCusker Tempo 13.9 7.1 1.6 1.2 2.1
All-Rookie 1st Team: F Ashley Sanborn Finches 17.4 4.6 1.9 1.5 0.3
All-Rookie 1st Team: F Charlotte Weldon Ospreys 15.8 4.0 3.9 1.6 0.1
All-Rookie 1st Team: G Haylee Klein Wings 29.0 2.7 6.5 1.5 0.3
All-Rookie 1st Team: G Natalie Heinrich Comets 26.1 4.7 6.3 2.8 0.2

All-Rookie 2nd Team: C Zana Sanchez Sky 10.0 4.4 1.8 0.9 0.3
All-Rookie 2nd Team: F Shyla Ramos Lynx 9.9 4.1 3.8 1.6 0.3
All-Rookie 2nd Team: F Kyla Garnett Miracle 11.2 5.7 2.3 0.6 0.7
All-Rookie 2nd Team: G Monique Tibreghien Rockers 20.6 3.4 5.1 0.7 0.3
All-Rookie 2nd Team: G Katelynn Theisen Mystics 15.0 2.6 4.9 1.2 0.1

1984 WNBA Playoff Preview: Star Power Takes Center Stage
The NBA playoffs begin with MVP Abagail Tyus and the dominant Dakota Zeniths leading a field filled with compelling individual matchups and emerging stars.

Eastern Conference First Round
#1 Indiana Fever vs #8 Philadelphia Belles
The Fever are powered by dynamic point guard Lauryn Falk (25.7 PPG, 9.6 APG). Philadelphia counters with Ashley Barbee (18.8 PPG, 10.0 APG) orchestrating an offense that emphasizes ball movement.
#4 New York Liberty vs #5 Miami Sirens
A fascinating guard matchup pits Adrianna Malcom (33.6 PPG, 6.5 APG) of the Sirens against Liberty's deep backcourt featuring S. Collins (26.0 PPG, 8.1 APG). Miami's explosive scoring could be the difference.
#2 Minnesota Lynx vs #7 Detroit Shock
Minnesota features the versatile Mckinley Rager (29.9 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 6.0 APG), whose two-way excellence earned All-Defense honors. Joy Fries (27.2 PPG, 8.0 APG) leads Detroit's offense.
#3 Orlando Miracle vs #6 Washington Mystics
Mia Evans (30.4 PPG, 7.3 APG, 4.3 SPG) powers Orlando's attack and earned All-Defense First Team honors. She'll face off against B. Vasquez (26.7 PPG, 9.2 APG) in what could be the most exciting guard matchup of the first round.

Western Conference First Round
#1 Dakota Zeniths vs #8 Dallas Wings
League MVP Abagail Tyus (40.1 PPG, 5.7 APG) leads Dakota alongside Defender of the Year Marianna Larson (34.2 PPG, 4.4 SPG). They'll face Rookie of the Year Haylee Klein (29.0 PPG, 6.5 APG).
#4 Vancouver Vixens vs #5 Chicago Sky
The explosive guard matchup features Sky's K. Zhitnik (19.0 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 8.2 APG, 3.4 SPG) against Vixens' scoring leader Abagail Tyus (40.1 PPG). Vancouver's home court advantage could prove crucial.
#2 Los Angeles Sparks vs #7 Las Vegas Aces
The Sparks rely on the inside-out combo of Ella Montoya (23.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG) and Madison Winder (25.3 PPG). Vegas counters with Emily Howell (29.1 PPG, 6.2 APG) and 6th Woman of the Year Marissa Miele (20.9 PPG).
#3 Portland Talons vs #6 Chicago Brigade
All-League selection Angel Beer (27.6 PPG, 7.9 APG) leads Portland against the Brigade's defense-first approach.

Key Players to Watch

Abagail Tyus (Dakota): The league's most unstoppable scorer averaged 40.1 PPG
Marianna Larson (Dakota): Elite two-way play with 34.2 PPG and league-best 4.4 SPG
Angel Beer (Portland): Made All-League First Team with complete offensive arsenal
Mia Evans (Orlando): All-Defense selection who can take over games on both ends
Mckinley Rager (Minnesota): Versatile star who fills every column of the stat sheet
K. Zhitnik (Chicago): Triple-double threat making the Sky dangerous as a 5-seed

X-Factors

Molly Baltoski (Dakota): Near triple-double threat (26.8 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 8.1 APG)
Adrianna Malcom (Miami): Could swing the 4-5 matchup with her scoring prowess
Haylee Klein (Dallas): Rookie of the Year looking to make postseason statement

Young Drachma

12-10-2024, 08:46 PM

Underdogs Shine in NBA Playoff First Round
By Bryce Addams, The Sporting News

In a first round filled with surprises, the biggest shock came in the East as the Philadelphia Belles continued their postseason magic, stunning the top-seeded Indiana Fever in seven games despite entering as heavy underdogs.

Philadelphia's Joelle Schell (31.9 PPG, 7.7 APG) orchestrated a masterful series, outdueling Indiana's Lauryn Falk (26.1 PPG, 10.7 APG) in crucial moments. The Belles' Ashley Barbee's playmaking (11.3 APG) proved crucial, while veteran Maddy Kellogg (25.3 PPG) provided clutch scoring throughout the series.

"Sometimes the regular season record doesn't tell the whole story," said Belles coach Sarah Thompson. "This team knows how to win in April."

The upset continues a frustrating pattern for Indiana, who have yet to advance past the first round since 1969 despite building what appeared to be their strongest team in years. Shaniya Fite's impressive series (26.0 PPG, 7.1 RPG) wasn't enough to prevent another early exit.

In another significant upset, Miami rode Adrianna Malcom's explosive performance (29.3 PPG, 5.2 SPG) to eliminate the Liberty in six games. Sam Collins provided exceptional support with 29.5 PPG and 10.5 APG, consistently finding ways to break down New York's defense.

Elsewhere, the Dakota Zeniths looked every bit the title favorite, sweeping Dallas behind the devastating duo of Marianna Larson (32.0 PPG, 6.0 APG) and Molly Baltoski (30.3 PPG, 7.8 APG). The Rookie of the Year Haylee Klein's challenging series (23.0 PPG, 6.5 TO/G) showed the learning curve of playoff basketball.

Vancouver survived a seven-game thriller against Chicago, with Abagail Tyus averaging 35.9 PPG despite intense defensive pressure. The Los Angeles Sparks made quick work of Las Vegas, even as Emily Howell put up impressive numbers (36.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG) in defeat.

The conference semifinals are now set, with all eyes on the Dakota-Vancouver matchup featuring two of the league's most explosive offenses. Miami's Cinderella run continues against Philadelphia, while Minnesota looks to capitalize on their momentum against Orlando.

Young Drachma

12-10-2024, 08:59 PM

Dynasty in the Making: Zeniths Set to Defend Crown Against Orlando
By Jim Peterson
Argus Leader Sports
The numbers tell an incredible story: 76 wins, just 6 losses, a near-perfect 40-1 record at home. But for the Dakota Zeniths, the most important number is still ahead – a second straight championship.

"What this team has accomplished is remarkable, but we're not done yet," said Zeniths head coach following yesterday's practice at the Sioux Falls Arena.

"Orlando's a talented team, but we believe we can play even better basketball."
The statistics back up that confidence. The Zeniths enter the Finals averaging a league-best 125.4 points per game while holding opponents to just 104 points – a staggering 21.4-point differential that speaks to their dominance on both ends of the floor.

Defender of the Year Marianna Larson has elevated her game even further in the playoffs, averaging 38.1 points and 4.5 steals while shooting a blistering percentage from the field. Her backcourt partnership with Molly Baltoski (24.3 points, 8.3 assists in playoffs) has been nearly unstoppable.

"Marianna and Molly have such great chemistry," said teammate Liana Parker, who's contributing 12.9 points and 8.1 assists per game in the postseason. "When they're clicking like this, I don't think there's a backcourt in the league that can match them."

The Miracle, led by dynamic guard Mia Evans (29.2 playoff PPG), earned their Finals berth the hard way, surviving seven-game battles with both Minnesota and Miami. While Orlando boasts an efficient offense (120.5 PPG), they'll face a Zeniths defense that's been suffocating all season, forcing nearly 25 turnovers per game.

"Home court advantage will be huge," said Zeniths GM Abigail Spence, architect of this potential dynasty. "Our fans have been incredible all season, and we know they'll bring that same energy for the Finals."

The Zeniths' path back to the Finals included a five-game dismissal of Vancouver followed by an equally impressive five-game victory over a strong Los Angeles Sparks team in the Western Conference Finals. The team appears to be peaking at the perfect time, with their trademark ball movement (33.0 assists per game) and defensive intensity showing no signs of slowing down.

For the basketball fans of South Dakota, this Finals appearance represents more than just a chance at another title – it's further validation of Sioux Falls as a major league city. The Zeniths have captured the imagination of the entire state, regularly selling out the arena and drawing viewers from across the region.

Young Drachma

12-10-2024, 09:02 PM

Zeniths Take Command with Dominant Opening Games
By Jim Peterson
Argus Leader Sports

The Dakota Zeniths have made a emphatic statement in the NBA Finals, taking a 2-0 series lead over the Orlando Miracle with a pair of convincing victories at the Sioux Falls Arena.

In Thursday's opener, the Zeniths showcased their offensive firepower in a 136-104 victory before a raucous crowd of 13,539. The defending champions jumped out to a 42-22 first quarter lead and never looked back, with Marianna Larson leading all scorers with 38 points. Molly Baltoski added 33 points and five assists, while Liana Parker orchestrated the offense with 13 assists.

Game 2 on Saturday night followed a similar script, as Dakota pulled away for a 124-97 win. Larson was simply unstoppable, pouring in 42 points on 17-of-27 shooting including six three-pointers. The Defender of the Year also added three steals and showed why she's considered the league's most complete player.

"When Marianna gets in that zone, there's really nothing any defense can do," said Zeniths head coach after Game 2. "She's seeing the floor so well and making all the right decisions."

The Miracle, despite strong performances from Alexa Braithwaite (27 points in Game 1, 18 in Game 2), have struggled to keep pace with Dakota's efficient offense. The Zeniths shot 57.4% in the opener and 55.7% in Game 2, overwhelming Orlando with their trademark ball movement and three-point shooting.

Perhaps most impressive has been Dakota's defensive effort, holding a Miracle team that averaged 120.5 points during the regular season to just 100.5 points per game in the series. Emma Simon has controlled the paint with 16 rebounds over the two games, while Parker's presence on the perimeter has disrupted Orlando's rhythm.

"We know the series isn't over," cautioned Parker, who has 26 assists in the two games. "But we feel good about how we're playing right now."

The series now shifts to Orlando for Games 3 and 4, where the Miracle posted a strong 30-11 regular season record. However, with the way the Zeniths are playing – and the devastating efficiency of Larson – Dakota appears poised to bring a second straight championship trophy back to South Dakota.

Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday night in Orlando.

Young Drachma

12-10-2024, 09:11 PM

BACK-TO-BACK! Zeniths Clinch Championship in Orlando
By Jim Peterson
Argus Leader Sports

ORLANDO - The greatest season in Dakota Zeniths history now has its perfect ending.

Behind another stellar performance from Finals MVP Marianna Larson (46 points), the Zeniths claimed their second straight NBA championship with a 115-102 victory over the Orlando Miracle in Game 5 at the O-Rena.

"This team has accomplished something truly special," said Zeniths head coach in the champagne-soaked locker room. "Seventy-six wins in the regular season and now back-to-back titles. These players have cemented their place in basketball history."

The clinching victory showcased everything that made this Zeniths team special. Larson's offensive brilliance, Molly Baltoski's all-around game (27 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists), and Liana Parker's playmaking (16 assists) overwhelmed the Miracle, who fought valiantly on their home court.

Emma Simon, often overlooked amid the Zeniths' backcourt stars, delivered a crucial 20-point, 9-rebound performance in the clincher. The Zeniths shot a blistering 58% from the field and knocked down 10 three-pointers.

"We wanted to finish it here," said Larson, who averaged over 42 points in the final three games of the series. "Even though we couldn't celebrate with our amazing fans back home, we knew we had to seize this opportunity."

The championship caps a season that saw the Zeniths set a league record with 76 regular season wins and go 41-1 at home. Their playoff run included series victories over Vancouver and Los Angeles before dispatching Orlando in five games.

"This is for everyone back in Sioux Falls and all of South Dakota," said Parker amid the celebration. "The support we've received all season has been incredible. We can't wait to bring this trophy home."

The Zeniths become the first repeat champions since the 1969-70 Chicago Sky opened the league with back-to-back titles.

A championship parade is scheduled for Friday afternoon in downtown Sioux Falls, where the team will celebrate.

Young Drachma

12-10-2024, 09:23 PM

HALL OF FAME AS OF 1984

Name Pos Retired Points Rebounds Assists Steals Blocks
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ella Tiller SG 1984 23506 5531 10246 2230 322
Katrina Grove PG 1984 28558 3981 9964 3049 361
Aubree Alger SF 1983 29014 5382 3846 3069 924
Ella Word SF 1983 28382 7816 3883 1437 418
Kirsten Park PG 1983 18115 2104 6392 1878 90
Lubov Morozov SG 1983 19096 2941 5258 1432 141
Sloane Mowery PG 1983 21137 2353 3301 1988 281
Adelyn Dorr PG 1982 19813 2092 7269 1798 201
Angeline Rowe PG 1982 28706 2384 7221 2182 297
Erica Lenoir PG 1982 26860 4938 8641 2196 515
Helena Cosme SG 1982 23567 4250 7152 2624 187
Kinley Anderson SF 1982 12516 7701 5293 1255 807
Raelyn Hungerford SF 1982 17574 4392 3079 2667 1113
Abril Borowski PG 1981 27805 2949 5325 2336 280
Amelia Lewis SF 1981 16113 5921 4721 2152 810
Ava Garibay SG 1981 21900 5700 9402 1191 277
Hallie Palmer SG 1981 27436 3984 3977 2083 198
Olivia Phillips PG 1981 21112 2586 3770 955 107
Priscilla Tennant SG 1981 19550 2819 2360 1244 104
Peyton Fellers SF 1980 19729 4171 4641 987 843
Alexis Hoffman PG 1978 19028 2275 4677 1229 242
Lily Miller SG 1978 22691 3384 2629 2153 110
Chloe Strain PG 1977 17935 2019 3023 730 256
Riya Walker PG 1977 21110 2878 7288 2374 282
Victoria Andrews SF 1977 13629 2909 2851 833 532
Yasmin Pepper PG 1977 19029 3831 3855 1720 149

Young Drachma

12-11-2024, 03:14 PM

The WNBA Playoffs Are Here: Can Anyone Stop the Dakota Zeniths' Three-Peat Bid?
By Laura Jahnke
April 16, 1986

As the 1985-86 WNBA regular season comes to a close, all eyes are on the two-time defending champion Dakota Zeniths as they look to make history with a third consecutive title. After relocating from San Antonio to Sioux Falls three years ago, the Zeniths have established themselves as a bona fide dynasty, winning 71 games this season to clinch the league's best record yet again.
Leading the charge is superstar point guard Marianna Larson, who somehow elevated her game to even greater heights this year.

The electrifying floor general averaged a league-best 38.8 points per game to go with 5.3 assists and 3.6 steals, making her the clear frontrunner for her second MVP award. Larson's blazing speed, uncanny court vision, and improved three-point stroke make her virtually unguardable.

But the Zeniths are far from a one-woman show. Shooting guard Ariel Wilcher provides a lethal secondary scoring punch, pouring in 20.3 points per game in just her second season out of UConn. In the frontcourt, veteran center Bailee Espinal anchors the defense with her rebounding and shot-blocking prowess. As a team, Dakota led the WNBA in scoring (124.9 ppg), assists (32.1), and point differential (+19.2) - a truly dominant squad on both ends.

So who has the best chance of dethroning this juggernaut? The most likely challenger resides in the Eastern Conference in Abagail Tyus and the Miami Sirens. Tyus, the presumptive runner-up in the MVP race, stuffed the stat sheet with 38.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists a night. Her individual brilliance propelled the Sirens to a 63-19 record, best in the East. If anyone can go toe-to-toe with Larson, it's the dynamic Tyus.

Out West, the Minnesota Lynx emerged as the cream of a loaded crop. Led by the high-scoring trio of McKinley Rager, Genesis Legg and Imani Choi, the Lynx finished 62-20 and secured the top seed. They'll face a tough test right off the bat though, as they drew the 8th-seeded but supremely talented Los Angeles Sparks in Round 1. MVP candidate Emily Howell (33.2 ppg, 5.1 apg) makes LA a threat to pull off the upset.

The dark horse pick might be the Washington Mystics, who quietly won 51 games in the ultracompetitive Southeast Division. Point guard Braelynn Vasquez is the engine that makes the Mystics go, dishing out 8.2 assists a game, many of them to sweet-shooting off guard Madison Winder. If that duo gets hot at the right time, watch out.

Other players to keep an eye on this postseason: the Liberty's Lauryn Falk, who led the league in assists (8.7) in just her second year; Chicago's Kristina Zhitnik, an absolute menace on both ends (19.4 ppg, 8.5 apg, 3.8 spg); and Houston's Natalie Heinrich, perhaps the best pure distributor in the game (6.8 apg).
But until someone knocks them off, the road to the title still runs through Dakota. Larson and company have their sights set on securing a place in the history books alongside the great dynasties in sports. With the way they've dominated the last three regular seasons, it's hard to bet against the Zeniths raising the trophy yet again under the bright lights of Sioux Falls.

The playoffs tip off Thursday night with four tantalizing first round matchups: Detroit vs Indiana, Seattle vs Liberty, New York vs Chicago, and Phoenix vs Miracle.

By the end of the month, we'll know if the Dakota dynasty lives on, or if a new power will rise to claim the 1986 WNBA crown. Buckle up - it's going to be one heck of a ride.

Young Drachma

12-11-2024, 04:02 PM

1985-86 NBA PLAYOFFS

FIRST ROUND
Zeniths def. Comets 4-0
Tempo def. Talons 4-1
Sparks def. Brigade 4-1
Aces def. Vixens 4-3

Liberty def. Sirens 4-2
Miracle def. Charms 4-1
Sting def. Lynx 4-2
Fever def. Mystics 4-2

SECOND ROUND
Zeniths def. Tempo 4-0
Sparks def. Aces 4-2
Miracle def. Liberty 4-3
Fever def. Sting 4-2

CONFERENCE FINALS
Dakota vs. Los Angeles
Orlando vs. Indiana

Western Conference Finals: #1 Dakota Zeniths vs #2 Los Angeles Sparks
The two-time defending champion Zeniths look to continue their dynasty against a hungry Sparks squad making their second straight Conference Finals appearance. Dakota swept Los Angeles in last year's playoffs en route to the title.

Dakota is led by the incredible Marianna Larson, who stuffed the stat sheet this season with 38.8 points, 5.3 assists and 3.6 steals per game. She has a strong supporting cast featuring sharpshooter Molly Baltoski (26.2 ppg) and veteran playmaker Liana Parker. The Zeniths are a machine on both ends, leading the league in scoring (124.9 ppg) and assists (32.1 apg).

The Sparks counter with their own dynamic duo in the backcourt. Allison Hughes (26.8 ppg, 7.6 apg) is a nightly triple-double threat, while Madison Winder pours in 26.2 points per game. Los Angeles also boasts a formidable frontcourt with double-double machine Ella Montoya and steady Bella Reilly.

However, Winder's health is a major question mark after she suffered an injury late in the semifinals. If she's limited or out, that's a huge blow to LA's upset chances. The Zeniths have to be considered the prohibitive favorites to reach their third straight Finals.

Prediction: Dakota wins 4-1

Eastern Conference Finals: #6 Indiana Fever vs #5 Orlando Miracle
In a stunning turn of events, all of the top seeds in the East fell in the first round, setting up an improbable Conference Finals showdown between the 6th-seeded Fever and 5th-seeded Miracle. Both teams are in uncharted territory - Indiana is making its first ever Conference Finals appearance, while Orlando is back for the second straight year after a NBA Finals loss in 1985.

The Fever have ridden the spectacular play of guards Chloe Kowalczyk (31.2 ppg) and Lauryn Falk (28.8 ppg, 8.7 apg) to reach heights never before seen in franchise history. That dynamic duo, along with versatile forward Shaniya Fite (22.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg), have Indiana dreaming of a Finals berth.

Orlando, meanwhile, is driven by the bitter taste of last year's championship round defeat. They're led by do-it-all shooting guard Mia Evans, who averaged 27.0 points, 7.0 assists and 4.7 steals per game this season. Alexa Braithwaite is a force on the wing, contributing 25.9 points and 6.8 rebounds a night.

However, the Miracle have been bitten by the injury bug at the worst possible time. Both Braithwaite and starting point guard Julie Carrico went down in the semifinals, and their statuses for this series are uncertain. If either or both can't go or are limited, it's a massive blow to Orlando's chances.

Ultimately, the Fever's magical run feels destined to continue. With Kowalczyk and Falk leading the charge and the Miracle hindered by injuries, Indiana has to be considered the favorite to improbably reach the WNBA Finals.

Prediction: Indiana wins 4-2

Young Drachma

12-11-2024, 04:08 PM

Dakota Zeniths vs Indiana Fever: Dynasty vs. Destiny
The WNBA Finals are set, and it's a matchup of contrasting identities. The Dakota Zeniths are on the precipice of history, aiming to become the first team to ever three-peat. Standing in their way is the Indiana Fever, a franchise making its first ever Finals appearance.

The Zeniths have been a juggernaut all postseason, sweeping the Sparks in the Western Conference Finals behind the superstar play of Marianna Larson. The electric point guard is averaging a staggering 37.2 points, 5.5 steals and 4.4 assists per game in the playoffs while shooting over 50% from the field. She's the engine that makes Dakota go.

But Larson has plenty of help. Forward Molly Baltoski is putting up 26.2 points and 6.1 rebounds a night, providing a dynamic second option. Veteran shooting guard Liana Parker (13.5 ppg, 8.2 apg) remains a steadying presence, while Emma Simon anchors the paint defensively. The Zeniths are outscoring opponents by over 15 points per game in the postseason.

Indiana, meanwhile, has been the Cinderella story of the playoffs. After knocking off the 3-seed Mystics in the first round and 7-seed Sting in the semis, the Fever beat out the defending eastern conference champs, the 5th-seeded Miracle in the Eastern Conference Finals. Their run has been powered by the sensational backcourt duo of Chloe Kowalczyk and Lauryn Falk.

Kowalczyk is averaging 27.7 points per game in the playoffs, but it's her running mate Falk who has stolen the show. The third-year point guard is stuffing the stat sheet to the tune of 27.7 points, 11.0 assists and 5.3 rebounds a night. Her court vision and playmaking ability have been the catalyst for Indiana's surge.

The Fever also boast a pair of young stars in the frontcourt in Shaniya Fite (22.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg) and Gabriella Vaden (11.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg). Veterans Anna McKenzie and Alexis Cade provide valuable experience and production. As a team, Indiana is averaging a whopping 118.6 points per game in the playoffs.
So who has the edge? The Zeniths have to be considered the favorites based on their pedigree and the otherworldly play of Larson. They've been on this stage before and know what it takes to close the deal. Plus, they have home court advantage and the best net rating of any team all season.

But Indiana is playing with house money and a fearlessness that makes them extremely dangerous. If Falk and Kowalczyk stay hot and the supporting cast contributes, the Fever are more than capable of pulling off the upset. They'll need to find a way to at least slow down Larson, likely by using a rotation of athletic wings to make her work for every bucket.

Ultimately, the Zeniths' depth and defense should prove too much over a long series. Larson is playing at a level rarely seen in the history of the sport, and Dakota's championship experience is invaluable this time of year. The guess here is the Zeniths make history and complete the three-peat, but not without a valiant fight from the Fever.

Prediction: Dakota wins 4-2

Regardless of the outcome, this WNBA Finals has all the makings of an instant classic. Will the Zeniths' dynasty endure, or will Indiana complete their Cinderella run in stunning fashion? The basketball world will be watching intently to find out.

Young Drachma

12-11-2024, 04:18 PM

ZENITHS HIT THEIR APEX, TAKE 2-0 LEAD IN NBA FINALS

The Dakota Zeniths took a commanding 2-0 lead in the 1985-86 NBA Finals with a pair of dominant performances on their home court, defeating the Indiana Fever 113-94 in Game 1 and 138-111 in Game 2.

In the series opener, it was the Marianna Larson show yet again. The presumptive MVP poured in 30 points to go with 12 rebounds and 9 assists, falling just shy of a triple-double. She got plenty of help from her supporting cast, with Molly Baltoski adding 12 points and Liana Parker chipping in 17.

The Fever hung tough for a half behind 21 points from Chloe Kowalczyk and a near double-double from Anna McKenzie (6 points, 9 rebounds). But Dakota's depth and firepower proved too much, as they outscored Indiana 59-40 after intermission to cruise to the 19-point victory.

Game 2 was an even more lopsided affair. The Zeniths came out scorching hot, putting up 42 points in the first quarter en route to a Finals record 138 for the game. Larson was sensational again with 37 points, while the sharpshooting Chloe Black came off the bench to drain 7 threes and score 21.

Five Zeniths scored in double figures, with the starting frontcourt of Emma Simon, Anika Jones and Molly Baltoski combining for 69 points and 19 rebounds. Dakota shot a blistering 65.7% from the field and 50% from three as a team.

For Indiana, Kowalczyk topped the box score again with 29 points. Alexis Cade had a strong game with 9 points and 8 rebounds, while Shaniya Fite added 13. But the Fever simply had no answer defensively for the Zeniths' onslaught.

Now the series shifts back to Indiana for Games 3 and 4, where the Fever will be fighting for their playoff lives. No team has ever come back from a 2-0 deficit in the WNBA Finals, but the Fever have been defying the odds throughout their Cinderella postseason run.

To have any chance of getting back in this series, Indiana is going to need huge performances from Kowalczyk and Lauryn Falk, who was uncharacteristically quiet in the first two games. The Fever also must find a way to slow down Larson, perhaps by throwing more double teams her way and forcing other Zeniths to beat them.

But based on what we saw in Sioux Falls, Dakota looks poised to complete the first three-peat in WNBA history. Larson is making a strong case as the greatest player the sport has ever seen, and the Zeniths are firing on all cylinders at both ends. Indiana will surely play with desperation back on their home floor, but it may not be enough to derail this Dakota dynasty.

The Fever will aim to make things interesting as the Finals continue in Indianapolis. But through two games, the Zeniths are overpowering them with sheer talent and making their bid to rewrite the record books look more inevitable by the day.

---
FEVER PITCH: INDIANA FIGHTS BACK IN GAME 3
The Indiana Fever showed tremendous resilience in Games 3 and 4, evening up the NBA Finals at two games apiece with a pair of thrilling victories on their home floor.

In Game 3, the Fever outlasted the Zeniths 128-123 in a high-scoring affair. Chloe Kowalczyk erupted for 42 points to lead Indiana, while Lauryn Falk stuffed the stat sheet with 18 points, 12 assists and 6 rebounds. The dynamic backcourt duo combined for 54 of Indiana's 84 points after intermission as they rallied from a 16-point second half deficit.

Kowalczyk was particularly brilliant down the stretch, scoring 15 points in the final frame including a clutch three-pointer with under a minute left that put the Fever ahead for good. Indiana also got strong contributions from Shaniya Fite (18 points) and Anna McKenzie (17 points, 7 rebounds).

Marianna Larson was her usual dominant self for Dakota with 54 points, 11 assists and 9 rebounds in defeat. Emma Simon and Liana Parker chipped in 13 and 9 respectively. But the Zeniths couldn't contain Kowalczyk and the Fever's potent attack, surrendering 128 points on 55.6% shooting.

Game 4 was an instant classic. The Fever pulled out a 124-123 nail-biter to send the series back to Dakota tied at two. It was Kowalczyk playing hero again, banking in an improbable game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to cap a 39-point masterpiece. Falk added 14 points and 8 assists, while the Fever got a huge lift from reserve center Anna McKenzie's 12 points and 3 blocks.

The Zeniths appeared poised to take a commanding 3-1 series lead before Kowalczyk's last-second heroics. Larson was brilliant once more with 46 points and 11 assists, but she couldn't get a potential game-winner to fall on Dakota's final possession. Anika Jones had a strong outing with 16 points and the Zeniths held an 80-75 lead with under 5:00 to play.

But Indiana closed the game on a 12-5 run, holding Dakota to just one made field goal the rest of the way. Kowalczyk scored 11 of Indiana's final 12 points. Her clutch shot sets up a pivotal Game 5 back in Indianapolis tomorrow night with the championship hanging in the balance.

For the Fever, the focus will be on continuing to ride the sizzling Kowalczyk, who is averaging an astonishing 40.5 points per game over the last two contests. Indiana must also find ways to make life difficult on Larson, throwing an array of different defenders and double teams her way.

The Zeniths, meanwhile, need their supporting cast to step up and provide more consistent scoring punch alongside their superstar. Getting back on their home floor, where they dominated Games 1 and 2, should help. But the pressure is squarely on Dakota now to regain control of the series.

This NBA Finals is living up to the hype and then some. Larson and Kowalczyk are staging an epic duel, trading bucket for bucket in one of the most impressive individual matchups the sport has ever seen. With everything on the line in Game 5, expect nothing less than an absolute battle as these two heavyweights clash one more time with a championship at stake.

Young Drachma

12-11-2024, 04:28 PM

ZENITHS FOR THREE: DAKOTA 3-PEATS IN INDY!
May 29, 1986

In a game for the ages, the Dakota Zeniths outlasted the Indiana Fever 130-125 to win their third consecutive NBA championship. The Fever threw everything they had at the champs, but in the end, Dakota's talent and experience proved too much to overcome.

Molly Baltoski was the unlikely hero for the Zeniths. The small forward erupted for a career-high 37 points on scorching 15-21 shooting, including 6 threes. She added 10 rebounds for good measure, coming up huge when Dakota needed her most. Marianna Larson was her usual brilliant self with 30 points, 12 assists and 9 rebounds, while Liana Parker chipped in 20 points and 11 assists.

But it was Baltoski's barrage that ultimately tipped the scales. She scored 18 of her 37 in the second half, repeatedly answering Indiana buckets with clutch jumpers. Her three-pointer with 2:20 left put Dakota up 122-118 and they never trailed again.

The Fever got another herculean effort from Chloe Kowalczyk, who poured in 29 points in a losing cause. Gabriella Vaden added 21 points and 9 rebounds, while floor general Lauryn Falk had a near triple-double with 12 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds. But outside of that trio, Indiana struggled to find consistent offense.

It was a valiant effort from the upstart Fever, who pushed the champs to the brink with two straight wins at Indiana Farmers Coliseum to even the series. But in the end, Dakota's depth and championship pedigree shone through. They became the first team in NBA history to three-peat.

For the Zeniths, it cements their status as a true dynasty. Larson further bolstered her case as the greatest player in league history, capturing Finals MVP for the third straight year. Dakota's supporting cast, led by the likes of Baltoski and Parker, rose to the occasion on the biggest stage.

The Fever, meanwhile, have nothing to hang their heads about. They captivated the basketball world with their Cinderella run, knocking off three higher seeds to reach the franchise's first ever Finals. Kowalczyk established herself as a bona fide superstar, while youngsters like Vaden and Fite showed they're cornerstones to build around for the future.

But this night, and this season, belongs to the Zeniths. They overcame every challenge thrown their way, from a hungry Indiana squad to the weight of historical expectations. When the final horn sounded and the confetti rained down, Dakota stood alone atop the basketball world yet again.

The road to the 1987 title will go through Sioux Falls. The Zeniths are champions for the third straight year, and they're showing no signs of slowing down. The rest of the league is officially on notice - Dakota is a dynasty for the ages.

1985 NBA Season Summary Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
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GM of the Year: Abigail Spence Zeniths
Coach of the Year: Elissa Kara Lynx

Most Valuable Player: PG Marianna Larson Zeniths 38.8 3.2 5.3 3.6 0.5
Rookie of the Year: PF Hope Brazier Finches 23.4 4.2 2.0 0.6 1.0
Defender of the Year: SG Mia Evans Miracle 27.0 4.7 7.0 4.7 0.2
6th Man of the Year: SF Sanaa Smith Violets 18.6 6.1 2.1 1.4 0.3
Most Improved Player: SG Marie Duthoit Valkyries 18.6 2.5 2.7 1.1 0.1

All-League 1st Team: C Imani Choi Shock 18.9 6.8 1.7 1.8 0.4
All-League 1st Team: F Adrianna Malcom Sirens 25.9 5.3 5.7 2.9 0.5
All-League 1st Team: F Sloane Reynolds Tempo 27.3 7.6 3.1 2.3 0.5
All-League 1st Team: G Marianna Larson Zeniths 38.8 3.2 5.3 3.6 0.5
All-League 1st Team: G Abagail Tyus Vixens 38.9 6.2 5.4 2.6 0.6

All-League 2nd Team: C Bailee Espinal Monarchs 17.4 7.4 2.3 0.8 1.1
All-League 2nd Team: F Zara Hazen Sting 15.8 5.0 8.3 2.0 0.4
All-League 2nd Team: F Hope Brazier Finches 23.4 4.2 2.0 0.6 1.0
All-League 2nd Team: G Emily Howell Aces 33.2 5.2 5.1 0.9 0.7
All-League 2nd Team: G Mckinley Rager Lynx 31.5 6.5 5.7 2.5 0.8

All-League 3rd Team: C Elizabeth Dellinger Aces 17.6 5.5 3.3 0.8 1.5
All-League 3rd Team: F Claire Birdsall Sting 21.5 5.3 2.7 1.0 0.7
All-League 3rd Team: F Alyssa Dendy Lynx 15.8 5.8 5.4 2.7 0.9
All-League 3rd Team: G Samantha Collins Sirens 24.1 2.9 10.0 3.7 0.2
All-League 3rd Team: G Natalie Heinrich Comets 30.6 5.2 6.8 2.7 0.4

All-Defense 1st Team: C Anna McKenzie Fever 8.4 4.9 3.2 2.1 1.0
All-Defense 1st Team: F Claire Dufresne Talons 15.4 3.8 5.3 3.6 0.2
All-Defense 1st Team: F Adrianna Malcom Sirens 25.9 5.3 5.7 2.9 0.5
All-Defense 1st Team: G Mia Evans Miracle 27.0 4.7 7.0 4.7 0.2
All-Defense 1st Team: G Allison Hughes Sparks 26.8 3.5 7.6 3.6 0.4

All-Defense 2nd Team: C Mikaela Bost Lynx 12.3 5.7 1.9 1.4 1.6
All-Defense 2nd Team: F Alyssa Dendy Lynx 15.8 5.8 5.4 2.7 0.9
All-Defense 2nd Team: F Silvia Savarese Belles 12.5 9.0 3.5 1.8 1.8
All-Defense 2nd Team: G Klementina Zhitnik Sky 19.4 6.7 8.5 3.8 0.4
All-Defense 2nd Team: G Samantha Collins Sirens 24.1 2.9 10.0 3.7 0.2

All-Rookie 1st Team: C Gabriella Adame Summit 13.4 5.5 2.5 0.7 0.3
All-Rookie 1st Team: F Hope Brazier Finches 23.4 4.2 2.0 0.6 1.0
All-Rookie 1st Team: F Adeline Ferrari Miracle 19.6 5.6 1.5 2.0 1.0
All-Rookie 1st Team: G Hailey Kellum Tempo 15.0 2.3 2.4 1.8 0.3
All-Rookie 1st Team: G Brenna Sanabria Storm 18.2 2.7 7.5 2.4 0.1

All-Rookie 2nd Team: C Antigua Ferrer Violets 10.7 5.7 1.4 0.7 0.5
All-Rookie 2nd Team: F Bella Gott Comets 17.2 3.6 3.1 2.2 0.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: F Harper Dishman Sky 16.2 4.0 3.2 2.7 0.2
All-Rookie 2nd Team: G Rylie Ramer Wings 13.1 4.5 3.6 1.5 0.2
All-Rookie 2nd Team: G Kayla Hermosillo Belles 10.4 2.1 2.5 2.0 0.4

Young Drachma

12-11-2024, 10:44 PM

The 1986-87 NBA regular season was one for the ages, filled with breakout performances, resurgent teams, and no shortage of surprises. As the playoffs loom, the excitement is palpable. Here's a recap of the season that was and a preview of the thrilling postseason to come.

In the Atlantic Division, the Philadelphia Belles emerged from a three-team dogfight to claim the crown with a 45-37 record. Led by two-way force Silvia Savarese, the Belles are primed for a deep playoff run. The surprise of the division was undoubtedly the Baltimore Ospreys, who broke an 8-year postseason drought in their seventh season since relocating from New Orleans. Ospreys fans have guard Celeste Bryant to thank, as the dynamic floor general powered Baltimore to a 41-41 finish.

The Southeast was a battle of sunshine state powers, with the Miami Sirens edging out the Orlando Miracle for the division title. Newly minted All-Star Samantha Collins was sensational for the Sirens, while the Miracle rode the sizzling shooting of Alexa Braithwaite. Both teams could be dark horse title contenders.

Up north, the Minnesota Lynx continued their reign of dominance atop the Central. With a league-best 62-20 record and MVP frontrunner Mckinley Rager leading the charge, the Lynx have their sights firmly set on the franchise's first championship. Hot on their heels were the Indiana Fever, who rode breakout seasons from Chloe Kowalczyk and Shaniya Fite to a 58-24 finish, good for the second seed.

The Midwest Division belonged to the dynasty-in-the-making Dakota Zeniths, who scorched the competition to the tune of 65 wins behind the electric Marianna Larson and sharpshooting Molly Baltoski. The Zeniths are seeking an unprecedented three-peat and look poised to pull it off. Their stiffest challenge may come from the high-octane Toronto Tempo, who feature the league's most prolific offense thanks to Sloane Reynolds and Hailey Kellum.

Out west, the Los Angeles Sparks and Vancouver Vixens finished with identical 59-23 records, setting up a tantalizing potential clash in the postseason. Abagail Tyus was transcendent for the Vixens, averaging an absurd 41-7-5 stat line en route to the scoring title. The Sparks, meanwhile, boast perhaps the most talented starting five in the league, headlined by Allison Hughes and Ella Montoya.

The stage is set for what promises to be a wildly entertaining postseason. Can the Zeniths complete the three-peat, or will a new power emerge to dethrone them? Will the Lynx finally get over the hump, or do the Sparks have what it takes to bring the hardware back to Hollywood? Can a Cinderella like the Ospreys or Pittsburgh Finches shock the world with an improbable run?

The fun begins this weekend with a slate of must-see first round matchups. The headliner is undoubtedly 3-seed Vancouver against the 6th-seeded Kansas City Brigade, a clash of two of the game's brightest young stars in Tyus and Irina Kravchuk. In the East, the upstart Ospreys will have their hands full with the battle-tested Lynx, while the Belles and Miracle duel again in another postseason.

Buckle up, basketball fans. The road to the Finals begins now, and it's sure to be a wild ride. Can the Zeniths dynasty endure, or will a new contender emerge to claim the throne? The next two months will provide the answers we've all been waiting for. Let the games begin!

Young Drachma

12-11-2024, 10:58 PM

ROUND ONE RECAP 1986-87
The first round of the 1987 NBA Playoffs was a tale of two conferences. In the West, the favorites held serve, with the top-seeded Dakota Zeniths, Toronto Tempo, Los Angeles Sparks, and Vancouver Vixens all advancing. But the East was pure chaos, as three lower seeds pulled off stunning upsets to shake up the bracket.

The headliner was undoubtedly the 8th-seeded Baltimore Ospreys, who shocked the basketball world by knocking off the mighty Minnesota Lynx in six games. Led by the dynamic duo of Celeste Bryant (30.7 ppg, 6.7 apg) and Emersyn Goetz (19.5 ppg, 7.8 apg), the Ospreys won three straight elimination games to overcome a 2-1 series deficit and pull off the improbable upset. It's just the second time in franchise history Baltimore has reached Round 2, and the first since the then-New Orleans Pelicans did it in 1978.

The Ospreys weren't the only Cinderella story in the East. The 6th-seeded Pittsburgh Finches toppled the 3-seed Miami Sirens behind the stellar play of center Hope Brazier, who averaged 26 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in the series. The 5th-seeded Orlando Miracle also got in on the fun, dispatching the Philadelphia Belles in five games. Alexa Braithwaite and Adeline Ferrari formed a formidable frontcourt tandem for Orlando, each posting double-doubles for the series.

The Indiana Fever were the lone top-4 seed in the East to survive, as they made quick work of the Washington Mystics in a 4-1 gentleman's sweep. Chloe Kowalczyk (21.8 ppg) and Lauryn Falk (19.4 ppg, 11.2 apg) were a handful for Washington, who simply had no answers for Indiana's high-powered attack.

Out West, the Zeniths continued to look like a juggernaut, blitzing the Chicago Sky in four games. Marianna Larson, Molly Baltoski and Angel Beer all averaged over 20 points per game in the series for Dakota, who seem to be on a mission for a three-peat.

The Sparks and Vixens also advanced, though not without a fight. Los Angeles needed six games to outlast the pesky Portland Talons, finally putting them away behind 28.5 points and 7.8 assists a night from Allison Hughes. Vancouver, meanwhile, rode a sensational series from Abagail Tyus (33.4 ppg) to a 4-1 win over the gritty Kansas City Brigade.

The most competitive series of the round came between the 4-seed Tempo and 5-seed Houston Comets. Toronto ultimately prevailed in five games, but each contest came down to the wire. Sloane Reynolds (20 ppg, 7.4 rpg) and Hailey Kellum (24.6 ppg) led the way for the Tempo, who are looking to get over the hump after several years of postseason disappointment.

As the playoffs roll on to the Conference Semifinals, the eight remaining teams all have reason to believe they can make a run to the Finals. Will the upstart Ospreys continue their Cinderella story against the powerhouse Zeniths? Can the Finches' Brazier keep up her dominant play against the high-flying Tempo? Will the Sparks' depth prove too much for the Vixens' Tyus to overcome? Can the Miracle's twin towers power them past the battle-tested Fever?

The first round may have been thrilling, but the best is surely yet to come. With superstars like Larson, Tyus, Hughes and Kowalczyk taking center stage, the 1987 NBA Playoffs are shaping up to be an instant classic. Buckle up - it's going to be a wild ride.

Young Drachma

12-11-2024, 11:07 PM

1986-87 AWARD WINNERS

1986 NBA Season Summary Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM of the Year: Ayana Jackson Vixens
Coach of the Year: Elissa Kara Lynx

Most Valuable Player: PG Abagail Tyus Vixens 41.0 7.1 4.9 2.3 0.6
Rookie of the Year: PG Kenzie Powell Storm 22.1 5.1 7.8 0.9 0.1
Defender of the Year: SG Mia Evans Miracle 17.0 4.4 6.5 4.3 0.2
6th Man of the Year: SG Wendy Boughton Wings 18.6 4.8 4.3 1.7 0.1
Most Improved Player: SG Emily McDonald Monarchs 24.6 4.0 3.1 1.5 0.6

All-League 1st Team: C Hope Brazier Finches 25.6 5.2 1.9 0.8 1.7
All-League 1st Team: F Angel Beer Talons 27.8 7.0 6.8 3.9 0.3
All-League 1st Team: F Chloe Kowalczyk Fever 24.0 4.2 3.6 2.5 0.4
All-League 1st Team: G Abagail Tyus Vixens 41.0 7.1 4.9 2.3 0.6
All-League 1st Team: G Natalie Heinrich Comets 27.9 6.9 6.1 3.2 0.4

All-League 2nd Team: C Jazlynn May Sirens 16.2 7.7 1.7 1.0 0.2
All-League 2nd Team: F Sloane Reynolds Tempo 22.0 7.5 2.6 2.3 0.8
All-League 2nd Team: F Alexa Braithwaite Miracle 26.0 8.8 3.8 0.7 0.2
All-League 2nd Team: G Marianna Larson Zeniths 28.8 3.0 4.5 3.6 0.6
All-League 2nd Team: G Samantha Collins Sirens 23.2 3.7 9.5 3.7 0.5

All-League 3rd Team: C Sydney Clarkson Mystics 15.2 7.4 1.8 0.8 2.0
All-League 3rd Team: F Ella Montoya Sparks 22.4 8.1 2.4 1.3 2.1
All-League 3rd Team: F Marissa Miele Mercury 22.5 4.2 6.3 1.5 0.1
All-League 3rd Team: G Celeste Bryant Ospreys 27.6 5.8 6.7 1.1 0.1
All-League 3rd Team: G Mckinley Rager Lynx 24.2 5.3 4.9 2.9 0.7

All-Defense 1st Team: C Silvia Savarese Belles 10.3 9.2 2.9 1.6 2.1
All-Defense 1st Team: F Angel Beer Talons 27.8 7.0 6.8 3.9 0.3
All-Defense 1st Team: F Chloe Annis Charms 13.2 6.9 2.9 2.3 2.3
All-Defense 1st Team: G Mia Evans Miracle 17.0 4.4 6.5 4.3 0.2
All-Defense 1st Team: G Samantha Collins Sirens 23.2 3.7 9.5 3.7 0.5

All-Defense 2nd Team: C Emma Simon Lynx 12.1 9.0 2.3 1.2 2.5
All-Defense 2nd Team: F Makena Villarreal Zeniths 12.2 7.4 5.1 3.1 0.3
All-Defense 2nd Team: F Harper Dishman Sky 17.5 4.2 3.3 3.0 0.3
All-Defense 2nd Team: G Marianna Larson Zeniths 28.8 3.0 4.5 3.6 0.6
All-Defense 2nd Team: G Allison Hughes Sparks 22.4 3.8 6.7 3.4 0.4

All-Rookie 1st Team: C Ava Graves Sparks 3.8 6.8 1.4 0.3 2.0
All-Rookie 1st Team: F Kai Wesson Aces 13.7 7.7 1.9 1.2 1.0
All-Rookie 1st Team: F Caroline Ballard Monarchs 13.3 2.9 2.1 2.1 0.1
All-Rookie 1st Team: G Kenzie Powell Storm 22.1 5.1 7.8 0.9 0.1
All-Rookie 1st Team: G Saige Claypoole Violets 21.1 3.7 7.9 2.1 0.1

All-Rookie 2nd Team: C Siena Cepeda Liberty 6.2 5.2 1.4 0.7 0.3
All-Rookie 2nd Team: F Alondra Gonzalez Rockers 14.5 4.4 2.4 0.9 0.2
All-Rookie 2nd Team: F Vivian Nigro Storm 9.4 4.7 1.7 0.3 0.9
All-Rookie 2nd Team: G Emersyn Goetz Ospreys 13.0 2.8 5.4 1.1 0.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: G Peyton Potter Sky 9.0 1.8 3.6 1.4 0.1

Déjà Vu: Zeniths, Fever Run It Back in 1987 NBA Finals
By Jenna Appleworth
June 1, 1987

Stop me if you've heard this one before: the Dakota Zeniths and Indiana Fever are squaring off for the NBA championship. For the second consecutive season, these two powerhouses will collide with the Gloria Wade Trophy on the line. Will the result be any different this time around?

The Zeniths arrive on the precipice of history, aiming to become the first team ever to three-peat. Dakota steamrolled through the regular season to the tune of 65 wins behind another MVP campaign from electrifying point guard Marianna Larson (28.8 ppg, 4.5 apg, 3.6 spg) and sharpshooting swingman Molly Baltoski (26.3 ppg).

That dominance has carried into the postseason, where the Zeniths are 12-2 after dispatching the Toronto Tempo, Los Angeles Sparks and Chicago Sky. Larson, Baltoski and Emily Howell give Dakota a three-headed monster that no one has had an answer for.

But if anyone can solve the Zeniths' riddle, it might just be these battle-tested Fever. Indiana needed the full seven games to outlast the pesky Pittsburgh Finches in Round 2 before sweeping the Cinderella Orlando Miracle to reach the Finals.

The Fever's championship pedigree starts with their dynamic backcourt duo of Chloe Kowalczyk (20.0 ppg in the playoffs) and Lauryn Falk (22.1 ppg, 8.4 apg). That tandem is clicking on all cylinders and hungry for redemption after last year's Finals loss.

However, the real revelation for Indiana has been power forward Shaniya Fite. The third-year pro is putting up 16.4 points and 6.8 rebounds a night in the postseason, giving the Fever a third weapon to complement Kowalczyk and Falk. Veteran center Anna McKenzie remains a rock in the middle.

So who has the edge in this titanic clash of styles? The Zeniths have been an unstoppable freight train all year long, leading the league in scoring (109.8 ppg), point differential (+17.4), rebounds (37.7), assists (27.3), field goal percentage (53%), and three-point percentage (47.8%). Their combination of offensive firepower and defensive disruption is unmatched.

But don't count out these resilient Fever. They've been on a mission since last year's heartbreak, driven by the maniacal competitiveness of Kowalczyk and Falk. If Indiana can control the tempo, knock down open shots and keep the Baltoski/Howell duo somewhat in check, they have a real chance to pull the upset.

Ultimately, the Zeniths' depth and home court advantage may prove too much to overcome. With potential Finals MVP Larson running the show and a supporting cast firing on all cylinders, Dakota has to be considered the prohibitive favorite to raise another banner in Sioux Falls.

Then again, the Fever have made a habit of defying the odds throughout these playoffs. If Kowalczyk and Falk can recapture their magic from last year's epic seven-game series and get enough help from the likes of Fite and McKenzie, Indiana is more than capable of spoiling the Zeniths' coronation.

Will Dakota's dynasty endure, or can the Fever flip the script and exact sweet revenge? The basketball world waits with bated breath to find out. It all tips off Thursday night in Sioux Falls in what promises to be a Finals for the ages. Get your popcorn ready - it's Zeniths vs. Fever, the sequel. Here we go again.

Young Drachma

12-11-2024, 11:12 PM

Fever Stun Zeniths, Take Commanding 2-0 Finals Lead
By Shannen Wallace
June 1, 1987

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Believe it or not, the Indiana Fever are halfway to an NBA championship. And they're doing it against a dynasty.

The Fever shocked the basketball world by winning the first two games of the 1987 NBA Finals on the road against the two-time defending champion Dakota Zeniths. Indiana followed up a 123-109 victory in Game 1 with a 117-100 rout in Game 2 to seize a commanding 2-0 series lead as the Finals shift back to Indianapolis.

In Game 1, it was the Fever's dynamic duo that led the charge. All-Star forward Chloe Kowalczyk poured in 42 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including a scorching 6-of-7 from three-point range. Her running mate, point guard Lauryn Falk, stuffed the stat sheet with 29 points, 13 assists and 7 rebounds in a virtuoso performance.

"Chloe and Lauryn were just spectacular," gushed Fever head coach. "They set the tone from the opening tip and had that look in their eyes like they weren't going to be denied."

Indiana also got strong contributions from their supporting cast. Power forward Shaniya Fite chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds, while rookie center Anna McKenzie provided a lift off the bench with 26 minutes of stellar defense on Dakota star Molly Baltoski.

Game 2 was more of the same, as the Fever's balanced attack overwhelmed the Zeniths. Five Indiana players scored in double figures, led by Kowalczyk's 42 points. Fite was tremendous again with 20 points and 8 rebounds, while shooting guard Alyssa Shah added 22 points on 4-of-6 from deep.

"We're playing our best basketball at the right time," said Kowalczyk. "We have so many weapons and we're trusting each other. It's a beautiful thing to be a part of."

The Fever's stifling defense has been just as important as their offensive firepower. After allowing over 109 points per game to Dakota during the regular season, Indiana has held the high-powered Zeniths to just 104.5 points on 44% shooting so far in the Finals. Falk and Shah have spearheaded the defensive effort, frustrating Dakota's backcourt with their length and quickness.

"Defense wins championships," said Falk. "We know we can score with anyone, but we've really locked in on that end of the floor. It's been the difference."

Now the series heads back to a raucous Market Square Arena, where the Fever will have a chance to complete the unthinkable on their home floor.

"We've been in tough situations before and always found a way," said Dakota head coach. "This group is resilient. We're not going to hang our heads. We'll go back to the drawing board, make some adjustments and be ready for Game 3."

They'll need to be, because these Fever look like a team of destiny. With Kowalczyk and Falk playing at a superhuman level and the supporting cast rising to the occasion, Indiana is on the precipice of the franchise's first championship.

Forty-eight minutes of basketball stand between the Fever and immortality. They can feel the city of Indianapolis ready to explode with joy. The celebration plans are being made. All that's left is to finish the job.

"We know the hardest part is still ahead of us," said Kowalczyk. "But we're ready for this moment. We're going to come out with that same edge, that same togetherness and do what we do. We want to make our fans proud and bring that trophy home to Indy."

Proud they are. And hungry. Hungry for a celebration four decades in the making. The Fever are knocking on the door of history. It's time to answer.

Young Drachma

12-11-2024, 11:19 PM

Fever on Cusp of Title After Splitting in Indy
By Anderson Wallace
June 5, 1987

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Fever are one win away from the promised land. After splitting a pivotal pair of home games, the Fever will have one more chance at home with a 3-1 lead over the two-time defending champion Dakota Zeniths and a chance to close out the franchise's first-ever NBA title.

The Zeniths showed their championship mettle in Game 3, staving off elimination with a dominant 111-78 victory. Dakota's star duo of Molly Baltoski and Marianna Larson came out firing, combining for 65 points on scorching 19-of-33 shooting. The Zeniths' smothering defense held the Fever to just 35% from the field and forced 15 turnovers.

"We knew they would come out desperate," said Fever coach. "That's what great teams do when their backs are against the wall. They punched us in the mouth and we didn't respond well."

Alyssa Shah led Indiana with 22 points in the loss, but the rest of the Fever's offense struggled mightily. Chloe Kowalczyk and Shaniya Fite, who had been so brilliant in the first two games, combined to shoot just 9-of-30. Point guard Lauryn Falk also had an uncharacteristically quiet night with 9 points and 6 assists.

Facing a must-win Game 4, the Fever showed their resilience, grinding out a 103-94 victory to move within one win of the title. It was a true team effort, with five players scoring in double figures led by Shaniya Fite's 27 points and 8 rebounds.

Kowalczyk bounced back with 16 points, while Shah continued her hot shooting with 22. But the real hero was rookie center Anna McKenzie, who came off the bench to score 10 huge points and help slow down Baltoski.

"Anna was just tremendous," beamed the Fever coach. "For a rookie to step up like that on this stage says a lot about her character and toughness. She really gave us a lift when we needed it."

The Zeniths find themselves in the unenviable position of needing to win three straight games against a Fever team that is brimming with confidence and on the cusp of history.

"We know the job's not finished," said Fever captain Lauryn Falk. "Dakota is a champion for a reason. They're not going to just hand us the trophy. We have to go take it."

To do that, Indiana will need to get the job at home in Game 5 to avoid having to travel back to the Plains for Games 6 & 7 facing a raucous Dakota crowd and an early surge from the desperate Zeniths. The Fever's depth and balance has been their strength all season, and they'll need contributions from up and down the roster to close this out.

The spotlight, as it has been all playoffs, will be on the star tandem of Kowalczyk and Falk. They've been the engine powering this magical run, and now they have a chance to lead the Fever across the finish line. One more win and they'll be immortalized forever in Indiana basketball lore.

Young Drachma

12-11-2024, 11:23 PM

THE HEART OF A CHAMPION: ZENITHS KEEP THEIR DYNASTY DREAM ALIVE IN THRILLING GAME 5

Sioux Falls, S.D. – The Dakota Zeniths, three-time defending champions, faced elimination against the Indiana Fever on Wednesday night, but the heart of a dynasty can’t be extinguished so easily. Behind a stunning performance from Emily Howell and clutch contributions from Molly Baltoski, the Zeniths battled their way to a 94-89 victory in Indianapolis, forcing a Game 6 back in Sioux Falls with the Fever still holding a 3-2 series lead.

It was a game for the ages, a vintage slugfest between the league’s newest rising power and its reigning dynasty. The Indiana Fever, hunting for their first-ever title, threw everything they had at the Zeniths. Alyssa Shah led the charge for Indiana with a scintillating 24-point performance, her relentless drives and long-range sharpshooting keeping the Fever in contention. However, in the end, the grit and experience of Dakota proved too much.

HOWELL TAKES CENTER STAGE

When the pressure was at its peak, Emily Howell rose to the occasion. The veteran shooting guard poured in 27 points on 10-of-20 shooting, including seven critical three-pointers that swung momentum in Dakota’s favor. Time and time again, Howell found herself open in transition or curling off screens, and she punished Indiana’s defense every time they left her space.

“It’s about trust,” Howell said postgame, drenched in sweat but flashing a determined smile. “We’ve been in these moments before. My teammates trust me to make big plays, and tonight, I couldn’t let them down.”

UNSUNG HERO: BALTOSKI’S COMMAND

While Howell provided the scoring punch, it was point guard Molly Baltoski who orchestrated the offense with precision. Baltoski finished with just nine points but made her presence felt with seven assists and a steadying influence that kept the Zeniths calm in the game’s tensest moments. Her ability to navigate Indiana’s defensive traps and find open shooters proved decisive.

The Fever, despite the loss, showed why they’ve been the talk of the league this season. Shah was electric, while forward Chloe Kowalczyk’s tireless hustle on the boards and Lauryn Falk’s playmaking (9 assists) kept Indiana within striking distance all night. However, their 43.6% shooting from the field, coupled with 11 turnovers, left the door open just enough for Dakota to capitalize.

The scene now shifts to Sioux Falls, where the Zeniths’ home crowd will look to rally their team to stave off elimination once more. For Dakota, it’s a chance to extend their dynasty’s reign. For Indiana, it’s an opportunity to etch their names in history.

Young Drachma

12-11-2024, 11:27 PM

ARGUS LEADER: FRONT PAGE

June 7, 1987

ZENITHS FORCE GAME 7: DEFENDING DYNASTY REFUSES TO FALL
Sioux Falls, SD – The Zeniths have done it again. Faced with elimination for the third time in this grueling series, the three-time defending NBA champions dismantled the Indiana Fever, 135-107, in front of a raucous home crowd at the Dakota Dome. The series, once thought to be the coronation of Indiana’s first-ever title, is now headed to a winner-take-all Game 7.

Larson’s Historic Night Lifts Dakota

No one on the court could match the firepower of Marianna Larson, the Zeniths’ electric point guard. She delivered a Finals performance for the ages, pouring in 44 points on a blistering 16-for-20 shooting. From deep, she was nearly unstoppable, hitting 9-of-11 from three-point range, each dagger igniting the packed arena.

“This is why I play,” Larson said postgame, her voice barely audible over the cheers of the crowd. “You don’t quit on your teammates, you don’t quit on this city. We’ve been here before, and we’re ready for Game 7.”

Her supporting cast wasn’t far behind. Emily Howell and Molly Baltoski combined for 39 points and 13 assists, while Makena Villarreal cleaned up the glass with eight rebounds to go with her 12 points. The team’s chemistry and poise were on full display, an unrelenting wave that Indiana simply couldn’t withstand.

Indiana Falters Under Pressure

The Fever’s hopes were carried by forward Chloe Kowalczyk, who scored 26 points and drained eight three-pointers of her own. But turnovers and defensive lapses plagued Indiana throughout the night. Anna McKenzie, the Fever’s anchor in the paint, was held scoreless, a glaring void for a team that desperately needed her presence.

“We didn’t execute,” Fever guard Lauryn Falk admitted. “Dakota came out firing, and we didn’t respond the way we needed to. But this isn’t over. We’ve got one more shot.”

Falk’s words may ring hollow to Fever fans who watched their team squander three consecutive chances to close out the series. Indiana’s inability to adapt to Dakota’s relentless pace has turned their dream season into a nightmare scenario. Now, they face the unenviable task of trying to slay the champions on their home court with history hanging in the balance.

The Weight of History

A fourth consecutive title would cement the Zeniths as the most dominant dynasty in NBA history. No team had ever three-peated, let alone won four straight championships. Yet for Indiana, Game 7 represents an opportunity to rewrite their own legacy, to prove that they are more than just the team that almost beat the champions.

As the sun sets on Sioux Falls tonight, the city will prepare for one of the most anticipated games in NBA history. For the Fever, it’s a chance to exorcise the demons of the past week. For the Zeniths, it’s an opportunity to etch their name in immortality.

Young Drachma

12-11-2024, 11:36 PM

Fever Fulfill Destiny, Topple Dynasty for First Title
By Andrea Walters
June 17, 1987

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Indiana Fever are on top of the basketball world. In a grueling seven-game war of attrition, the Fever dethroned the two-time defending champion Dakota Zeniths to capture the franchise's first NBA title.

Indiana's 123-101 victory in Sunday's deciding Game 7 capped a Finals for the ages, one filled with twists, turns and no shortage of drama. The Fever appeared on the verge of a coronation after taking a commanding 3-1 series lead. But the battle-tested Zeniths stormed back with two straight wins, including a 111-94 road triumph in Game 6, to force the ultimate winner-take-all clash.

Facing a raucous Dakota Dome crowd and a champion that had been there before, the Fever showed the heart of a lion. Finals MVP Lauryn Falk set the tone, scoring 29 points to go with 8 assists and 6 rebounds in a virtuoso performance. Running mate Chloe Kowalczyk added 24 points, while Alyssa Shah chipped in 21.

"This is a moment I'll cherish forever," said an emotional Falk amid the postgame celebration. "To do this with this group, in this building against that team - it's the stuff you dream about as a kid. I'm so proud of the fight we showed. We never lost belief."

Belief is exactly what carried Indiana through this magical postseason run. After finishing as the 2-seed in the East, the Fever knocked off the Washington Mystics, Pittsburgh Finches and Orlando Miracle to reach the Finals. There they met a Dakota team on the precipice of a dynasty, led by the superstar tandem of Marianna Larson and Molly Baltoski.

The Zeniths took Game 1 on their home floor. But the Fever responded with three straight victories, including a pivotal 117-100 win in Game 4 to seize a 3-1 stranglehold. Dakota didn't waver, leaning on their championship experience to reel off two straight and set up the Game 7 for the ages.

In the end, Indiana's depth, balance and unwavering belief proved too much. Five Fever players averaged double-figure scoring for the series, led by Kowalczyk's 20.3 points per game. Falk (21.1 ppg, 8.4 apg) was brilliant throughout, capturing MVP honors for her steadying presence. The unsung hero was rookie center Anna McKenzie, who gave Indiana huge minutes off the bench.

"This was a complete team effort," said Fever coach Ambre Sabin. "Every single person in that locker room contributed to this championship. That's what makes this so special. We didn't care who got the credit, we just wanted to win. And now we'll be linked together forever."

The victory touched off a raucous celebration from the Hoosier State contingent that made the trip to Sioux Falls. As the final seconds ticked away, chants of "FEV-ER" reverberated through the arena. When the horn finally sounded, the Indiana bench emptied onto the court in euphoria, a cathartic release after a pressure-packed two months.

Now the Fever will return to the Circle City for a long-awaited championship parade. Thousands of fans are expected to line the streets of downtown Indianapolis to catch a glimpse of their conquering heroes and the franchise's first title trophy. After four decades of waiting, Indiana basketball has its crowning moment.

For Falk, the championship solidifies her place as one of the game's great point guards. She outdueled Larson on the biggest stage and etched her name in Hoosier hoops lore. Baltoski, the sharpshooting phenom, could be an intriguing free agent after the season. Do the Zeniths pony up to keep their new Big Three intact or does Baltoski look to spread her wings as the face of her own franchise? It will be a fascinating subplot to watch.

Those are questions for another day. Today is about the Fever and the culmination of a dream season. The little team that could from Indiana toppled a dynasty and scaled the mountain. Falk and Kowalczyk will go down as Hoosier hoops legends. McKenzie and Shah introduced themselves as rising stars on the game's biggest stage.

As the champagne flows and the tears of joy stream, the Indiana Fever can call themselves something new - champions. Soak it in, Indy. Your team is on top of the world.

Young Drachma

12-11-2024, 11:47 PM

Editorial Note:

I honestly watched that series in real time like you're reading it, on the edge of my seat. I'm an perennial fan of the underdog most of the time, so I was sort of hoping Indiana would figure it out. They were so scrappy in last year's Finals, I thought they had it in them to get this one, and they really did figure their stuff out. I do think that tweaking the ini settings in the off-season has made defense a bit more of a priority, so teams that have that in their arsenal can keep scoring down a bit.

Nonetheless, when they blew the 3-1 lead, I assumed the Zeniths would be too strong and get it done, so seeing them get punched in the mouth at home and setting up the subplot of where Baltoski will go in the off-season -- I'm not intervening just watching -- will be super interesting. They're 4m over the cap, but I think with the soft cap they should be able to bring her back if they want to.

I could see her signing somewhere else, but one thing I've noticed is setting up the financials in this game like the real NBA where teams can priortize keeping their stars seems to benefit these dynasties more than in real life where in reality what you'd probably want to do is make it advantageous for talent to spread across the league more so that more teams -- like Baltimore -- are able to entice talent to take up their cap space.

I've never used the game that way, I usually have it even for foreign leagues, but seeing the lack of parity among teams that show up in the post-season every year and the same teams able to run it back, pay their rookies and retain their stars make me want to perhaps tweak things a bit and see if we see a shift.

Also this draft class for 1987-88 is one I've been looking forward to, after a few dud classes, as there are a few impact players at the top of the lottery.

Young Drachma

12-11-2024, 11:54 PM

1986-87 NBA DRAFT PROSPECT ROUNDUP

Here is a comprehensive 1987 NBA Draft Preview featuring projections by two separate analysts. Each analyst uses a different evaluation methodology based on advanced metrics, college statistics, and team needs.

Analyst 1: Jordan Michaels
Top 10 Projected Picks
1. Phoenix Mercury - Kawanda Wheeler, PG, St. Bonaventure
- Stats: 19.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 4.3 APG
- A dynamic playmaker, Wheeler has incredible court vision and the versatility to impact the game in multiple areas. With Phoenix needing a true floor general, Wheeler is a natural fit.

2. Atlanta Dream - Zoe Williams, SG, Green Bay
- Stats: 18.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 3.9 APG
- Williams is an explosive scorer and facilitator who thrives in transition. Atlanta can build their backcourt around her athleticism.

3. Cleveland Rockers - Emmalee Fitz Gerald, SF, Wyoming
- Stats: 18.7 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.7 BPG
- Fitz Gerald's combination of size (6’7”), rebounding ability, and defensive instincts make her an excellent choice for Cleveland, looking to solidify their frontcourt.

4. Milwaukee Violets - Samora Passenger, SG, St. Bonaventure
- Stats: 19.7 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.0 APG
- Passenger offers shooting prowess and off-the-ball movement, perfect for Milwaukee’s spacing-focused offense.

5. Denver Summit - Angelina Henderson, PG, North Carolina
- **Stats**: 18.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.4 APG
- Henderson’s steady play and leadership will bring much-needed stability to Denver’s backcourt.

6. Golden State Valkyries - Adelyn Shelly, PG, Green Bay
- **Stats**: 17.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 6.3 APG
- A do-it-all point guard, Shelly fills multiple roles with her playmaking and rebounding prowess.

7. Seattle Storm - Brianna Weatherly, SG, Seton Hall
- **Stats**: 18.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.1 APG
- Seattle gets a polished two-way player who can create her own shot and defend on the perimeter.

8. Detroit Shock - Ella Robinson, SF, Fresno State
- **Stats**: 15.6 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.8 APG
- Robinson’s combination of size and versatility fits Detroit’s need for a scoring forward.

9. Dallas Wings - Dakota Foxworth, SG, Tennessee
- **Stats**: 18.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.6 APG
- Foxworth’s passing and scoring instincts make her an ideal backcourt addition for Dallas.

10. Boston Charms - Armani Flores, PG, Xavier
- **Stats**: 18.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.1 APG
- Boston lands a balanced guard who can handle primary scoring responsibilities when needed.

Analyst 2: Rebecca Sorensen
Top 10 Projected Picks
1. Phoenix Mercury - Emmalee Fitz Gerald, SF, Wyoming
- A franchise cornerstone in the making, Fitz Gerald’s size and dominance on the boards make her the safest bet at No. 1.

2. Atlanta Dream - Kawanda Wheeler, PG, St. Bonaventure
- Atlanta needs a floor general, and Wheeler’s combination of scoring and passing fits perfectly.

3. Cleveland Rockers - Zoe Williams, SG, Green Bay
- Cleveland opts for scoring and defense with Williams, who offers a solid foundation for their backcourt.

4. Milwaukee Violets - Adelyn Shelly, PG, Green Bay
- Shelly’s rebounding and playmaking make her a high-upside pick for Milwaukee.

5. Denver Summit - Angelina Henderson, PG, North Carolina
- Henderson’s leadership and offensive consistency make her the choice for Denver’s guard-heavy roster.

6. Golden State Valkyries - Samora Passenger, SG, St. Bonaventure
- Passenger adds scoring depth to Golden State with her sharpshooting and quick release.

7. Seattle Storm - Ella Robinson, SF, Fresno State
- Robinson’s versatility allows her to slot seamlessly into Seattle’s rotation.

8. Detroit Shock - Armani Flores, PG, Xavier
- Flores’ scoring efficiency and ability to run the offense make her a strong pick for Detroit.

9. Dallas Wings - Dakota Foxworth, SG, Tennessee
- Dallas prioritizes shooting and floor spacing with Foxworth.

10. Boston Charms - Brianna Weatherly, SG, Seton Hall
- Weatherly’s defensive prowess and perimeter shooting are just what Boston needs to fill their wing rotation.

---

Other Notable Prospects to Watch
- Charlie Clegg (PG, The Citadel): Elite scorer with potential to climb into the top 10 if a team seeks offense over defense.
- Aubrey Clarke (C, Eastern Kentucky): A towering presence at 6’10”, Clarke offers rim protection and rebounding.
- Grace Lambert (SG, Duke): A sharpshooter with range, Lambert is an excellent fit for teams needing perimeter scoring.

Young Drachma

12-12-2024, 03:53 PM

Chloe Baltoski Hopes to Follow in Famous Cousin's Footsteps
By Serena Williamson
June 26, 1987
Sports Illustrated

As Chloe Baltoski waits nervously for her name to be called in the 1987 NBA Draft, she can't help but think of her legendary cousin Molly. The elder Baltoski had set an impossibly high bar during her sensational college career at Green Bay and first four pro seasons with the Dakota Zeniths - three straight championships and a Finals MVP to her credit already at age 27.

Now it's Chloe's turn to enter the family business. The sharpshooting 6'4" wing out of Green Bay (like her cousin) is projected as a late lottery pick after a stellar collegiate career that included leading the Phoenix to their first-ever national title in 1986 - a height even Molly's teams never reached.

"Chloe is a special talent," said Green Bay head coach Jaclyn Moore. "She has that rare combination of size, shooting ability and competitiveness that reminds me so much of Molly at that age. The sky is the limit for her at the next level."

Indeed, the similarities between the Baltoski cousins are striking. Both starred at Green Bay, wearing the same #0 jersey. Both are elite shooters with textbook form and boundless range. And both play with a chip on their shoulder, driven to prove wrong the doubters who questioned if their mid-major pedigree would translate to the NBA.

"I've been hearing those same criticisms Molly faced coming out of college," Chloe said. "That the competition wasn't good enough, that I benefited from a system, that I'm too skinny. It just adds fuel to my fire. I can't wait to show what I can do against the best in the world."

She'll likely get that chance right away on a rebuilding team. Baltoski is projected to come off the board anywhere from picks 4-8, with the Mercury, Dream, Violets and Storm all in the mix. Each franchise could desperately use an infusion of shooting and playoff DNA.

"Chloe is the type of player who can change a culture right away," one NBA scout said. "She's a proven winner, an elite shooter, and a great teammate by all accounts. In a few years, we could be talking about her as one of the faces of the league."

Two other small school stars also have a chance to crash the lottery. Wyoming's Emmalee Fitz Gerald and St. Bonaventure's Kawanda Wheeler each put together utterly dominant careers that have NBA decision-makers drooling.

Fitz Gerald, a 6'7" point forward with guard skills, averaged a ridiculous 26-12-7 as a senior en route to her second straight National Player of the Year award. The Lemmon, South Dakota native put the Cowgirls on the map, transforming a cellar-dweller into a top 25 mainstay.

"Em is the most unique prospect I've ever seen," raved Wyoming head coach Lila Cox. "There's nothing she can't do on a basketball court. Need a bucket? She'll score from anywhere. Need a rebound, a stop, an assist? She'll get you that too. I've never coached a player who impacts winning in more ways."

Wheeler, meanwhile, looks like the second coming of Houston Comets superstar Natalie Heinrich. The 5'11" point guard is an absolute blur with the ball, a master of tempo and timing. She put up video game numbers at St. Bonaventure - 23.5 points, 9.7 assists and 3.1 steals per game for her career.

"KK has one of the highest basketball IQs I've ever seen," said Bonnies head coach Laurel Gomez. "She's always two steps ahead of the defense, seeing passes that no one else can. And when she decides to score, forget about it. She's got an extra gear that few players possess."

All three mid-major standouts have silenced their critics and proven they can excel against top competition. Fitz Gerald dropped 31-14-9 in an upset win over Tennessee. Wheeler outdueled Hermann Award winner Ava Marshall in the NCAA Tournament. And Baltoski, well, she has family bragging rights with that national title.

Speaking of the elder Baltoski, Molly is set to be one of the hottest commodities on the free agent market this summer. After four seasons in Dakota, culminating in three straight titles, the 2-time Finals MVP could be looking for a new challenge. Might that include teaming up with her younger cousin?

"It would be a dream come true to play with Molly," Chloe said with a grin. "We've talked about it for years, how cool it would be to share the court as teammates. I know she has a great thing going in Dakota, but maybe someday down the line we can make it happen. You never know in this league."

Wherever they end up, one thing is clear: the NBA is about to get an influx of small school star power. Baltoski, Fitz Gerald and Wheeler didn't need high major pedigrees to prove their worth. Their games speaks for itself, loudly and clearly.

Now they'll get the chance to show it under the bright lights, where the competition is fiercer and the stakes are higher. If their college careers are any indication, they'll be more than up for the challenge. The NBA's "Mid-Major Big 3" is coming to shake up the league.

Young Drachma

12-12-2024, 04:14 PM

Charms, Rockers, Shock Swing Big in Star-Studded Draft
By Doreen Mattis
June 29, 1987

NEW YORK - The Boston Charms, Cleveland Rockers and Detroit Shock each made franchise-altering moves in Saturday's WNBA Draft, nabbing three of the most talented prospects in recent memory.

With the first overall pick, the Charms selected Wyoming phenom Emmalee Fitz Gerald, a 6'7" point forward who put up mind-boggling numbers in college. The two-time National Player of the Year averaged 26 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists per game as a senior, leading the Cowgirls to the NCAA Tournament.

"We couldn't be more thrilled to bring Emmalee into our organization," said Charms head coach Sophia Delgado. "She's a transformational talent, someone who can impact the game in so many ways. We think she's going to be a cornerstone for this franchise for a long time."

Boston is banking on Fitz Gerald to help snap a lengthy postseason drought. The Charms haven't won a playoff series since 1970 and have made the playoffs just twice since 1979. With the dynamic playmaker in tow, brighter days could be ahead in Beantown.

The Rockers, meanwhile, opted for a pure point guard at #2 in St. Bonaventure's Kawanda Wheeler. The 5'11" floor general dazzled in the Atlantic 10, racking up 23.5 points, 9.7 assists and 3.1 steals per game over her collegiate career.

"Kawanda is the type of player who makes everyone around her better," said Cleveland GM Robin Lawrence. "Her vision, her passing ability, her leadership - it's rare to find that total package in a point guard. We think she's going to be a star in this league for a long time."

The Rockers are desperate for a jolt of energy after years of mediocrity. Cleveland hasn't reached the WNBA Finals since 1973 and has been mired in a rebuild for the better part of a decade. Wheeler's arrival brings instant credibility and hope to a fanbase starved for a winner.

Perhaps the most intriguing pick of the lottery came at #9, where the Shock nabbed sharpshooting wing Chloe Baltoski out of Green Bay. The 6'4" dead-eye is the cousin of three-time WNBA champion Molly Baltoski, who also starred for the Phoenix before going pro.

"The Baltoski family just breeds winners," said Shock head coach Carmen Velez. "Chloe has that same competitive fire, that same elite shooting ability. She's going to be a perfect fit in our system and our culture. We couldn't be happier to have her on board."

Like Boston and Cleveland, Detroit is a proud franchise fallen on hard times. The Shock have just one Conference Finals appearance in their history, way back in 1971. Baltoski's scoring punch could be the boost they need to rejoin the league's elite.

One common thread between the Charms, Rockers and Shock? All three desperately needed an infusion of star power.

Fitz Gerald, Wheeler and Baltoski change that dynamic immediately. All three are box office draws, the type of talents that put butts in seats and eyeballs on televisions. Their arrivals don't just bring basketball hope - they bring relevance.

Only time will tell if this star-studded draft class can lift their franchises to glory. But one thing is certain: the future got a whole lot brighter for the Charms, Rockers and Shock on Saturday. A dormant trio of franchises suddenly have pillars to build around. Now the real work begins.

Young Drachma

12-12-2024, 04:20 PM

In a blockbuster free agency move, the defending champion Indiana Fever have signed All-Star point guard Celeste Bryant away from the Baltimore Ospreys on a massive 5-year, $75.4 million deal.

Bryant, 26, is coming off a stellar season in which she averaged 27.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game while shooting a scorching 54.7% from three-point range. The 6'0" floor general has established herself as one of the premier players in the game, earning All-League Third Team honors last year.

"We're thrilled to add a player of Celeste's caliber to our roster," said Fever head coach. "She's a dynamic scorer, an elite shooter, and a true leader on the court. We believe she's the perfect piece to help us defend our title."
For Bryant, the move represents a chance to compete for a championship after four seasons toiling on mediocre Ospreys teams. Baltimore failed to make the playoffs in all but one of Bryant's seasons there.

Now she joins a loaded Fever roster featuring Finals MVP Lauryn Falk, All-Star forward Chloe Kowalczyk, and rising star Shaniya Fite. With Bryant in the fold, Indiana appears poised to make another deep postseason run.

"I'm excited for this new challenge and the opportunity to play for a first-class organization like the Fever," Bryant said. "I can't wait to get to work with my new teammates and coaches and chase another title. Indianapolis, let's get it!"
The signing was the splashiest move of free agency, slightly overshadowing Molly Baltoski's decision to return to the Dakota Zeniths on a 7-year, $100+ million megadeal. Baltoski, the MVP frontrunner and three-time Finals MVP, will look to lead Dakota back to the Finals after 4 straight appearances.

But the balance of power may be shifting after Indiana's power play. Adding a proven star like Bryant to an already stacked roster makes the Fever the clear-cut title favorite heading into the 1988 season.
For Baltimore, losing the face of the franchise is a devastating blow. The Ospreys will now pivot to a full-scale rebuild around rookie sensation SG Abigail Routh, the #17 overall pick out of Iowa State.

"Celeste's contributions to this organization cannot be overstated," said Ospreys GM Leah Thibodeau in a statement. "She was a joy to watch and a true professional on and off the court. We wish her all the best in Indiana."

Free agency is far from over, but the Fever have already made the biggest splash. Armed with a true Big 4 of Falk, Bryant, Kowalczyk and Fite, Indiana is poised to stampede through the league next season. The champs got even better - a scary thought for the rest of the WNBA.

Young Drachma

12-12-2024, 05:31 PM

The 1987-88 WNBA season was one for the ages, filled with breakout performances, resurgent teams, and no shortage of storylines. As the playoffs get set to tip off, here's a look back at the award winners and a preview of the thrilling postseason to come.

Awards Recap

The end-of-season hardware was dominated by the league's rising young stars.

Zeniths point guard Marianna Larson took home her first MVP award after a scintillating season in which she averaged 34.5 points, 5.1 assists, 4.4 rebounds and a league-leading 4.0 steals per game. Larson's two-way brilliance powered Dakota to the 3-seed in the loaded Western Conference.

Violets rookie Adelyn Shelly burst onto the scene to capture Rookie of the Year honors. The dynamic floor general stuffed the stat sheet to the tune of 27.2 points, 8.1 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game, leading Milwaukee to a surprising 54-win campaign and the 2-seed in the East.

The Most Improved Player award went to Violets sharpshooter Saige Claypoole, who upped her scoring average from 10.1 to 25.1 points per game while dishing out 8.8 assists a night. Her emergence helped transform Milwaukee into a legitimate title contender.

Playoff Preview

In the West, the top-seeded Sparks (60-22) are the favorite after a dominant regular season. MVP candidate Madison Winder (31.1 ppg) and two-way force Allison Hughes give LA a potent inside-outside punch. They'll face the upset-minded Sky in Round 1.

The Zeniths, winners of the last four Western Conference crowns, find themselves in the unusual position of 3-seed. But with Larson at the controls and sharpshooting Molly Baltoski spacing the floor, Dakota remains as dangerous as ever. They'll clash with the rival Comets in a must-see first-round matchup.

The 2-seed Tempo are riding high after a franchise-record 60 wins. Sloane Reynolds and Hailey Kellum form a dynamite backcourt that can score in bunches. They'll tangle with the defensive-minded Vixens in what should be a clash of styles.

Out in the East, the defending champion Fever earned the 1-seed on the strength of another stellar season from Celeste Bryant and Lauryn Falk. The mid-season acquisition of Bryant (27.8 ppg, 7.3 apg) has Indiana poised for a repeat run. They open with the pesky Sting.

The 2-seed Violets are the upstart to watch, powered by the superstar turn from Shelly and Claypoole. They'll have their hands full with a veteran Lynx squad still seeking its first title.

The 3-6 matchup is a juicy one, pitting conference rivals Miami and Washington. The Sirens rode a bounce-back year from Samantha Collins to 48 wins, while the Mystics are always tough out with their swarming defense.

The wild card could be the 4-seed Rockers, who added Rookie of the Year runner-up Kawanda Wheeler to a core featuring sharpshooter Monique Tibreghien. Cleveland draws a frisky Charms team that seems to finally be putting it all together.

Will the Sparks' magical season end in a title, or can the Zeniths reclaim their perch atop the WNBA mountain? Are the Fever poised to start a dynasty of their own, or will an upstart like the Violets or Rockers crash the championship party?

The next two months will reveal all. But one thing is certain: with superstars like Larson, Winder, Shelly and Bryant leading the charge, the 1988 WNBA Playoffs are sure to be an instant classic. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

1987 NBA Season Summary Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM of the Year: Deniz Yavuz Fever
Coach of the Year: Scarlett Rausch Tempo

Most Valuable Player: PG Marianna Larson Zeniths 34.5 4.4 5.1 4.0 0.6
Rookie of the Year: PG Adelyn Shelly Violets 27.2 7.8 8.1 0.7 0.7
Defender of the Year: PG Marianna Larson Zeniths 34.5 4.4 5.1 4.0 0.6
6th Man of the Year: PF Aria Bennett Finches 14.2 5.9 3.0 0.6 0.6
Most Improved Player: SG Saige Claypoole Violets 25.1 3.9 8.8 2.3 0.1

All-League 1st Team: C Kassidy Wildman Storm 18.0 7.1 2.1 0.5 0.4
All-League 1st Team: F Angel Beer Talons 29.9 7.1 7.0 4.0 0.3
All-League 1st Team: F Emmalee Fitz Gerald Charms 25.5 8.8 7.8 0.7 0.4
All-League 1st Team: G Marianna Larson Zeniths 34.5 4.4 5.1 4.0 0.6
All-League 1st Team: G Adelyn Shelly Violets 27.2 7.8 8.1 0.7 0.7

All-League 2nd Team: C Elizabeth Dellinger Aces 17.3 6.5 3.8 0.9 1.6
All-League 2nd Team: F Allison Hughes Sparks 23.6 4.0 5.8 3.5 0.7
All-League 2nd Team: F Shyla Ramos Lynx 23.5 7.6 4.5 2.4 0.6
All-League 2nd Team: G Madison Winder Sparks 31.1 3.6 5.0 3.4 0.1
All-League 2nd Team: G Molly Baltoski Zeniths 28.5 7.6 8.9 2.4 0.6

All-League 3rd Team: C Antigua Ferrer Violets 16.6 8.7 1.9 1.4 0.6
All-League 3rd Team: F Sloane Reynolds Tempo 22.4 7.3 3.1 2.7 0.6
All-League 3rd Team: F Harper Dishman Sky 22.5 4.3 3.3 3.1 0.2
All-League 3rd Team: G Zoe Williams Valkyries 26.1 8.6 7.7 1.9 0.2
All-League 3rd Team: G Natalie Heinrich Comets 28.7 5.9 5.9 3.6 0.4

All-Defense 1st Team: C Gabriella Sokol Dream 8.2 10.6 2.2 0.9 2.7
All-Defense 1st Team: F Chloe Annis Vixens 15.7 8.0 2.5 2.2 3.0
All-Defense 1st Team: F Allison Hughes Sparks 23.6 4.0 5.8 3.5 0.7
All-Defense 1st Team: G Marianna Larson Zeniths 34.5 4.4 5.1 4.0 0.6
All-Defense 1st Team: G Samantha Collins Sirens 22.0 3.8 9.6 3.7 0.6

All-Defense 2nd Team: C Sydney Clarkson Mystics 13.8 8.3 2.1 1.0 2.3
All-Defense 2nd Team: F Angel Beer Talons 29.9 7.1 7.0 4.0 0.3
All-Defense 2nd Team: F Harper Dishman Sky 22.5 4.3 3.3 3.1 0.2
All-Defense 2nd Team: G Natalie Heinrich Comets 28.7 5.9 5.9 3.6 0.4
All-Defense 2nd Team: G Madison Winder Sparks 31.1 3.6 5.0 3.4 0.1

All-Rookie 1st Team: C Abigail Routh Ospreys 10.2 5.4 1.6 0.7 0.2
All-Rookie 1st Team: F Emmalee Fitz Gerald Charms 25.5 8.8 7.8 0.7 0.4
All-Rookie 1st Team: F Juliana Gregory Storm 12.9 4.9 2.5 2.5 0.1
All-Rookie 1st Team: G Adelyn Shelly Violets 27.2 7.8 8.1 0.7 0.7
All-Rookie 1st Team: G Zoe Williams Valkyries 26.1 8.6 7.7 1.9 0.2

All-Rookie 2nd Team: C Ashley Fredette Talons 5.0 2.1 1.1 0.4 0.4
All-Rookie 2nd Team: F Ella Robinson Summit 14.8 5.1 4.7 2.1 0.2
All-Rookie 2nd Team: F Zo Deledicque Mercury 8.9 1.9 1.2 0.5 0.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: G Kawanda Wheeler Rockers 25.1 6.6 7.1 2.2 0.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: G Angelina Henderson Storm 25.3 3.2 6.7 1.9 0.5

Young Drachma

12-12-2024, 05:42 PM

Title Favorites Emerge as Conference Finals Set to Tip
By Ivy Wallace
May 16, 1988

The NBA's version of the Final Four is upon us, and it features a fascinating blend of old and new blood. In the West, the Sparks and Zeniths are set to tangle for the third consecutive season with a trip to the Finals on the line. Out East, the upstart Violets will clash with the surprise Rockers in a matchup few saw coming.

Let's start with the Western Conference, where it once again comes down to the league's two modern dynasties. The top-seeded Sparks have been a juggernaut all year, racking up 60 wins behind the stellar play of superstar swingwoman Madison Winder (28.2 ppg in the playoffs) and two-way force Allison Hughes. They made quick work of the Valkyries in the semis, sweeping the 4-seed in convincing fashion.

The Zeniths, meanwhile, find themselves back in a familiar spot despite a relatively "down" year by their lofty standards. After finishing third in the regular season, Dakota knocked off the Comets and Tempo to reach the Conference Finals yet again. As always, the Zeniths are powered by the incomparable Marianna Larson, who's taken her game to new heights in the postseason. The do-everything point guard is putting up an eye-popping 36.6 points, 5.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game in the playoffs.

Both teams are loaded with firepower - in addition to Larson, Dakota boasts All-Star Molly Baltoski (28.2 ppg) and rising star Makena Villarreal. The Sparks counter with the electric Winder and a deep supporting cast featuring Hughes, Ella Montoya and super-sub Rosa Sanchez.

The difference could come down to defense, where the Sparks have a slight edge thanks to the versatility of Hughes and the rim protection of Montoya. They'll look to slow down Larson in transition and force the other Zeniths to beat them. But as we've seen time and again, counting out Marianna Larson is a fool's errand. This best-of-7 has all the makings of another instant classic.

In the Eastern Conference, the plucky Violets are the darlings of the postseason after dispatching the Lynx and Mystics. Milwaukee has been one of the league's most pleasant surprises all year, but they've kicked it into overdrive in the playoffs behind the dynamic duo of Adelyn Shelly and Saige Claypoole.

Shelly, the runaway Rookie of the Year, has been sensational in her postseason debut. The Green Bay product is tallying 23.5 points, 7.7 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game while showcasing poise beyond her years. Claypoole has been every bit as brilliant, pouring in 24.2 points and 10.8 assists a night. The Most Improved Player is proving that her breakout campaign was no fluke.

For the Violets, this is rarified air - they haven't been to the Conference Finals since winning their lone title way back in 1980. Standing in their way is a Cleveland Rockers team that's been nearly as surprising in storming to the 4-seed and ousting the Charms and defending champion Fever.

The Rockers are led by their explosive backcourt of Monique Tibreghien (33.3 ppg in the playoffs) and Kawanda Wheeler. The latter has been a revelation in her rookie season out of tiny St. Bonaventure, averaging 22.9 points, 9.1 assists and 6.8 rebounds per game in the postseason. Veterans Kylie Sommers and Emilie Hoffer have provided a steadying presence up front.

On paper, this series looks dead even. Both teams love to push the pace and put up points in bunches. The Violets have been the best offensive team in the playoffs, averaging a whopping 116.0 points per 100 possessions. But the Rockers aren't far behind at 114.2. Whichever team can get stops in crunch time will likely be the one to emerge victorious.

The stakes couldn't be higher as we enter the final four. Can the Sparks finally vanquish their nemesis and return to the promised land? Will the Zeniths add to their historic dynasty with a fourth title in five years? Are the Violets a team of destiny poised to complete their Cinderella run? Or will the Rockers' magical season end with the franchise's first Finals trip in over a decade?

The next two weeks will provide the answers we've all been waiting for. Buckle up and enjoy the ride - the 1988 NBA Conference Finals are sure to be a treat.

Young Drachma

12-12-2024, 05:46 PM

Rockers, Zeniths Set to Clash in Star-Studded Finals
By Venus Sanders
June 2, 1988

The 1988 NBA Finals are set, and it's a doozy. The Cleveland Rockers, in the championship round for the first time since 1973, will take on the dynastic Dakota Zeniths in a matchup overflowing with star power.

For the Zeniths, it's a chance to further cement their legacy as one of the greatest teams in league history. Dakota is seeking their fourth title in five years, no team has ever been to the finals this often.

Leading the charge, as always, is the incomparable Marianna Larson. The three-time Finals MVP has somehow taken her game to even greater heights this postseason, averaging an absurd 38.8 points, 5.0 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 steals per game. She's gone for 40+ points in five of Dakota's 16 playoff contests.

But Larson is far from a one-woman show. All-Star shooting guard Molly Baltoski has been nearly as brilliant, pouring in 25.5 points a night while shooting over 40% from three. The versatile Makena Villarreal (11.7 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 5.8 apg) does a little bit of everything, while bigs Emilee Peachey and Emily Willett provide physicality inside.

Cleveland, meanwhile, is the Cinderella story of these playoffs. After finishing fourth in the East, the Rockers knocked off the top-seeded Fever and then the upstart Violets to reach the promised land for the first time in 15 years.

The Rockers are powered by their explosive backcourt duo of Monique Tibreghien and Kawanda Wheeler. Tibreghien, the runner-up for Sixth Woman of the Year, has been a revelation in the postseason, averaging 29.5 points per game. Wheeler, the St. Bonaventure product, has been equally brilliant with 25.6 points and 9.0 assists a night.

Veterans Kylie Sommers (15.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and Emilie Hoffer (11.2 ppg, 7.3 rpg) have provided frontcourt stability, while Ximena Carey and Alondra Gonzalez have been key contributors on the wing. It's a balanced, potent attack that can beat you in a variety of ways.

But will it be enough to topple the Zeniths juggernaut? That's the million dollar question. Dakota has home court advantage and far more Finals experience, with most of their core having been through the championship crucible multiple times. The pressure of the moment won't faze them.

The Rockers, on the other hand, are in uncharted waters. How they respond to the bright lights and raised stakes could ultimately determine this series. If Tibreghien and Wheeler can continue their stellar play and get enough help from the supporting cast, Cleveland has a real shot at the upset.

Defensively, the Rockers' best bet is to turn Larson into a passer and make the other Zeniths beat them. Easier said than done against the greatest player on the planet, but it's the only real chance they have of slowing down the Dakota machine.

In the end, the Zeniths have to be considered the heavy favorites based on their talent, experience and track record. Betting against Marianna Larson at this point feels like a fool's errand. But the beauty of sports is that the games aren't played on paper. The Rockers will have their chance to shock the world.

Will the Zeniths' dynasty endure, or can Cleveland complete their Cinderella run in stunning fashion? The basketball world waits with bated breath to find out. The 1988 NBA Finals begin Thursday night in Sioux Falls. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Young Drachma

12-12-2024, 05:54 PM

Zeniths Reclaim Throne with Gritty Game 7 Win
By Kent Walters
June 21, 1988

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Dynasty, validated.

The Dakota Zeniths are champions once again, defeating the Cleveland Rockers 130-86 in a decisive Game 7 to capture their fourth NBA title in five years. After losing a heartbreaker to the Indiana Fever in last year's Finals, the Zeniths left no doubt this time around, delivering a signature performance when it mattered most.

"This one is extra special," said Zeniths head coach Demi Bonnano amid the postgame celebration. "After the disappointment of last year, to bounce back and win it on our home floor, in front of our fans - it's a feeling I can't even describe. I'm just so proud of this group."

As she has throughout this historic run, point guard Marianna Larson led the way for Dakota. The captain was brilliant once again, pouring in 42 points to go with 11 assists and 6 steals in the clincher. She hit a series of clutch jumpers down the stretch to help the Zeniths pull away.

"Marianna was just incredible tonight," gushed Bonnano. "Big players step up in big moments, and that's exactly what she did. She put the team on her back and willed us to victory. In my mind, she's the greatest to ever do it."

Larson got plenty of help from running mate and Finals MVP (for the 2nd time) Molly Baltoski, who added 32 points on scorching 13-of-20 shooting. The sharpshooting wing hit six threes, none bigger than a dagger with 2:12 left that pushed the Dakota lead to 16 and effectively iced the game.

"Molly was a superstar tonight," said Larson. "She hit so many big shots and really carried us offensively for stretches. We don't win this game without her."
For Cleveland, it was a crushing end to a magical run. The Rockers took a 3-2 series lead after a stunning Game 5 win in Sioux Falls, but couldn't close the deal.

All-Star guard Monique Tibreghien, so brilliant throughout the playoffs, struggled mightily in Games 6 and 7, shooting just 9-of-45 from the field. Rookie sensation Kawanda Wheeler had 27 points and 8 assists in the loss, but it wasn't enough.

"This one stings," said Rockers head coach Baylee Eckman. "We had our chances, but just couldn't get over the hump. Credit to Dakota - they were the better team tonight. But I couldn't be more proud of our group. This is only the beginning for us."

Indeed, the future looks bright in Cleveland. Wheeler and Tibreghien form an elite backcourt to build around, while young guns Kylie Sommers and Ximena Carey should only improve. The Rockers will no doubt be back in the championship mix for years to come.

But this night, and this season, belongs to the Zeniths. Bonnano and her staff pushed all the right buttons, from inserting Emily Peachey into the starting lineup in Game 6 to turning Katja Kerlin and Emily Richerson loose off the bench in key moments. Role players like Makena Villarreal and Lea Knox stepped up when called upon.

In the end, though, it was the Zeniths' stars that shone brightest. Larson and Baltoski were simply too much for the Rockers, or anyone else, to handle. They now have four rings apiece and are etching their names alongside the all-time greats to ever play this game.

The scary part for the rest of the league? This Dakota core isn't going anywhere. Larson is just entering her prime at 29, while Baltoski and Villarreal are only 27. With Bonnano pulling the strings, the Zeniths appear poised to rule over the NBA for the foreseeable future.

"We're not done yet," declared Larson amid the champagne celebration. "This is a special group and we want to build a legacy that stands the test of time. Four titles is incredible, but we're hungry for more."

A dynasty, validated. A juggernaut, fully realized. The Dakota Zeniths stand alone atop the NBA mountain once again. Long live the queens.

Young Drachma

12-12-2024, 05:56 PM

NBA CHAMPIONS

Season Champ Wins Runner-up Wins MVP Team
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1987 Zeniths 4 Rockers 3 Molly Baltoski Zeniths
1986 Fever 4 Zeniths 3 Lauryn Falk Fever
1985 Zeniths 4 Fever 1 Marianna Larson Zeniths
1984 Zeniths 4 Miracle 1 Marianna Larson Zeniths
1983 Zeniths 4 Liberty 0 Molly Baltoski Zeniths
1982 Lynx 4 Mercury 2 Mckinley Rager Lynx
1981 Belles 4 Mercury 1 Joelle Schell Belles
1980 Violets 4 Tempo 3 Ella Hawes Violets
1979 Stars 4 Violets 0 Sawyer Vega Stars
1978 Mystics 4 Tempo 2 Madison Martinez Mystics
1977 Sirens 4 Stars 3 Hallie Palmer Sirens
1976 Finches 4 Stars 1 Angeline Rowe Finches
1975 Wings 4 Liberty 1 Ava Desilva Wings
1974 Finches 4 Wings 1 Ella Hawes Finches
1973 Wings 4 Rockers 1 Cira Casald liga Wings
1972 Lynx 4 Miracle 2 Erica Lenoir Lynx
1971 Trail Blazers 4 Sky 3 Aubree Alger Trail Blazers
1970 Sky 4 Aces 1 Liana Parker Sky
1969 Sky 4 Aces 3 Liana Parker Sky

Young Drachma

12-13-2024, 08:12 PM

A New Era of Hoops: Yankee Conference Signals Shift in Women's College Basketball
7/1/1989
By Jerry Carino, Star-Ledger Sports Desk
In a bold move that's sending shockwaves through collegiate athletics, the Northeast is about to redefine women's basketball with the launch of the Yankee Conference. This isn't just another conference – it's a declaration of regional basketball pride that puts the Northeast squarely at the center of the sport's future.

From the moment Penn State decided to join forces with Syracuse, Rutgers, Notre Dame, and a collection of powerhouse northeastern programs, it was clear something special was brewing. These aren't just schools sharing a geographic footprint – they're creating a basketball consortium that promises to elevate women's basketball to new heights.

UConn's inclusion is particularly telling. Coming off their emerging reputation as a basketball powerhouse, the Huskies bring instant credibility to a league that's more than just a collection of schools – it's a statement.

"This is about more than just competition," said one athletic director who wished to remain anonymous. "This is about creating a basketball ecosystem that supports and challenges our student-athletes in ways the larger, more spread-out conferences simply can't."

Temple brings Philadelphia's gritty basketball tradition. Syracuse arrives with its orange-clad intensity. Penn State brings big-time athletic pedigree. Notre Dame adds national cache. Each program brings something unique to the table, creating a conference that's more of a basketball think tank than a simple athletic league.

For smaller programs like Delaware and UMass, this is a golden opportunity. They'll be competing alongside giants, with a chance to prove themselves on a stage that's both regional and national.

The travel benefits can't be overlooked. No more cross-country trips. No more brutal travel schedules that drain student-athletes. Instead, a tight, compact conference where bus trips replace long flights, and regional rivalries can truly flourish.

This isn't just a conference. It's a basketball revolution brewing from Boston to Philadelphia, from State College to South Bend. The Yankee Conference isn't just changing the game – it's rewriting how we think about collegiate women's basketball.

Get ready, Northeast. Our time is now.

Young Drachma

12-14-2024, 12:57 AM

1990 NCAA Women's Tournament Preview
By Marcus Chen
The Sporting News

March Madness tips off with defending champion Penn State looking to become the first repeat champion since Florida State (1975-76), while Cincinnati aims to return to the title game after their 1987 championship run. With four regions loaded with storylines, let's break down the path to the crown.

Regional Analysis

East Region
Utah earned the top seed, but all eyes are on third-seeded Tennessee, a program seeking its first title despite multiple Final Four appearances. Georgia Tech's explosive offense makes them a dangerous 2-seed, while Wisconsin lurks as a potential Sweet Sixteen dark horse.

Midwest Region
Cincinnati claimed the region's top seed two years removed from their championship victory over Kansas. Second-seeded Green Bay, featuring triple-double threat Aaliyah Audley (18.0 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 7.3 apg), could be the biggest obstacle in the Bearcats' path. The Penn State-Grand Valley State matchup pits the defending champs against a dangerous 14-seed.

South Region
Purdue leads a loaded region that includes perennial power North Carolina as the 2-seed. Marquette, fresh off an impressive regular season, could make noise from the 4-line. The Marshall-Oklahoma State 8/9 game features Kennedi Sweat (17.3 ppg) in one of the tournament's most intriguing first-round matchups.

West Region
Gonzaga earned their first-ever 1-seed after a dominant regular season. Kansas earned a dangerous 8-seed, making them a potential second-round threat to the Bulldogs. Davidson's Kailey Mullen (22.0 ppg, second in the nation) makes the third-seeded Wildcats a Final Four dark horse.

Players to Watch
- Aaliyah Audley (Green Bay): Nation's most complete point guard
- Camille Arnett (Omaha): Leading scorer at 22.7 ppg
- Kailey Mullen (Davidson): Explosive wing averaging 22.0 ppg
- Emily Baltoski (Wisconsin): (Molly's younger sister) Two-way threat with 17.2 ppg and 7.2 rpg

Storylines to Watch
- Penn State's Quest: Can the Nittany Lions become the first repeat champions in 14 years?
- Green Bay's New Era: The Phoenix aim for their second title in their first Mountain West season
- Cincinnati's Return: The Bearcats look to add to their 1987 title
- First-Timers: Gonzaga looks to convert their 1-seed into a first Final Four appearance

Cinderella Candidates
- St. Francis (PA): Nearly 20 ppg from Alaina Tavarez makes them dangerous
- Milwaukee: Tamia Wing (18.1 ppg) leads a potent offense
- Liberty: Drawing a favorable first-round matchup
- Marshall: Sun Belt champs with tournament experience

Final Four Predictions
East: Georgia Tech
Midwest: Green Bay
South: North Carolina
West: Gonzaga

Championship: Green Bay over North Carolina

The Phoenix have the most complete team in the field, led by Audley's all-around brilliance. While Penn State knows what it takes to win it all, Green Bay's combination of experience and talent makes them the team to beat in what promises to be an unpredictable tournament.

Young Drachma

12-14-2024, 01:09 AM

Final Four Preview: Powerhouse Programs Collide in Historic Matchups
By Christine Taylor
USA TODAY

The stage is set for what promises to be one of the most compelling Final Fours in recent memory, featuring two No. 1 seeds, a red-hot 7-seed, and the nation's most dominant offense.

Gonzaga (33-4) vs. Virginia (26-11)
In what might be the tournament's most intriguing contrast of styles, top-seeded Gonzaga's high-powered offense (67.6 ppg) faces Virginia's suffocating defense in the first national semifinal. The Bulldogs, led by Adrianna Hanson (14.8 ppg) and a balanced attack that features five players averaging at least 6 points, have steamrolled through the tournament, winning their four games by an average margin of 20.3 points.

Virginia, the tournament's Cinderella as a 7-seed, has embraced their underdog role behind point guard Jocelynn Gillespie (12.5 ppg, 2.1 spg) and shot-blocking specialist Cailyn Little (2.9 bpg). The Cavaliers have held all four tournament opponents under 60 points.

Key Matchup: Gonzaga's Emma Ibanez (4.9 apg) against Virginia's pressure defense. The Bulldogs' sophomore point guard faces her toughest test against a Virginia team averaging 8.0 steals per game.

Green Bay (35-2) vs. Utah (29-8)
The nightcap features offensive fireworks as Green Bay's nation-leading offense (75.0 ppg) squares off against Utah's efficient attack. The Phoenix, powered by the dynamic duo of Sinah Seethaler (18.5 ppg) and triple-double threat Aaliyah Audley (17.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 7.5 apg), have looked unstoppable in tournament play, including a statement win over defending champion Cincinnati.

Utah, making their first Final Four appearance, relies on the backcourt tandem of Aniyah McLaren (15.6 ppg) and Addison Goldstein (15.2 ppg). The Utes' defense has been equally impressive, holding opponents to just 54.8 points per game.

Key Matchup: Green Bay's interior defense (6.5 blocks per game) against Utah's efficient shooting (45.8 FG%). Something has to give between the nation's most efficient offense and one of its stingiest defenses.

Players to Watch:
- Aaliyah Audley (Green Bay): The most complete player in the Final Four
- Adrianna Hanson (Gonzaga): Tournament breakout star averaging 14.8 ppg
- Aniyah McLaren (Utah): Sharp-shooting guard hitting 40.4% from three
- Jocelynn Gillespie (Virginia): Catalyst for Cavaliers' surprising run

Championship Prediction: Green Bay over Gonzaga
The Phoenix have been nearly unstoppable all season, and their combination of offensive firepower and defensive presence should carry them to their second national title. While Gonzaga's balance makes them dangerous, Green Bay's experience in big games and superior depth will be the difference.

Young Drachma

12-14-2024, 01:13 AM

Phoenix Rise Again: Green Bay Claims Second Title in Thriller
By Christine Taylor
USA TODAY

In a defensive battle that came down to the final possessions, Green Bay held off Virginia's Cinderella run to claim their second national championship with a nail-biting 59-57 victory.

The Phoenix, who entered averaging 75 points per game, found themselves in an unexpected defensive struggle. But tournament Most Outstanding Player Sinah Seethaler proved to be the difference, scoring 15 points on efficient 6-of-8 shooting, including three crucial three-pointers.

"This was about making plays when it mattered most," said Green Bay head coach Cindy Merwin. "Virginia made us earn every point, but our experience in big games showed through."

Green Bay's perimeter shooting proved decisive. The Phoenix connected on 10 of 18 three-point attempts, with Seethaler, Aaliyah Audley, and Cecilia Jara combining for eight triples. That outside accuracy helped overcome a season-low 59-point output.

Virginia, the tournament's surprise 7-seed, showed the defensive tenacity that carried them to the final. The Cavaliers blocked eight shots, with center Cailyn Little recording four, and forced 17 Phoenix turnovers. Serena Heaton led a balanced Virginia attack with 10 points and four steals, while Miley Brooks provided a spark off the bench with 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting.

The game turned on Green Bay's interior defense. Power forward Leighton Sayer grabbed 13 rebounds and blocked four shots, while center Emmalee Colin added three blocks as the Phoenix protected the paint.

"We knew points would be hard to come by against Virginia's defense," said Seethaler, who added four assists. "But championship games are about making the big shots when they matter most."

The title adds to Green Bay's 1986 championship and cements their status as a national power, even after their move to the Mountain West Conference this season. For Virginia, the loss ended a remarkable tournament run that included upsets of Purdue, North Carolina, and Pittsburgh.

"I couldn't be prouder of how we competed," said Virginia coach Neavaeh Trimble, who won a national title in 1972 at Iowa, and was coaching in her 5th Final "We proved we belonged on this stage. This program's future is bright."

For Green Bay, the victory marks a fitting end to a dominant 36-2 season that saw them lead the nation in scoring and margin of victory. While this championship game required a different formula, the result was just as sweet.

"Every championship has its own story," Trimble said. "This one showed we can win any type of game. That's what great teams do."

Young Drachma

12-14-2024, 01:14 AM

1989-90 AWARD WINNERS

1989 OVERALL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

JR PG Aaliyah Audley Green Bay 17.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 7.4 APG 1.3 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR PG Jamie Batey West Georgia 14.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.4 APG 1.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Vivian Mader Davidson 29 - 5 (17 - 1)

All-league 1st Team:
C JR Emily Bilodeau Old Dominion 16.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 3.0 BPG
PF SR Alexis Gurney Tennessee 8.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 3.5 BPG
SF JR Emily Baltoski Wisconsin 17.3 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.9 BPG
SG SR Livia Arroyo Marquette 22.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG JR Aaliyah Audley Green Bay 17.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 7.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.6 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR Sara Owen Incarnate Word 19.1 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG
PF SR Ainsley Chism Syracuse 7.8 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.6 SPG, 2.1 BPG
SF SR Delaney Sung Wright State 21.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SG SR Chloe Ketcham Stanford 21.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG SR Kylee Greenwald Davidson 14.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-league 3rd Team:
C SR Olive Powers Vanderbilt 8.4 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.9 BPG
PF SR Amiyah Haase Oregon 8.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.2 BPG
SF JR Gloria Robertson Seton Hall 8.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.6 BPG
SG SR Samantha Houlihan Auburn 13.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
PG JR Carolyn Beal Seton Hall 16.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Anna Ross South Dakota 10.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PF FR Paige Armstrong Denver 9.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SF FR Hazel Hamilton Florida State 10.6 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SG FR Lacey Hamrick Austin Peay 13.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG FR Jamie Batey West Georgia 14.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Young Drachma

12-14-2024, 01:24 AM

A Different Path: Emily Baltoski Carves Her Own Legacy
By Tom Oates
Wisconsin State Journal

The Baltoski name has become synonymous with basketball excellence in Wisconsin. But while her sister Molly starred at Watertown High before becoming a Phoenix legend at UW-Green Bay and now a $14 million per year superstar with the Dakota Zeniths, Emily Baltoski took a different route.

"Everyone expected me to follow Molly to Green Bay," says Emily, now a junior forward for the Wisconsin Badgers. "But growing up in West Allis, watching the Badgers... this was always my dream."

That dream started at Hale High School, where Emily's family had moved after her father Mark took a teaching position. Unlike her older sister Molly or cousin Chloe (now a rookie with the Detroit Shock), Emily wasn't a highly-rated recruit. She walked on at Wisconsin in 1986, determined to forge her own path.

"The Baltoski legacy can be a heavy thing," says Wisconsin head coach Sissy Neal. "But Emily has never tried to be Molly or Chloe. She's her own player, and she's earned everything she's gotten here."

What she's earned is remarkable. After playing sparingly as a freshman, Emily has developed into one of the nation's most versatile forwards. This season, she earned First Team All-American honors while averaging 17.3 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, leading Wisconsin to the NCAA tournament.

At 6'5", Emily plays a completely different style than her 6'0" sister Molly, who's averaging 28.5 points and 8.9 assists in the NBA this season. While Molly dominates from the perimeter, Emily has become one of college basketball's premier post players, shooting 46.6% from the field while blocking 1.9 shots per game.

"People forget I was a walk-on," Emily says with a smile. "When Molly and Chloe were getting recruited by everyone, I was just hoping to make a college roster somewhere. But Coach Neal saw something in me."

The contrast between the sisters' paths highlights the diversity of the Baltoski basketball legacy. Molly followed their father's footsteps to Watertown and then Green Bay, where she became a two-time National Player of the Year. Chloe, their cousin, starred at De Pere High before also choosing Green Bay and now averaging 23.5 points as an NBA rookie.

"Everyone thinks there was pressure to go to Green Bay," Emily says. "But dad always taught us to follow our own path. For me, that meant staying home and trying to build something here."

That building process has been remarkable. Emily's development from walk-on to All-American mirrors Wisconsin's rise in women's basketball. Her improvement has been steady - from 12.7 points per game as a freshman to 16.7 as a sophomore and now 17.3 as a junior.

"What makes Emily special is her work ethic," says Miller. "She wasn't the natural talent Molly was, but she's made herself into an elite player through sheer determination."

That determination was on display in Wisconsin's recent tournament run, where Emily averaged 19.2 points in four games. While their paths have been different, basketball excellence remains a Baltoski family tradition.

"I'm so proud of both my girls," says Mark Baltoski from his home in West Allis. "Molly's doing amazing things in the pros, Chloe's starting her NBA journey, and Emily's built something special right here at home. They've all done it their own way."

As Wisconsin prepares for next season, Emily Baltoski continues adding to her family's basketball legacy - not by following in anyone's footsteps, but by blazing her own trail in Madison.

Young Drachma

12-14-2024, 03:50 PM

NBA Playoff Preview: MVP Baltoski Leads Loaded Field
By Marty Cash
New York Times

As the NBA playoffs begin, all eyes are on first-time MVP Molly Baltoski and her 67-win Dakota Zeniths, but the path to the title features compelling matchups across both conferences.

Western Conference
The top-seeded Zeniths (67-15) open against the Kansas City Brigade (42-40) in what looks like a mismatch on paper. Baltoski (26.1 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 7.4 apg) has formed a lethal partnership with All-League guard Marianna Larson (23.7 ppg), making Dakota the title favorite. The Golden State Valkyries (44-38) and Houston Tempo (52-30) series could be more competitive, featuring contrasting styles.

The second-seeded Seattle Storm (60-22), led by scoring champion Angelina Henderson (28.4 ppg), face the Los Angeles Sparks (42-40) in what might be the most intriguing first-round matchup. The Chicago Sky (57-25) and Houston Comets (44-38) round out the Western bracket.

Eastern Conference
The New York Violets (61-21) earned the conference's top seed behind the league's highest-scoring offense (109.5 ppg) and will face the Philadelphia Finches (37-45). The Miami Sirens (49-33) and Indiana Fever (48-34) series promises to be one of the most evenly matched.

The Boston Charms (59-23) and Orlando Miracle (38-44) feature contrasting styles, while the Cleveland Rockers (59-23) and Atlanta Dream (47-35) could be the sleeper series of the first round, featuring Rookie of the Year Emma Garcia (26.2 ppg).

Title Favorites:
1. Dakota Zeniths - The league's most dominant team with MVP Baltoski orchestrating the league's most efficient offense
2. New York Violets - League's highest-scoring team with incredible depth
3. Seattle Storm - Scoring champion Henderson leads balanced attack
4. Boston Charms - Veteran squad with championship experience

Dark Horses:
- Houston Tempo (52-30) - Could challenge Dakota in second round
- Miami Sirens (49-33) - Defense-first team built for playoffs
- Atlanta Dream (47-35) - Garcia has them peaking at right time

Prediction: While the Violets and Storm pose serious threats, the Zeniths' are too hard to bet against. Dakota over New York in the finals, with Baltoski adding another Finals MVP to her regular season award.

Young Drachma

12-14-2024, 04:00 PM

Dynasty vs. Destiny: Baltoski's Zeniths Face Upstart Violets in NBA Finals
By Jack McCallum
Basketball Weekly

MILWAUKEE — The contrasts couldn't be starker as the NBA Finals tip off tonight. In one corner, the Dakota Zeniths, seeking their fifth title in six years behind MVP Molly Baltoski. In the other, a Milwaukee Violets team chasing their first championship since 1980, armed with the league's most explosive offense.

"People talk about pressure," says Baltoski, averaging 26.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in what might be her finest season. "But pressure is what you haven't done yet. We know exactly what it takes to win in June."

What it's taken is a ruthless efficiency that saw Dakota roll to 67 wins behind the league's stingiest defense (90.4 points allowed) and Baltoski's partnership with All-League guard Marianna Larson (23.7 ppg). The Zeniths have lost just twice in the playoffs, sweeping Seattle in the Western Conference Finals.

But these Violets present a unique challenge. Milwaukee's league-leading 109.5 points per game offense features a dynamic backcourt of Saige Claypoole (22.2 ppg, 8.1 apg) and Adelyn Shelly (21.6 ppg), while center Antigua Ferrer (15.1 ppg, 11.0 rpg) anchors the middle.

"They're going for their sixth straight Finals appearance – that's something we'll never see again," says Violets coach Marilyn Gebelein who is in her first year as head coach. "But dynasties don't last forever. Someone has to be the one to end it."

The chess match between Wilson and Dakota's legendary coach Sarah Thompson will be fascinating. The Zeniths' switch-heavy defense faces its stiffest test against Milwaukee's motion offense, while the Violets must find ways to disrupt Dakota's clockwork execution.

Key Matchups:
- Baltoski vs. Shelly: The MVP faces Milwaukee's emerging star
- Larson vs. Claypoole: Scoring machines with contrasting styles
- Ferrer vs. Choi: Battle of the paint could decide the series

"Everyone wants to talk about our offense," says Claypoole, who led Milwaukee's sweep of Boston in the East Finals. "But championship teams get stops. We're not just happy to be here."

They shouldn't be. While Dakota enters as favorites, Milwaukee's depth – including Sixth Woman of the Year candidate Annabella Heine (12.4 ppg) – gives them a puncher's chance at dethroning basketball's reigning dynasty.

For the Zeniths, it's about cementing their place in history. For the Violets, it's about seizing their moment. Something has to give.

"Five rings in six years sounds better than four in five," Baltoski says with a smile. "But they've got other plans. That's what makes the Finals special."

Young Drachma

12-14-2024, 04:02 PM

Because I've just been letting the game do whatever, I had no idea that Dakota has had the same head coach the entire time dating back to the San Antonio years. What a cool story that turned out to be.

COACH DETAILS

Demi Bonanno - Head Coach - Zeniths
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Age: 52
DOB: 12/06/1936
College: Maryland
Hometown: Portsmouth, VA

Salary: $762,693

Career Coaching Record: 1152 - 488 (.702)
Playoff Appearances: 17
Playoff Coaching Record: 170 - 81 (.677)
Division Titles: 12
Conference Titles: 9
Championships: 5

Career GM Record: 0 - 0 (.000)
GM Playoff Appearances: 0
Playoff GM Record: 0 - 0 (.000)
GM Division Titles: 0
GM Conference Titles: 0
GM Championships: 0

Coaching Inside: -
Coaching Shooting: -
Coaching Handling: -
Coaching Post D: -
Coaching Perimeter D: -
Scouting Current: -
Scouting Potential: -

Coaching History:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Team Position W L PW PL Postseason
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1987 Zeniths Head Coach 59 23 16 7 League Champion
1986 Zeniths Head Coach 65 17 15 6 League Finals
1985 Zeniths Head Coach 71 11 16 2 League Champion
1984 Zeniths Head Coach 76 6 16 4 League Champion
1983 Zeniths Head Coach 68 14 16 7 League Champion
1982 Zeniths Head Coach 45 37 0 4 Round 1
1981 Zeniths Head Coach 51 31 5 5 Round 2
1980 Zeniths Head Coach 73 9 10 6 Conference Finals
1979 Zeniths Head Coach 70 12 16 1 League Champion
1978 Zeniths Head Coach 62 20 3 4 Round 1
1977 Zeniths Head Coach 65 17 15 5 League Finals
1976 Zeniths Head Coach 72 10 13 7 League Finals
1975 Zeniths Head Coach 64 18 11 6 Conference Finals
1974 Zeniths Head Coach 52 30 4 6 Round 2
1973 Zeniths Head Coach 35 47 0 0 Missed Playoffs
1972 Zeniths Head Coach 28 54 0 0 Missed Playoffs
1971 Zeniths Head Coach 42 40 1 4 Round 1
1970 Zeniths Head Coach 51 31 1 4 Round 1
1969 Zeniths Head Coach 36 46 0 0 Missed Playoffs

Awards & Achievements:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Award
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1975 NBA Coach of the Year

Job Movement:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Move
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1985 Signed a new 4-year contract for $762,693
1981 Signed a new 4-year contract for $740,479
1977 Signed a new 5-year contract for $718,912
1974 Hired as Head Coach of the Stars
1973 Contract not renewed by the Stars
1969 Hired as Head Coach of the Spurs

Young Drachma

12-14-2024, 04:07 PM

Dynasty Rolls On: Baltoski, Zeniths Claim Another Title
By Dennis Wallace
The Sporting News

Behind another masterful performance from Finals MVP Molly Baltoski, the Dakota Zeniths claimed their latest NBA championship with a dominant 129-102 victory over the Milwaukee Violets in Game 5 of the Finals.

Baltoski, who captured her third Finals MVP award, put on a clinic with 45 points on 19-of-29 shooting, including 5-of-7 from three-point range. She added seven rebounds and seven assists, orchestrating a Zeniths offense that shot 55.3% from the field and never trailed after the first quarter.

"Molly was simply unstoppable tonight," said Zeniths coach Demi Bonanno, who collected her fifth championship. "When she's playing at this level, there's nobody better in the world."

The Zeniths pulled away with a decisive third quarter, outscoring Milwaukee 31-20 to extend their lead to 103-75. Marianna Larson added 30 points on efficient 13-of-25 shooting, while Makena Villarreal dished out 11 assists.

For Milwaukee, Chloe Kowalczyk led the way with 29 points, but the Violets couldn't match Dakota's firepower, shooting just 41.6% from the field. Adelyn Shelly, who averaged 26.4 points and 9.3 assists in the playoffs, was held to 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting.

The championship adds another chapter to Dakota's incredible dynasty under Bonanno, who has been with the franchise since its San Antonio days. Baltoski's playoff run was particularly impressive, as she averaged 29.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.4 assists across 20 playoff games.

"This never gets old," said Baltoski, surrounded by celebrating teammates. "Every championship is special, but the way this team came together, the way we peaked at the right time – this one feels amazing."

A crowd of 17,341 witnessed the coronation, erupting as the final seconds ticked away on yet another Zeniths championship season. For Milwaukee, who got strong playoff performances from Shelly (26.4 ppg) and Claypoole (21.4 ppg), the loss marked a bitter end to an otherwise impressive season.

The victory solidifies Dakota's place among basketball's greatest dynasties, with Baltoski and Bonanno's partnership continuing to set the standard for excellence in the NBA.

Young Drachma

12-14-2024, 04:17 PM

Legacy of Success: Larson's Era in Dakota May Be Ending

When Marianna Larson joined the Dakota Zeniths in 1984, few could have predicted how perfectly the partnership would work. The Zeniths were already champions, having claimed the 1983 title, but the addition of Larson helped transform them into arguably the greatest dynasty in professional basketball history.

Over the next five years, Dakota and Larson proved to be the perfect match, claiming four more championships while revolutionizing how the game could be played. But with the Zeniths now facing a severe cap crunch - nearly $9.5 million over the cap - this remarkable era may be coming to an end.

"Sometimes the best moves happen when both sides are ready for change," says one Western Conference executive. "Dakota proved they could win before Marianna, and they still have Molly Baltoski and Coach Bonanno. And at 31, Larson might welcome the chance to lead her own team instead of sharing the spotlight in Sioux Falls."

The future Hall of Famer's numbers in Dakota tell the story of unprecedented excellence: three MVP awards, four All-League First Team selections, and career averages of 30.3 points while shooting an incredible 51.2% from three-point range. But perhaps most impressively, she adapted her game to fit alongside other stars, helping create a team-first culture that produced consistent excellence.

"No one expected this partnership to work as well as it did for as long as it did," says another league executive. "Most superstar pairings last two or three years. They won four titles together. That's extraordinary."

For teams with cap space like Chicago ($31.2 million), Atlanta ($18.2 million), and Minnesota ($16.3 million), Larson represents a rare opportunity: a proven champion who might be ready for a new challenge as the undisputed first option.

As for Dakota, they've shown before that they can reinvent themselves around Baltoski and Bonanno's leadership. While replacing Larson's production won't be easy, few organizations have proven more adaptable over the years.

Free agency may mark the end of one of basketball's most successful partnerships - but both sides can look back knowing they achieved something truly special together.

Young Drachma

12-14-2024, 08:48 PM

By Sarah Thompson
Wisconsin Prep Sports
The Baltoski basketball legacy in Wisconsin runs deeper than just Dakota Zeniths superstar Molly Baltoski. This winter, her twin nieces are writing their own distinct chapters of the family story – a connection that runs through Jim Baltoski, Molly's father, and his first marriage.

Sarah Baltoski, the twins' mother, is Molly's much older half-sister from Jim's first marriage in the early 1960s. While there's nearly two decades between the sisters, basketball has always been the family's common language. Now Sarah, a mathematics teacher and assistant basketball coach at Bayfield High School, is watching her own daughters carry on the family tradition – albeit in different gyms nearly 200 miles apart.

Minnie Baltoski, a 6-0 shooting guard at Bayfield High School, and her twin sister Gretchen, a 6-5 post player at Menasha, have taken very different paths since their parents' split three years ago. When their father took a teaching position in Menasha, Gretchen went with him. Minnie stayed in Bayfield with Sarah, where mother and daughter have forged a unique player-coach relationship.

"It's funny how basketball keeps weaving through our family story," says Sarah. "When I was finishing high school, Molly was just starting to play. Now my girls are writing their own chapters."

The timing of Minnie's emergence has created an unusual recruiting situation. While Gretchen signed with Pitt during the early period, Minnie's rise to five-star status came after those deadlines passed. Her current list of suitors – including Wayne State and Detroit Mercy – seems likely to change dramatically before the late signing period.

"The girls handle everything differently, just like they always have," says their father Jim, who teaches history at Menasha. "Gretchen knew early on where she wanted to go. Minnie's path is taking a few more turns, but that suits her personality."

Their aunt Molly has watched their development with pride. "They're both pure Baltoskis – competitive, skilled, but totally different players," she says. "Gretchen's got that physical presence inside that reminds me of my post players in Dakota. Minnie's got that guard instinct, always thinking two plays ahead."

The sisters stay connected despite the distance, texting constantly and streaming each other's games when possible. "Sure, it's different being at separate schools," says Minnie. "But we're still twins. Nobody understands my game like Gretchen does."

As the season winds down, both sisters are focused on their teams' playoff chances. But there's also excitement about the future – Gretchen heading to Pitt, and Minnie's recruitment about to heat up in ways few could have predicted.

"Whatever happens next," says their mother Sarah, "they've both found their own paths. As a parent and a coach, that's all you can ask for."

Young Drachma

12-14-2024, 08:58 PM

Perfect Storm: Baltoski Chooses Rising Miami Program
By Sarah Thompson
Wisconsin Prep Sports

When Destiny Mounts took over at Miami two years ago, she promised to build something special. Now, with the Hurricanes sitting as a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament's East Region, she's landed perhaps her biggest recruiting coup yet: standout guard Minnie Baltoski from Bayfield, Wisconsin.

"Coach Mounts' vision for how I'd fit into their system was different from anything else I heard," says Baltoski, who chose Miami over finalists Iowa State, Louisville, Rutgers, and Oklahoma State. "They're not just winning now – they're building something lasting."

The commitment continues a remarkable trajectory for both player and program. Baltoski, who rose from two-star prospect to five-star status during a breakout senior season, brings elite athleticism to a Miami team that's gone from rebuilding to championship contender under Mounts.

"Minnie's exactly the kind of player we want," says Mounts, whose Hurricanes are 25-10 and ACC champions in just her second season. "Her defensive instincts are off the charts – that 91 rating in steals jumps out at you. But it's her potential for growth that really excites us."

That potential is evident in Baltoski's unusual skill progression. Despite shooting 95.9% from the free throw line this season, she's attempted few three-pointers. However, her 'A' potential in both jump shooting and passing suggests she could develop into a complete guard at the next level.

"Coach Mounts showed me film of how they want to use me," says Baltoski, who's averaging 20.2 points and 4.1 assists this season. "Their up-tempo style fits perfectly with my game, and they have a clear plan for developing my outside shot."

For Mounts, who built her reputation as an elite recruiter during assistant coaching stints at Xavier and Utah, landing Baltoski represents another statement signing. After turning around Abilene Christian (going from 16-18 to 22-9), she's needed just two years to transform Miami into an ACC power.

"What Coach Mounts is building in Miami isn't just about winning now," says Sarah Baltoski, Minnie's mother and assistant coach at Bayfield. "She showed us how Minnie fits into their long-term vision. That's what separated them from other schools."

The commitment gives Miami one of the nation's most intriguing prospects. Beyond her obvious athletic gifts, Baltoski's combination of elite free throw shooting and defensive instincts suggests a player whose best basketball might still be ahead of her.

"People might wonder why a Wisconsin kid is heading to Miami," Baltoski says with a laugh. "But when you find the right fit, distance doesn't matter. Coach Mounts and her staff have built something special there. I want to be part of what comes next."

Young Drachma

12-14-2024, 08:59 PM

Sometimes to mix things up, I'll take unsigned 1 or 2 star recruits and boost them talent wise to see what sorts offers they get after that. My universe has enough schools now that there are enough scholarships to go around, meaning that some big school will probably have something for them, but it's an interesting way to look at the game engine and how it works since recruiting talent isn't dynamic during recruiting in-game, you get what you get until they show up and maybe develop or maybe don't develop.

Young Drachma

12-15-2024, 01:30 AM

Perfect November Has Rutgers Faithful Dreaming Big
By Tom DiNardo
The Courier News

When Sofia Woodruff shocked the college basketball world by leaving Seton Hall for Rutgers this summer, the move raised eyebrows across New Jersey. Why would a coach with two national titles and a 573-232 career record leave a program she had built into a powerhouse for its struggling state rival?

The answer is becoming clearer with each passing victory.

The preseason No. 1 Scarlet Knights have stormed through November with a perfect 6-0 record, winning by an average margin of 27.5 points. More importantly, they've done it with a roster loaded with New Jersey talent – seven players on the current squad hail from the Garden State.

"I saw something special brewing here," says Woodruff, whose team hosts Iowa State Thursday. "The talent in New Jersey has always been exceptional. At Seton Hall, I was constantly recruiting against Rutgers for these players. Now I get to help them represent their state university."

The early returns have been spectacular. Sophomore guards Cortisha Brooks-Moses (Cranford) and Jemisha Evans (Edison) have formed one of the nation's most dynamic backcourts, averaging 17.8 and 17.5 points respectively. Freshman Zaketa Glover, a Piscataway native, has provided instant offense off the bench with 18 points per game.

"Coach Woodruff told us during recruitment that she wanted to build something special here, something that would make New Jersey proud," says Brooks-Moses. "We believed in that vision."

For Rutgers fans who have endured two decades of mediocrity – the program hasn't reached the NCAA Tournament since 1989 – this season's hot start feels different. The combination of Woodruff's championship pedigree and local talent has created a buzz around the RAC not seen in years.

Athletic Director Fred Gruninger, who orchestrated Woodruff's hiring with a package that made her one of the nation's highest-paid coaches, sees it as a turning point for the program.

"Coach Woodruff didn't just bring her coaching ability – she brought credibility," says Gruninger. "When she tells a recruit she can build a champion at Rutgers, they believe it because she's done it before."

The real tests lie ahead. December brings matchups with No. 2 Penn State and No. 7 Temple, games that will show whether Rutgers' hot start is sustainable. But for now, there's genuine optimism on the banks of the Raritan.

"We know we haven't accomplished anything yet," Woodruff cautions. "But these young women believe in themselves and what we're building here. That's where everything starts."

After 23 years of struggling to find its footing in Division I, Rutgers women's basketball finally seems to have found its leader. The perfect November might just be the beginning.

Young Drachma

12-15-2024, 01:49 AM

Perfect Start: How Rutgers Became Women's Basketball's Most Compelling Story
By Alexander Wolff
Sports Illustrated

On a frigid December night in State College, Pennsylvania, Sofia Woodruff stood outside the visiting locker room at Penn State's Bryce Jordan Center, a slight smile playing across her face. Her No. 1 ranked Rutgers Scarlet Knights had just knocked off fourth-ranked Penn State 62-55, pushing their record to 13-0 and validating their position atop the polls.

"They keep waiting for us to stumble," Woodruff says, the smile growing wider. "But these kids, they don't know they're supposed to."

The story of the 1992-93 Rutgers women's basketball team reads like a Hollywood script. A legendary coach leaves one New Jersey power for another. A roster stacked with local talent responds by steamrolling through their schedule, winning their first 16 games by an average of 27 points. The once-sleepy RAC has become the hottest ticket in New Brunswick.

But the real story lies in the details: sophomore point guard Cortisha Brooks-Moses (14.1 ppg, 6.3 apg) orchestrating the nation's highest-scoring offense (82.0 ppg); freshman Zaketa Glover providing instant offense off the bench (15.0 ppg); a suffocating defense forcing 13.1 steals per game.

"What Coach Woodruff has done here isn't just about X's and O's," says Brooks-Moses, the Cranford native who turned down scholarship offers from traditional powers to stay home. "She's made us believe we're supposed to be here."

"Here" is a place Rutgers women's basketball has never been. Before this season, the program had made just two NCAA tournament appearances in its history. Its last winning season in conference play came in 1989. The transformation from afterthought to juggernaut has been swift and stunning.

The catalyst was Woodruff's shocking departure from Seton Hall, where she had won two national titles and compiled a 573-232 record over 23 seasons. Her decision to cross the Raritan River raised eyebrows throughout the sport. But for Woodruff, the challenge was irresistible.

"I saw a sleeping giant," she says of Rutgers. "The talent in this state is incredible. These kids just needed someone to show them they could win championships at home."

The results have been immediate and emphatic. A 81-43 opening night statement against South Carolina. A 89-46 dismantling of Fresno State. Even traditional powers haven't slowed them down - Maryland fell by 35, Temple by 26. The win at Penn State might have been their closest game, but it was also their most impressive.

The team's success has energized a campus starving for athletic excellence. Home games have become events, with students camping out for tickets. "The atmosphere is electric," says junior forward Emily Desjardins. "People stop us on campus now. They're proud of what we're building."

What they're building looks increasingly like a national championship contender. With conference play looming, the questions are getting bigger: Can they run the table? Is this team ready for March? But inside the program, the focus remains singular.

"We don't talk about streaks or rankings," Woodruff insists. "We talk about getting better every day. These young women haven't scratched the surface of what they can become."

That's a scary thought for the rest of women's college basketball. The sport's newest powerhouse is on the banks of the old Raritan, where a legendary coach and a group of Jersey girls are rewriting the script of what's possible.

The perfect season continues. And as the winter winds whip across campus, the question isn't if Rutgers belongs at the top - it's who can knock them off?

Young Drachma

12-15-2024, 02:05 AM

1992 NCAA Tournament Preview
By Marcus Chen
The Sporting News

The numbers behind Rutgers' perfect 32-0 season are staggering: 81.8 points per game, 18.8 assists, and a suffocating defense generating 12.3 steals per contest. But as March Madness begins, the question remains: Can anyone stop the defending champions?

Regional Breakdown

East Region
Rutgers leads the nation in scoring and steals, making them a formidable top seed. Their potential Sweet Sixteen matchup with third-seeded Green Bay (72.2 ppg, 9.2 spg) could be fascinating. Second-seeded Tennessee's dominance on the boards (37.2 rebounds per game) makes them a Final Four threat. The Dayton-Oregon State 7/10 game pairs two contrasting styles, with Dayton leading the tournament field in rebounding (38.2 rpg).

Midwest Region
Kansas (76.5 ppg) and Houston (75.6 ppg) lead what might be the tournament's highest-scoring region. The Jayhawks' efficient offense (17.9 assists per game) will be tested by a dangerous 8/9 matchup between San Diego State and defending champion Seton Hall. Third-seeded Marquette quietly ranks fourth nationally in scoring (76.2 ppg) and brings a balanced attack with 18.0 assists per game.

South Region
Virginia's defense-first approach (74.1 ppg allowed) anchors a region filled with contrasting styles. Second-seeded Auburn's methodical pace (69.6 ppg) could create interesting matchups, while Cincinnati (73.3 ppg) lurks as a dangerous 4-seed. Indiana's Kyleigh Weller (23.7 ppg) makes the third-seeded Hoosiers a threat to reach Minneapolis.

West Region
Top-seeded Villanova (76.8 ppg) leads all tournament teams in blocked shots (6.0 per game). The Wildcats could face Kansas State in the Sweet Sixteen, where the Wildcats' Ava Davis (17.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg) presents a unique challenge. Colorado's Gabriella Eck (18.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg) makes the third-seeded Buffaloes dangerous.

Players to Watch
- Kyleigh Weller (Indiana): Nation's leading scorer at 23.7 ppg
- Brianna Gonzalez (Houston): Dynamic guard averaging 21.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg
- Charley Tolley (Iowa): Complete point guard with 20.8 ppg, 2.9 apg
- Ashlee Nealy (Seton Hall): Veteran leader averaging 19.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg

Title Contenders
1. Rutgers: Numbers don't lie - they're historically dominant
2. Virginia: Elite defense and efficient offense
3. Houston: Gonzalez leads balanced attack
4. Kansas: Tournament-tested with elite offensive efficiency
5. Villanova: Defense wins championships

Final Four Prediction
East: Rutgers
Midwest: Houston
South: Virginia
West: Kansas State

Championship: Virginia over Houston

While Rutgers' perfect season demands respect, Virginia's combination of defensive excellence (74.1 ppg allowed) and offensive efficiency makes them the team best equipped to cut down the nets in Minneapolis. Their ability to control tempo and defend without fouling (just 15.4 fouls per game) gives them the edge in what promises to be one of the most competitive tournaments in recent memory.

Young Drachma

12-15-2024, 04:02 PM

Reborn in Boston: Larson's Second Act Fuels Charms' Historic Run
By Wally Herd
Boston Herald Sports Magazine

When Marianna Larson signed with the Boston Charms last fall for just over $2 million - a fraction of her previous $54m/7 year deal with the Minnesota Lynx - eyebrows raised across the NBA. Now, as Boston celebrates a franchise-record 66 wins, those eyebrows have been replaced by applause.

"People forget how difficult it is to come back from childbirth in professional sports," says Larson, who's averaging 27.3 points while playing some of the most efficient basketball of her career. "The Lynx situation taught me a lot about the business, but it also taught me about myself."

The circumstances of Larson's departure from Minnesota remain contentious. After giving birth during the season, she found herself unexpectedly released for what the team called "undisclosed reasons." The resulting dispute nearly led to a player strike and forced the league to confront its policies regarding maternity rights.

"What happened in Minnesota wasn't right," says Charms GM Roci Bazan, who took a calculated risk in signing Larson. "But their loss has been our gain. Marianna hasn't just contributed on the court - she's changed our entire culture."

The numbers back up Bazan's assessment. Larson has formed a devastating trio with Emmalee Fitz Gerald (20.0 ppg, 7.6 rpg) and Alexa Braithwaite (17.6 ppg, 8.2 rpg), helping the Charms lead the Eastern Conference and post the league's best record.

"Coming to Boston, I knew I needed to adapt my game," Larson explains. "It's not about scoring 35 a night anymore. It's about making everyone better, about finding ways to impact winning."

Under head coach Mei Qi's system, Larson has evolved into an even more complete player. Her 4.0 steals per game lead the team, while her 4.4 assists represent one of the best playmaking seasons of her career.

"Marianna sees things before they happen," says Qi, in her third year leading the Charms. "She's taken all her experience from Dakota and Phoenix and found ways to elevate her teammates."

The transformation of the Charms has been remarkable. After years of playoff disappointments, Boston appears primed for its deepest run yet. Their 66 wins surpass even last year's 62-win campaign, though the franchise still seeks its first Finals appearance.

"We've got unfinished business," Larson says, referring to both her own journey and the Charms' postseason dreams. "What happened in Minnesota created change for future players, but it also led me here. Sometimes the worst moments lead to the best opportunities."

For Boston, the opportunity is clear: Transform their regular season dominance into playoff success. With Larson playing perhaps the most complete basketball of her career, the Charms enter the playoffs as title favorites for the first time in franchise history.

"I've won championships before," Larson says with a smile, referencing her Dakota days. "But bringing one to Boston? After everything that's happened? That would be special."

As she prepares for another playoff run, Larson has already changed the narrative. No longer is she the star unceremoniously released by Minnesota. Instead, she's become the veteran leader who helped transform Boston into a legitimate championship contender.

The next chapter awaits in the playoffs. But regardless of the outcome, Larson's renaissance in Boston has already made history - both for herself and for future players who will benefit from the maternity rights her case helped secure.

Young Drachma

12-15-2024, 04:09 PM

Power Shifts: Previewing the 1990-91 Professional Basketball Season
The Sporting News

The Boston Charms dominated the regular season. The Minnesota Lynx revolutionized offensive efficiency. But it was Molly Baltoski who took home the MVP trophy, leading her Dakota Zeniths to a 55-win season with a historic stat line (29.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, 7.2 assists).

As the 1990-91 season approaches, the landscape feels both settled and surprisingly fluid. The Charms' 66-win campaign announced them as the team to beat, while the Central Division has emerged as perhaps the deepest in basketball history with four 48+ win teams.

"You look at our division," says Rockers coach Baylee Eckman, whose team led the Central with 54 wins, "and there's no night off. The Lynx are running the most efficient offense in basketball, Milwaukee's putting up 112 a night, and the Shock just keep getting better."

The numbers tell the story of a league trending toward offensive innovation. The Violets led the league at 112.0 points per game, while Minnesota's remarkable 1.33 points per shot set a new standard for efficiency. Even defensive-minded Dakota has adapted, with MVP Baltoski orchestrating a more up-tempo attack.

"The game's evolving," says Charms head coach Mei Qi. "But defense still wins championships." Her team backed up that philosophy, riding the league's stingiest defense (98.2 points allowed) to the league's best record.

Title Contenders

Boston Charms (66-16): The defending Atlantic champions return their core, anchored by league-leading defense and a balanced attack averaging 104.8 points. Their .805 win percentage set a new standard.

Dakota Zeniths (55-27): MVP Baltoski makes them dangerous in any series, though they'll need to overcome their relatively low-scoring offense (97.7 ppg, 20th in league).

Cleveland Rockers (54-28): Emerged from the brutal Central Division behind a dynamic offense (104.7 ppg) and M. Tibreghien's all-around brilliance (26.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.8 apg).

Dallas Wings (51-31): The Pacific champions bring back a balanced lineup that went 29-12 at home.

Dark Horses

Minnesota Lynx (50-32): Madison Winder (30.3 ppg) leads the league's most efficient offense. If their defense holds up, they could make a deep run.

Milwaukee Violets (48-34): After pushing Dakota to the limit in last year's playoffs, they return with the league's highest-scoring offense and emerging star Adelyn Shelly (23.6 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 8.9 apg).

Key Questions

1. Can anyone in the Central Division emerge from the regular season gauntlet with enough energy for a deep playoff run?

2. Will Boston's defensive philosophy continue to work in an increasingly offensive-minded league?

3. Can Baltoski and Dakota get back to the finals post-Marianna Larson era? Last year's first-round exit was the first time in 7 years the Zeniths weren't in the NBA Finals since their move to Sioux Falls. The faithful want it all, will MVP Molly be able to deliver?

"Everyone's talking about offense," says Baltoski, "but when you get to May and June, it's about getting stops and executing in the halfcourt. That's why we feel good about our chances."

The season opens next week with Boston hosting Miami in a game that should immediately test whether the Charms' defensive dominance can contain another year of offensive evolution. For now, in a league trending toward scoring, the defending conference champions are betting that defense still decides championships.

Predicted Conference Champions:
Eastern Conference: Boston Charms
Western Conference: Dakota Zeniths

Finals Prediction: Dakota over Boston

We'll see the two most dynamic players of the last 25 years in the NBA Finals having been running mates for 4 titles battling in June for the chance at another ring, but this time, they won't share it.

Young Drachma

12-15-2024, 04:15 PM

Experience Meets Emergence: Brigade, Violets Set for Historic Finals Clash
The Sporting News

When the Milwaukee Violets won their only championship in 1980, Kenzie Powell was barely walking. Now the Brigade's dynamic point guard (24.5 ppg, 13.5 assists in playoffs) leads Kansas City into their first-ever NBA Finals against a Violets team looking to recapture glory after their heartbreaking finals loss two years ago.

"You can't dwell on history," says Violets star Kawanda Wheeler, who's been dominant in these playoffs averaging 29.4 points and 9.0 rebounds. "This is about two teams playing great basketball right now."

Indeed, both teams arrive at this moment riding spectacular postseason runs. Milwaukee's league-best offense (112.0 ppg) has somehow found another gear in the playoffs behind the Wheeler-Adelyn Shelly backcourt that's emerging as perhaps the league's most lethal duo. Shelly's orchestration of the offense (21.6 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 8.0 apg in playoffs) has given the Violets an unpredictability that's frustrated every defensive scheme they've faced.

Kansas City counters with their own dynamic inside-out attack. Powell's playoff performance has been nothing short of historic, with her 13.5 assists per game setting a postseason record. The Brigade's forward trio of Emma Garcia (21.6 ppg), Emily McDonald (20.1 ppg), and Keira Thurber (18.9 ppg) has given them scoring balance that few teams can match.

"What makes KC special is you can't key on one player," says Violets coach Marilyn Gebelein. "Powell creates, but they have three forwards who can all take over a game."

The contrast in styles makes this a fascinating tactical matchup. Milwaukee led the league in pace and scoring, while Kansas City rode the league's second-best turnover rate (18.7 per game) to generate efficient offense in the halfcourt. The Brigade's ability to control tempo could be the series' deciding factor.

"We have to play our game," says Brigade coach Gol Ramonas, architect of the franchise's rise from expansion team to Finals contender. "Milwaukee wants to run, but we've shown all year we can win playing our style."

The Violets' path back to the Finals has been particularly poignant. After their 1980 title, they endured years of mediocrity before rebuilding around Shelly. The addition of Wheeler last season provided the final piece, giving Milwaukee the star power to match their system.

For Kansas City, this represents a validation of their patient building process. Powell's emergence as an elite playmaker, combined with the development of their versatile forward corps, has given them an identity that's proved playoff-worthy.

Keys to the Series:
1. Can Milwaukee's league-best offense (112.0 ppg) maintain its efficiency against KC's disciplined defense?
2. Will Powell's historic playmaking continue against the Violets' aggressive perimeter defense?
3. Can Kansas City's forwards (Garcia, McDonald, Thurber) get enough shots in transition to keep pace with Milwaukee's scoring?

The Pick: Milwaukee in 7
The Violets' combination of experience, star power, and offensive firepower gives them a slight edge in what should be a classic series. But Kansas City's emergence suggests this could be the beginning of a new rivalry at the league's highest level.

"Everyone wants to talk about history," says Shelly. "But championships are won in the present. And right now, these are just two really good teams ready to compete."

Young Drachma

12-15-2024, 04:22 PM

Kansas City beat Milwaukee 4-1 in the 1991 NBA Finals. Kenzie Powell was Finals MVP. I didn't remember that she was college teams with Milwaukee's Kawanada Wheeler, they led St. Bonaventure to a Sweet 16, 2 Elite 8s and a National Title game from 83-86.

1990 NBA Season Summary Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM of the Year: Riya Swindell Lynx
Coach of the Year: Angelique Deleroeuwe Lynx

Most Valuable Player: PG Molly Baltoski Zeniths 29.4 9.5 7.2 2.7 0.7
Rookie of the Year: SG Livia Arroyo Mystics 26.9 4.9 2.6 1.2 0.2
Defender of the Year: PG Hailey Kellum Tempo 24.1 4.6 5.3 3.6 0.7
6th Man of the Year: SF Rylie Ramer Summit 10.0 3.9 3.3 1.9 0.2
Most Improved Player: C Grace Svoboda Violets 10.5 2.2 2.7 0.9 0.4

All-League 1st Team: C Kassidy Wildman Storm 17.3 8.1 2.2 0.6 0.5
All-League 1st Team: F Shyla Ramos Sirens 18.7 8.4 4.2 2.7 0.7
All-League 1st Team: F Monique Tibreghien Rockers 26.0 5.5 5.8 0.9 0.5
All-League 1st Team: G Molly Baltoski Zeniths 29.4 9.5 7.2 2.7 0.7
All-League 1st Team: G Peyton Potter Lynx 22.2 4.2 9.6 3.4 0.2

All-League 2nd Team: C Kaylee Hinman Monarchs 14.9 10.1 2.5 0.8 0.6
All-League 2nd Team: F Chloe Baltoski Shock 19.4 7.4 2.6 1.5 0.9
All-League 2nd Team: F Harper Dishman Sky 19.7 5.1 4.5 2.9 0.2
All-League 2nd Team: G Adelyn Shelly Violets 23.6 9.8 8.9 0.7 0.7
All-League 2nd Team: G Madison Winder Lynx 30.3 3.0 4.4 2.7 0.1

All-League 3rd Team: C Aubrie Emmons Ospreys 14.8 8.5 1.9 1.8 0.9
All-League 3rd Team: F Emily McDonald Brigade 21.3 4.3 2.7 1.7 0.6
All-League 3rd Team: F Emmalee Fitz Gerald Charms 20.0 7.6 6.9 0.8 0.7
All-League 3rd Team: G Saige Claypoole Rockers 24.4 4.8 7.3 2.9 0.1
All-League 3rd Team: G Lauryn Falk Aces 24.9 6.9 5.9 3.1 0.4

All-Defense 1st Team: C Isla Taylor Comets 12.6 10.4 1.5 1.0 2.6
All-Defense 1st Team: F Martha Sharp Belles 18.4 4.7 3.6 3.4 0.3
All-Defense 1st Team: F Shyla Ramos Sirens 18.7 8.4 4.2 2.7 0.7
All-Defense 1st Team: G Hailey Kellum Tempo 24.1 4.6 5.3 3.6 0.7
All-Defense 1st Team: G Peyton Potter Lynx 22.2 4.2 9.6 3.4 0.2

All-Defense 2nd Team: C Aubrie Emmons Ospreys 14.8 8.5 1.9 1.8 0.9
All-Defense 2nd Team: F Harper Dishman Sky 19.7 5.1 4.5 2.9 0.2
All-Defense 2nd Team: F Bella Gott Finches 16.2 4.5 3.2 2.6 0.2
All-Defense 2nd Team: G Gianna Tucker Wings 16.9 3.5 8.9 3.8 0.2
All-Defense 2nd Team: G Lauryn Falk Aces 24.9 6.9 5.9 3.1 0.4

All-Rookie 1st Team: C Isla Taylor Comets 12.6 10.4 1.5 1.0 2.6
All-Rookie 1st Team: F Alyssa Farrell Storm 13.7 4.4 2.4 1.7 0.2
All-Rookie 1st Team: F Aubrie Ramsey Miracle 19.8 4.6 2.4 1.2 0.2
All-Rookie 1st Team: G Livia Arroyo Mystics 26.9 4.9 2.6 1.2 0.2
All-Rookie 1st Team: G Hailey Hawkins Liberty 22.0 5.4 3.5 0.5 0.2

All-Rookie 2nd Team: C Cailyn Little Sparks 14.6 6.5 2.8 0.4 1.7
All-Rookie 2nd Team: F Alexis Gurney Shock 11.4 6.1 2.0 1.4 2.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: F Edith Charest Monarchs 10.4 7.1 1.8 0.6 0.4
All-Rookie 2nd Team: G Aniyah McLaren Belles 19.3 4.4 4.4 2.4 0.2
All-Rookie 2nd Team: G Jaelynn Bergman Aces 12.6 2.3 5.6 1.9 0.1

Young Drachma

12-15-2024, 04:31 PM

The Green Bay Blueprint: How a Small Wisconsin School Became Basketball's Best Coaching Factory
By Doug Garrett

In the world of women's college basketball, there are blue bloods and there are coaching factories. Green Bay has somehow become both, developing an uncanny knack for not just winning championships, but identifying and developing coaching talent that goes on to reshape the sport's landscape.

"When I arrived here in 1977, we made a conscious decision that would shape our future," says Dr. Patricia Montgomery, Green Bay's president since 1976. "We weren't going to just hire coaches. We were going to develop leaders."

That philosophy has produced a remarkable coaching tree. Bobbie McKinnon took St. Bonaventure to an Elite Eight. London Castleman has built Purdue into a perennial power with seven straight NCAA appearances and a Final Four. Jacqueline Martin won a national title at Green Bay before leading Kansas to the championship game. Now Cindy Merwin is working her magic at Penn State with back-to-back Sweet 16s.

"What makes Green Bay special is the alignment between administration, athletics, and academics," says Athletic Director James Wilson, who's been at the helm since 1979. "We give coaches the resources they need, but more importantly, we give them the freedom to grow."

That growth starts with identification. Green Bay has developed a unique hiring process that focuses less on win-loss records and more on leadership potential. The school's athletic committee, which includes faculty from the business and psychology departments, helps evaluate candidates based on both coaching acumen and leadership qualities.

"We look for coaches who are teachers first," explains Wilson. "Basketball knowledge is important, but we want people who can develop not just players, but future coaches."

The results speak for themselves. Since 1980, Green Bay has made 13 NCAA tournaments, won two national championships, and seen four head coaches move on to major programs. More impressively, they've maintained excellence through each transition, with their latest hire Kate Deltoro already leading them to an Elite Eight appearance.

The school's commitment to development extends beyond the head coach. Green Bay invests heavily in their assistant coaches and support staff, running leadership seminars and providing networking opportunities with successful alumni. The result is a deep bench of talent that other programs eagerly recruit from.

"When you come to Green Bay, you're not just joining a basketball program," says current head coach Kate Deltoro. "You're entering a leadership academy that happens to win a lot of basketball games."

That winning culture – the Phoenix have averaged 28 wins per season over the last decade – creates a perfect laboratory for coaching development. Assistant coaches get to learn in a successful environment while being groomed for bigger roles.

As Green Bay prepares to join the Yankee Conference, they do so having established a model that other mid-major programs dream of replicating. They've proven that with the right infrastructure and philosophy, a school can both compete at the highest level and serve as a launching pad for coaching talent.

"Our greatest pride isn't just the championships," says President Montgomery. "It's seeing our coaches go on to success elsewhere while knowing that our program remains strong. That's the true measure of what we've built here."

With Deltoro's early success suggesting she might be the next star in their coaching lineage, Green Bay's reputation as basketball's best coaching factory shows no signs of dimming. In fact, with their move to the Yankee Conference, they might just be entering their next golden age.

Young Drachma

12-15-2024, 04:39 PM

Full Circle: McKinnon Returns to Lead Green Bay
By Gary Hart
The Sporting News

In a move that brings one of women's basketball's most intriguing journeys full circle, Green Bay has hired Rutgers associate head coach Bobbie McKinnon as its new head coach. McKinnon, who built the foundation for the Phoenix's national prominence from 1976-1981, returns to Wisconsin after helping Rutgers complete the first undefeated season in women's basketball history as their recruiting coordinator.

"This is more than just coming home," McKinnon said at her introductory press conference. "This is about finishing what we started here 15 years ago."

Green Bay Athletic Director James Wilson moved quickly after Kate Deltoro's departure for Wisconsin, reaching out to McKinnon within hours of the vacancy opening. "Sometimes the perfect solution is hiding in plain sight," Wilson said. "Bobbie knows what makes Green Bay special because she helped create it."

McKinnon's career path since leaving Green Bay reads like a basketball odyssey. She built St. Bonaventure into an Elite Eight program before less successful stints at Arkansas and Boise State. But it was at Rutgers where she rediscovered her touch, assembling the talent that would make history this season.

"Those years away taught me something valuable," McKinnon reflected. "What we built at Green Bay - the culture, the development philosophy, the commitment to excellence - that wasn't just another job. That was lightning in a bottle."

The timing couldn't be better for Green Bay. As they prepare to enter the Yankee Conference, they get a coach who combines intimate knowledge of their program's DNA with high-level recruiting expertise developed at Rutgers.

"When I left in '81, I thought bigger conferences meant better opportunities," McKinnon admitted. "What I learned is that it's not about the size of the stage - it's about building something that matters. Green Bay matters."

The Phoenix have remained a power through multiple coaching changes, producing two national titles and becoming known as women's basketball's premier coaching incubator. McKinnon, who started that tradition, now returns to shepherd the program into its next era.

"Every coach who's come through here has added something special," Wilson noted. "But Bobbie created the blueprint. Having her back to lead us into the Yankee Conference feels right."

For McKinnon, 50, this represents more than just another job. After helping Rutgers achieve perfection, she sees Green Bay differently than she did when she left at 39.

"I've seen basketball at every level now," she said. "What makes Green Bay unique isn't just the winning - it's how we win, developing players and coaches, building leaders. That's what I want to continue."

With spring recruiting period approaching and the conference transition looming, McKinnon's work begins immediately. But for today, Green Bay celebrates the return of the architect who first showed them what was possible.

"We're not just getting a great coach," Wilson concluded. "We're getting someone who understands that Green Bay basketball is about more than wins and losses. It's about building something lasting."

Given McKinnon's track record of developing coaches - her coaching tree includes successful leaders at multiple Power 5 programs - her return could help ensure Green Bay remains basketball's best finishing school for coaching talent. This time, though, she plans to stick around to enjoy what she builds.

Young Drachma

12-15-2024, 04:48 PM

NBA CHAMPIONS

NBA Champs

Season Champ Wins Runner-up Wins MVP Team
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1990 Brigade 4 Violets 1 Kenzie Powell Brigade
1989 Storm 4 Dream 0 Kenzie Powell Storm
1988 Zeniths 4 Violets 1 Molly Baltoski Zeniths
1987 Zeniths 4 Rockers 3 Molly Baltoski Zeniths
1986 Fever 4 Zeniths 3 Lauryn Falk Fever
1985 Zeniths 4 Fever 1 Marianna Larson Zeniths
1984 Zeniths 4 Miracle 1 Marianna Larson Zeniths
1983 Zeniths 4 Liberty 0 Molly Baltoski Zeniths
1982 Lynx 4 Mercury 2 Mckinley Rager Lynx
1981 Belles 4 Mercury 1 Joelle Schell Belles
1980 Violets 4 Tempo 3 Ella Hawes Violets
1979 Stars 4 Violets 0 Sawyer Vega Stars
1978 Mystics 4 Tempo 2 Madison Martinez Mystics
1977 Sirens 4 Stars 3 Hallie Palmer Sirens
1976 Finches 4 Stars 1 Angeline Rowe Finches
1975 Wings 4 Liberty 1 Ava Desilva Wings
1974 Finches 4 Wings 1 Ella Hawes Finches
1973 Wings 4 Rockers 1 Cira Casald liga Wings
1972 Lynx 4 Miracle 2 Erica Lenoir Lynx
1971 Trail Blazers 4 Sky 3 Aubree Alger Trail Blazers
1970 Sky 4 Aces 1 Liana Parker Sky
1969 Sky 4 Aces 3 Liana Parker Sky

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES THROUGH 1990

NBA Hall of Fame All Positions

Name Pos Retired Points Rebounds Assists Steals Blockstest
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Madeleine Kellogg SF 1988 35316 5790 7403 1757 238
Liana Parker SG 1985 33264 8885 14542 3617 607
Ava Desilva PG 1986 29788 4970 10135 1645 288
Ella Hawes SG 1986 29697 4605 7832 1651 427
Mckinley Rager PG 1987 29290 5162 5113 2445 643
Aubree Alger SF 1983 29014 5382 3846 3069 924
Angeline Rowe PG 1982 28706 2384 7221 2182 297
Sawyer Vega PG 1985 28667 2724 7759 2784 451
Katrina Grove PG 1984 28558 3981 9964 3049 361
Georgia Clark SG 1988 28504 5764 10711 2382 528
Ella Word SF 1983 28382 7816 3883 1437 418
Abril Borowski PG 1981 27805 2949 5325 2336 280
Hallie Palmer SG 1981 27436 3984 3977 2083 198
Erica Lenoir PG 1982 26860 4938 8641 2196 515
Cira Casadiga SG 1987 26312 8457 15022 2800 624
Ariel Crippen PG 1987 24973 2512 4396 2808 223
Helena Cosme SG 1982 23567 4250 7152 2624 187
Ella Tiller SG 1984 23506 5531 10246 2230 322
Charlotte Moser PG 1985 22898 3825 7721 1309 110
Avery Gallego SG 1986 22894 4507 2553 1312 162
Madison Martinez PG 1985 22695 3263 7798 2676 324
Lily Miller SG 1978 22691 3384 2629 2153 110
Emily Howell SG 1989 22553 3869 4187 632 385
Ava Garibay SG 1981 21900 5700 9402 1191 277
Joelle Schell PG 1985 21707 3059 5749 2560 173
Alyssa Shah SG 1989 21701 2422 2763 2114 428
Joy Fries PG 1988 21584 3833 6656 1340 211
Braelynn Vasquez SG 1988 21265 4677 7169 1151 172
Sloane Mowery PG 1983 21137 2353 3301 1988 281
Olivia Phillips PG 1981 21112 2586 3770 955 107
Riya Walker PG 1977 21110 2878 7288 2374 282
Adelyn Dorr PG 1982 19813 2092 7269 1798 201
Peyton Fellers SF 1980 19729 4171 4641 987 843
Chloe Hager PG 1988 19589 3849 4605 2214 132
Priscilla Tennant SG 1981 19550 2819 2360 1244 104
Lubov Morozov SG 1983 19096 2941 5258 1432 141
Adrianna Malcom SG 1986 19047 3896 4041 1773 318
Yasmin Pepper PG 1977 19029 3831 3855 1720 149
Alexis Hoffman PG 1978 19028 2275 4677 1229 242

Name Pos Retired Points Rebounds Assists Steals Blockstest
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Itsel Galdarres C 1987 18864 12289 3127 1384 2776
Ashley Barbee SG 1988 18674 3396 8841 997 219
Kirsten Park PG 1983 18115 2104 6392 1878 90
Chloe Strain PG 1977 17935 2019 3023 730 256
Zara Hazen SG 1989 17744 4434 8165 1799 297
Raelyn Hungerford SF 1982 17574 4392 3079 2667 1113
Amelia Lewis SF 1981 16113 5921 4721 2152 810
Victoria Andrews SF 1977 13629 2909 2851 833 532
Kinley Anderson SF 1982 12516 7701 5293 1255 807
Anna McKenzie C 1988 10362 8791 4209 2627 2314

NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

NCAA Champs

Season Team Record Opponent Score
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1992 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 38-0 Virginia Cavaliers 85-53
1991 Michigan Wolverines 27-12 Villanova Wildcats 71-54
1990 Seton Hall Pirates 40-1 Gonzaga Bulldogs 69-53
1989 Green Bay Phoenix 36-2 Virginia Cavaliers 59-57
1988 Penn State Nittany Lions 29-10 Auburn Tigers 76-67
1987 Cincinnati Bearcats 33-7 Kansas Jayhawks 71-66
1986 Green Bay Phoenix 37-2 Tennessee Volunteers 93-77
1985 San Diego State Aztecs 36-3 St. Bonaventure Bonnies 87-79
1984 Syracuse Orange 31-8 Auburn Tigers 99-96
1983 Seton Hall Pirates 30-9 Saint Mary's Gaels 84-75
1982 Texas Longhorns 33-5 Penn State Nittany Lions 101-72
1981 Cincinnati Bearcats 29-8 Kansas Jayhawks 91-79
1980 Tennessee Volunteers 36-3 Purdue Boilermakers 90-86
1979 Villanova Wildcats 38-1 Clemson Tigers 84-70
1978 Kansas Jayhawks 34-4 Tennessee Volunteers 85-77
1977 Miami Hurricanes 33-5 Houston Cougars 84-75
1976 Florida State Seminoles 38-1 Marquette Golden Eagles 92-63
1975 Florida State Seminoles 38-1 Purdue Boilermakers 90-82
1974 Purdue Boilermakers 33-6 Michigan State Spartans 78-67
1973 Duke Blue Devils 29-8 USC Trojans 83-65
1972 Iowa Hawkeyes 31-8 North Carolina Tar Heels 83-70
1971 Oregon Ducks 26-11 Tennessee Volunteers 90-89
1970 Cincinnati Bearcats 29-9 Iowa Hawkeyes 85-73
1969 Boise State Broncos 30-7 Florida State Seminoles 83-74

Young Drachma

12-15-2024, 05:01 PM

NBA Approves Baltimore Franchise Relocation to Montreal

The NBA Board of Governors has unanimously approved the relocation of the Baltimore Ospreys to Montreal, where the team will be rebranded as the Montreal Eclipse (L'Éclipse de Montréal) beginning with the 1991-92 season.

The move comes after Montreal-based technology entrepreneur Sophie Desmarais acquired the struggling franchise for a reported $175 million. Desmarais, whose family has deep roots in Quebec business and philanthropy, becomes the NBA's first French-Canadian owner.

"Montreal has been ready for professional basketball for years," said Desmarais. "With the game becoming increasingly international, the timing couldn't be better to bring the NBA to North America's most international city."

The Ospreys, who moved to Baltimore from New Orleans in 1975, have made the playoffs just five times in 22 seasons. The relocation removes the NBA's second team from the DC-Baltimore corridor, creating what the league sees as a more balanced geographic footprint.

"Adding a second Canadian franchise strengthens our position as a truly North American league," said NBA Commissioner Jenny Browne. "The natural rivalry with Toronto and Montreal's passionate sports culture make this an exciting development for basketball."

The Eclipse will play their home games at the newly renovated Bell Centre, with Desmarais announcing plans for a state-of-the-art practice facility in suburban Laval. The team's young roster, featuring promising talents like 6'11" center Aubrie Emmons and rookie sensation Delaney Sung, will remain intact for the move.

"Our first priority is building a first-class basketball operation," said Desmarais. "We're currently conducting thorough searches for both a general manager and head coach who understand the unique opportunity we have to build something special in Montreal."

The Eclipse name was chosen to work seamlessly in both English and French, with Desmarais emphasizing the importance of embracing Montreal's bilingual identity. The team will maintain its position in the Eastern Conference, creating immediate rivalries with Toronto, Boston, and New York.

Season tickets for the inaugural Montreal season will go on sale next month, with strong early interest from the corporate community suggesting a promising fresh start for a franchise that has struggled to find its footing in recent years.

Young Drachma

12-15-2024, 09:32 PM

The Global Game: Analyzing the Talent Distribution in Women's Professional Basketball - 1991

A Deep Dive into the World's Professional Basketball Leagues

The landscape of women's professional basketball in 1991 presents a fascinating study in talent distribution and league hierarchy. Through detailed attribute analysis across major professional leagues worldwide, we can paint a clear picture of where the highest level of play exists and how different leagues stack up against each other.

The NBA: Where Elite Offense Lives

The NBA stands as the unquestioned pinnacle of professional basketball, with offensive capabilities that dramatically outpace all other leagues. The numbers tell a compelling story:

Inside Scoring averages 54.4, with 23.5% of players rating 70 or above
Jump shooting sits at a solid 49.8 average, with 20.1% of players in the 70+ range
Three-point shooting averages 48.5, with an impressive 23.7% of players rating 70 or better
Free throw shooting shows remarkable consistency at 66.4 average

Most tellingly, the NBA features significant populations of elite scorers across all shooting categories, with 4.4% of players rating 90+ in inside scoring and 7.1% in three-point shooting - numbers that simply don't exist in other leagues.

The European Elite: Greece and Spain Lead the Way

Below the NBA, a clear hierarchy emerges in European basketball, with Greece and Spain establishing themselves as the premier competitions outside North America.

Greece: Technical Excellence
The Greek league (35.8 inside scoring, 36.5 jump shot) shows the highest shooting averages among European leagues. While far from NBA standards, Greek teams feature notably better shooting distributions:

9.7% of players rate 60 or above in inside scoring
9.3% rate 60+ in jump shooting
11.8% hit the 60+ mark in three-point shooting
Free throw shooting averages an impressive 59.2

Spain: Depth and Balance
The Spanish league closely follows Greece with balanced offensive capabilities:

Inside scoring (35.2) and jump shooting (35.7) show remarkable consistency
Free throw shooting averages 59.1, nearly identical to Greece
7.8% of players rate 60+ in inside scoring

The Next Tier: Five Nations League and Turkey

The Five Nations League in France and Turkish League form a clear second tier:

Five Nations League

Inside scoring (34.4) and jump shooting (32.7) show solid fundamentals
Free throw shooting (57.3) remains competitive
Notable drop-off in three-point shooting (28.6) compared to top leagues

Turkey

Inside scoring (31.1) and jump shooting (31.9) lag slightly behind
Three-point shooting shows significant decline (25.2)
Free throw shooting maintains respectability at 54.7

The Rest: A Study in Development

The remaining leagues - including Germany (32.0 jump shot avg), Brazil (32.4), and the Nordic Super League (33.8) - show similar patterns of solid fundamental play but lack the high-end talent seen in top leagues. Most notably, these leagues struggle to field players rating above 70 in any shooting category, with such talents appearing as rare exceptions rather than regular features.

Australia: The Outlier

The Australian league presents an interesting case, showing better jump shooting (34.9) than inside scoring (30.9), bucking the typical trend seen in most leagues. This suggests a different style of play that might be worth watching as the game evolves.

Key Takeaways

The data reveals clear tiers of competition:

NBA: In a class of its own, with truly elite offensive talent
Tier 1 Europe: Greece and Spain, showing high-level technical skill
Tier 2 Europe: Five Nations League and Turkey, featuring solid fundamentals
Development Leagues: Including Germany, Brazil, and the Nordic leagues, where individual elite talent remains rare

The gaps between these tiers are substantial and consistent across almost all offensive categories, suggesting that while competitive basketball exists worldwide, the path to truly elite play remains concentrated in a handful of top leagues.

This analysis is based on comprehensive attribute data from the 1991 season across all major professional women's basketball leagues.

Young Drachma

12-15-2024, 09:38 PM

I can control where talent goes in this game by keeping the international leagues salary caps relatively constrained, so there's a hierarchy but I usually have a few leagues that are close to each other, than there's a third or lower tier for players who just aren't as good, partially because I tend to let the game give me all of the FBCB prospects in case any favorite players of mine aren't good enough for the NBA but should go overseas for a while anyway.

I've been waiting until the 1990s to bring China online, there's also no Russian League yet, those leagues will start to attract more ex-NBA players compared to right now where it's sort of rare for someone to leave the NBA if they're a starter to head overseas, the early years there were more players who'd do that and you still see a few prospects who get their start overseas first, but it's not a common practice given the gaps.

I started an NBA developmental league too, so more prospects can get some run (C-League) so that'll probably keep more talent domestic as well.

Young Drachma

12-15-2024, 10:06 PM

What A Difference A City Makes: Inside the Montreal Eclipse's Rapid Rise

When Sophie Desmarais bought the struggling Baltimore Ospreys and moved them to Montreal, skeptics wondered if the NBA's second Canadian franchise would fare any better than its predecessor. Nine months later, the Eclipse sit third in the East at 53-29, armed with one of the league's most intriguing young cores and home court advantage in the playoffs.

"The transformation started with trust in our analytics department," says Trinidad Xovi, who earned GM of the Year honors for his bold roster reconstruction. "When everyone expected us to take Aaliyah Audley first overall, our models showed Sophia Lafontaine's ceiling was just as high in our system."

While Audley went on to win Rookie of the Year in Portland, Lafontaine (17.6 ppg) has been exactly what Montreal needed - a versatile wing who can play multiple positions. But Xovi's masterpiece came in a three-team deal that netted both Detroit's pick (used on Wisconsin's Emily Baltoski) and former All-Star Kawanda Wheeler from Philadelphia. They also made a draft day deal with Detroit to acquire Baltoski's cousin Molly, bringing the Midwest's basketball royal family together on an NBA team.

"We knew Wheeler would thrive here," Xovi explains.
Wheeler has rewarded that faith, averaging 27.7 points and 9.2 rebounds while forming a lethal pick-and-roll combination with holdover center Aubrie Emmons. The 6'11" Emmons, who often felt like a one-woman show in Baltimore, has flourished with better talent around her.

"In Baltimore, I had to do everything," says Emmons, who's averaging 10.9 points and 8.5 rebounds. "Now I can focus on what I do best - protecting the rim and finishing plays."

The Eclipse's success extends beyond the court. Home attendance is up 47% from Baltimore's final season, and the team's bilingual marketing approach has made them a hit in Quebec's corporate community.

"Montreal was ready for this," says Desmarais. "The city understands basketball through the lens of both North American and European styles. That's exactly how we want to play."

As they prepare for a second-round playoff matchup with Detroit already proven that sometimes a change of scenery is all a franchise needs. Their rise from perennial lottery team to Eastern Conference contender might be the season's biggest surprise.

"People focus on what we got in trades and the draft," Xovi notes. "But the real key was building an identity that fits our city. Montreal isn't just a hockey town anymore."

Young Drachma

12-15-2024, 10:21 PM

The Choice That Shaped Two Franchises: 1992 NBA Finals Preview

When Montreal made Sophia Lafontaine the first overall pick in last year's draft, passing on consensus top prospect Aaliyah Audley, eyebrows raised across the NBA. Now, as the Eclipse and Portland Talons prepare to meet in the Finals, that draft night decision looms large over what promises to be a fascinating series.

"Everyone expected us to take Audley," admits Montreal GM Trinidad Xovi. "But we saw something special in Sophia, something that fit what we were trying to build here. Portland got a great player in Audley, but we wouldn't change our choice."

Both teams' success validates their draft-night decisions. Audley has been phenomenal for Portland (17.9 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 7.6 apg in playoffs), while Lafontaine (17.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg) has helped transform Montreal from perennial strugglers into instant contenders.

The Eclipse's remarkable turnaround has been bolstered by the Baltoski cousins. Emily, whose sister Molly is an all-time great, has established herself as an All-Star caliber pro. She's formed a dynamic partnership with her cousin Chloe, combining for 37.6 points per game in the playoffs. Their chemistry has been a key factor in Montreal's offensive explosion (107.9 ppg, best in NBA).

"Growing up playing against each other in Wisconsin made us both better," says Chloe Baltoski. "Now getting to play together, especially in the Finals, it's something special."

Portland's path has been different but no less remarkable. After their 1971 title, the Talons spent years rebuilding before finally breaking through behind their dynamic rookie-veteran combination.

Keys to the Series:

Portland's defense (92.8 ppg allowed, best in NBA) vs Montreal's top-ranked offense (107.9 ppg)
Battle of the boards between Gabriella Eichler (9.5 rpg) and Aubrie Emmons (7.3 rpg)
Point guard matchup: Wheeler's scoring vs Vivian Dowling's efficiency
Bench impact: Ella Wentworth (9.6 ppg) could be Portland's X-factor

The Pick: Portland in 7
The Talons' defense and Audley's all-around game give them a slight edge, but Montreal's home court advantage and explosive offense could easily tip the scales. Either way, we're watching history: Portland's chance to end a 21-year drought or Montreal's fairy tale first season reaching the ultimate conclusion.

Young Drachma

12-15-2024, 10:35 PM

Kawanda Wheeler's Accidental Triumph: A Geographical Mistake Becomes a Basketball Miracle

Look, sometimes professional sports is just an elaborate exercise in geographical gaslighting, and Kawanda Wheeler's journey with the Montreal Eclipse is Exhibit A in the museum of athletic absurdity.

Wheeler, a New York point guard with enough swagger to power a small municipal grid, didn't want Montreal. Montreal, for its part, didn't seem particularly concerned with Wheeler's preferences. This was less a marriage of convenience than an arranged diplomatic incident with a basketball.

She had signed a seven-figure deal with Philadelphia thinking she'd retire in a city that understood her particular brand of hoops nihilism. Instead, she got traded mid-season to a francophone basketball outpost that might as well have been the dark side of the moon as far as she was concerned.

"Not even gonna lie, I was like 'French? Basketball?' I'm gonna call my agent - we are not doing this," Wheeler would later say, which is precisely the kind of unvarnished honesty that makes sports worth consuming in the first place.

The Eclipse's management, displaying the kind of institutional confidence typically reserved for mid-level bureaucrats and used car salesmen, had a pitch: "We wanted you to help us do something we never expected we could do."

Which is corporate speak for "trust us" - words that have preceded more disasters than success stories in human history.

Except this time, improbably, it worked.

Wheeler, a St. Bonaventure product who had been bouncing between Cleveland, Milwaukee, and now Montreal like a geographical pinball, decided to lean into the bit. Her teammates - a collection of rookies and castoffs who looked at her like she was some kind of basketball messiah - helped. They showed her poutine spots. They attempted French. They believed.

In the playoffs, Wheeler wasn't just playing basketball. She was conducting a geographical revenge tour, averaging 27.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists with the kind of nihilistic efficiency that suggests the universe might actually have a sense of humor.

When she was named Playoff MVP after winning the championship, it wasn't just a basketball achievement. It was performance art. A middle finger to conventional narrative. A reminder that sometimes, the most interesting stories in sports happen when nobody - least of all the protagonist - sees them coming.

"They told me to give it a season," Wheeler said, champagne making her hair look like it had been electrocuted by joy. "I ended up giving them my heart."

And isn't that just like sports? A geographical mistake becomes a miracle. A trade becomes a transformation. A reluctant point guard becomes a champion.

Young Drachma

12-15-2024, 10:38 PM

This is the 2nd time the game has done some inexplicable ass trade of someone notable for not much in return. This game doesn't show its rawness but these are moments where it's a little annoying, but I just use this as head canon to develop stories around whatever inexplicable thing I end up seeing. Trading her to Montreal for sure won them that title, it was a good team, but not drafting Audley was too cute by half, it was the 100% right decision.

Getting two lottery picks was indeed a good masterstroke of luck, but without them bringing in Wheeler, none of this works out. It's so wild how quickly they flipped that roster.

This is different than when Dakota moved and won a title, because that team was already pretty good and had won in San Antonio. This was truly a moribund club that had no real hopes or prospects, and where it seemed really good players went to die, and they had a ton of really shitty contracts, that they could never seemingly get out of.

So yeah I'm pretty shocked by this one, especially to end up playing Portland was even more poetic.

MoonlightGraham

12-16-2024, 07:57 AM

Young Drachma

12-17-2024, 03:28 PM

I noticed something interesting when I looked at your Hall of Fame roster. Unless I missed someone, there aren't any players listed as power forwards in the Hall of Fame, and there are only two centers.

Do you have any idea why this has happened?

Anyway, I'm having fun following your story. Keep up the great work!

Oh, that's a good observation. My sense is that all of my overclocking of the FBB.ini file resulted in the game overindexing on guards and forwards at the peril of centers and PFs, since FBB wasn't built for the positionless basketball era.

I probably need to go scour the stats of Centers and PF who are retired and get more of them into the Hall of Fame, I want to turn off autoinduction entirely, but then I have to remember to look back and put people into the Hall of Fame.

I will do some tweaking to the file more, if you've noticed I've gotten scoring down in the last few years, but I think I need to further tweak usage rates so that Centers and power forwards are getting their hands on the ball more, even if it's just scoring and rebounding.

Glad you noticed, I didn't even think about it until you said that.

Edit, here's my latest edit to the FBB.ini in case anyone wants to see how my environment will be moving forward. I balanced the positions and did some other tweaks.

[Technical Settings]
Debug=0
OutputShotData=0
DefaultToCityNames=0

[Usage]
C=120
PF=120
SF=120
SG=120
PG=120

[Fouling]
Press=1023
Trap=987
DriveShooting=1187
DriveFloor=893
Post=912
Perimeter=876
Dribble=823
Pass=815
Screen=789
Charge=812

[Defense]
DoubleInsideBase=893
DoubleInsideRange=319
DoubleOutsideBase=906
DoubleOutsideRange=406

[Modifiers]
DriveRate=1087
FollowRate=1034
InsideShotRate=1023
MediumShotRate=1056
TpaRate=1123
DrivePct=887
InsidePct=934
MediumPct=989
TpPct=1123
FtPct=1050
InjuryRate=1077
ToRate=1038
SuspensionRate=912
MaxPlayerTpaRate=1123
Time=2126
ORebRate=1923
ReboundLeaders=1800
TeamRebounds=1605
PassRate=1234
DribbleRate=1145
InsideMinUsage=1023
MediumMinUsage=1000
OutsideMinUsage=1287
AndOne=1004
DunkRate=1

[Stealing]
StealRate=1123
StealDrive=1087
StealPress=1096
StealTrap=1099
StealDribble=1134
StealPass=1078

[Blocking]
BlockRate=1087
BlockDunk=1000
BlockDrive=1134
BlockInside=1112
BlockMedium=1000
BlockOutside=1000

Young Drachma

12-17-2024, 09:04 PM

1991-92 SEASON RECAP

The stat changes I made won't take effect until next year, it only occurred to me to fix it during the post-season, so we'll see how it impacts the game moving forward.

AWARD WINNERS

1992 NBA Season Summary Awards

Award Pos Name Team PPG RPG APG SPG BPG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM of the Year: Sandra Oswald Mystics
Coach of the Year: Marilyn Gebelein Violets

Most Valuable Player: PG Adelyn Shelly Violets 29.5 11.6 9.0 0.9 1.2
Rookie of the Year: SG Lydia Sullivan Finches 21.7 4.4 2.1 1.4 0.1
Defender of the Year: PG Gianna Tucker Summit 14.6 3.8 8.9 4.3 0.1
6th Man of the Year: PF Payton Campos Mystics 11.4 4.5 2.8 2.6 0.2
Most Improved Player: PF Emily Baltoski Eclipse 20.9 6.9 2.1 1.6 2.4

All-League 1st Team: C Sarah Kimber Sparks 16.2 10.7 2.1 1.1 1.6
All-League 1st Team: F Aaliyah Audley Talons 20.8 7.6 8.8 3.5 0.7
All-League 1st Team: F Emmalee Fitz Gerald Charms 21.5 8.7 8.2 0.8 0.5
All-League 1st Team: G Adelyn Shelly Violets 29.5 11.6 9.0 0.9 1.2
All-League 1st Team: G Kenzie Powell Brigade 25.2 6.0 11.9 2.5 0.1

All-League 2nd Team: C Emily Benbow Aces 15.5 9.0 2.5 0.5 2.1
All-League 2nd Team: F Emily Baltoski Eclipse 20.9 6.9 2.1 1.6 2.4
All-League 2nd Team: F Sophia Wood Vixens 26.6 5.6 3.5 1.6 0.3
All-League 2nd Team: G Carolyn Beal Mystics 26.8 4.3 8.2 3.3 0.3
All-League 2nd Team: G Saige Claypoole Rockers 26.3 5.7 8.3 3.2 0.1

All-League 3rd Team: C Isabella Sanders Charms 16.4 7.1 1.8 1.0 1.0
All-League 3rd Team: F Livia Arroyo Mystics 27.0 5.6 3.0 1.5 0.2
All-League 3rd Team: F Kamryn Long Sting 20.5 6.3 3.4 3.8 0.2
All-League 3rd Team: G Peyton Potter Lynx 23.4 4.1 8.0 3.2 0.1
All-League 3rd Team: G Molly Baltoski Zeniths 23.4 7.5 6.1 2.0 0.7

All-Defense 1st Team: C Claire Dent Finches 7.0 5.7 1.6 0.8 2.5
All-Defense 1st Team: F Aaliyah Audley Talons 20.8 7.6 8.8 3.5 0.7
All-Defense 1st Team: F Kamryn Long Sting 20.5 6.3 3.4 3.8 0.2
All-Defense 1st Team: G Gianna Tucker Summit 14.6 3.8 8.9 4.3 0.1
All-Defense 1st Team: G Marianna Larson Liberty 22.0 3.9 4.5 3.7 0.6

All-Defense 2nd Team: C Sarah Kimber Sparks 16.2 10.7 2.1 1.1 1.6
All-Defense 2nd Team: F Martha Sharp Belles 14.1 3.9 3.3 3.2 0.1
All-Defense 2nd Team: F Emily Baltoski Eclipse 20.9 6.9 2.1 1.6 2.4
All-Defense 2nd Team: G Brenna Sanabria Sky 19.2 3.7 7.2 3.7 0.1
All-Defense 2nd Team: G Hailey Kellum Tempo 22.4 4.5 5.6 3.0 0.7

All-Rookie 1st Team: C Sophia Ahlers Sirens 11.5 9.1 1.5 1.3 0.7
All-Rookie 1st Team: F Jenny Clark Fever 17.6 2.8 4.7 2.2 0.1
All-Rookie 1st Team: F Sofia Horne Dream 14.5 4.0 3.9 0.6 0.5
All-Rookie 1st Team: G Lydia Sullivan Finches 21.7 4.4 2.1 1.4 0.1
All-Rookie 1st Team: G Madison Glover Mercury 17.2 3.7 2.3 1.5 0.3

All-Rookie 2nd Team: C Charli Peters Summit 12.5 6.7 1.6 0.4 1.4
All-Rookie 2nd Team: F Cherish Mehta Mystics 11.8 6.6 1.9 1.0 1.3
All-Rookie 2nd Team: F Juliana Salcedo Sparks 12.3 5.2 2.6 2.6 0.3
All-Rookie 2nd Team: G Kaylyn Alcaraz Charms 14.0 4.1 2.6 2.6 0.1
All-Rookie 2nd Team: G Lorelai Bailey Sparks 17.0 3.2 2.8 1.8 0.1

Portland and their 2nd year star got revenge en route to their first NBA title since 1971 and 2nd in franchise history. Milwaukee loses in the NBA Finals for the 3rd time in 5 years.

Young Drachma

12-17-2024, 11:09 PM

The Titans of Their Era: Special Committee Rights Historical Wrongs with Power Forward-Heavy Hall Class

NBA Today - June 22, 1993

In an unprecedented move that many around the league are calling "long overdue," the NBA's Special Historical Committee has announced the induction of seven pioneering power forwards and centers to the Hall of Fame, addressing what committee chair Elizabeth Holloway called "a systemic oversight in how we've evaluated post players in the scoring era."

The inductees include Abigail Roden, whose 3,471 career blocks still stand as the league record, Alexandra Troxell, a four-time rebounding champion, and Katerina Nemecek, whose versatile offensive game helped redefine the power forward position.

"When you look at players like Amaya Edwards and Alexis Cade, who both averaged double-doubles while anchoring elite defenses, it's clear their impact was every bit as significant as their guard contemporaries who put up gaudy scoring numbers," said former coach Patricia Weber, who served on the committee. "The game was different then - teams played through their guards because that's what the rules encouraged. But these women were the backbone of championship teams."

The full class includes:

Abigail Roden (3,471 blocks, 11,219 rebounds)
Amaya Edwards (2,508 blocks, 9,905 rebounds)
Alexis Cade (11,781 rebounds, 2,347 blocks)
Wendy Davis (10,007 rebounds, 2,320 blocks)
Alexandra Troxell (15,952 points, 8,280 rebounds)
Katerina Nemecek (14,994 points, 7,461 rebounds)
Silvia Savarese (8,566 points, 7,020 rebounds)

"Look at Troxell's peak years," noted Hall of Fame center Anna McKenzie. "She was averaging 20 and 10 in an era when guards were dominating the scoring titles. The fact that she did it while shooting over 55% from the field tells you everything about her efficiency and impact."

The committee particularly highlighted Nemecek's unique offensive skillset. "Katerina was ahead of her time," said former teammate Rachel Sullivan. "She could face up, play with her back to the basket, and most importantly, she made her teammates better. Her passing changed how teams had to defend power forwards."

For many, this class represents a necessary correction in how the league evaluates big players from the scoring era. "The game is changing now," said Weber. "We're seeing more balanced offenses, more emphasis on interior play. But these women were fighting against both opposing defenses and offensive systems that weren't designed to feature them. Their excellence deserves recognition."

The induction ceremony will take place during All-Star Weekend, with several current stars already confirming their attendance to honor these pioneers of post play.

"When you look at the pure numbers - the rebounds, the blocks, the field goal percentages - it's remarkable what they accomplished," Holloway concluded. "But numbers don't tell the whole story. These women changed how the game was played. They forced teams to account for the interior, even in an era obsessed with perimeter scoring. That's what the Hall of Fame is about - recognizing those who shaped the game, not just those who scored the most points."

Career Highlights:

- Combined for 11,973 blocked shots
- Four players with 9,000+ career rebounds
- Five All-Defensive First Team selections
- Three rebounding titles
- Average career field goal percentage above 54%

Here's the playoff ledger of teams after the 1991-92 season.

NBA Historical Performance

Team Wins Losses PCT P.Wins P.Losses Pct Playoffs Finals Champs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zeniths 1351 617 .686 192 102 .653 21 9 6
Sky 1081 887 .549 108 92 .540 18 3 2
Mystics 1062 906 .540 60 84 .417 18 1 1
Lynx 1089 879 .553 109 91 .545 16 2 2
Tempo 1065 903 .541 98 88 .527 16 2 0
Violets 1049 919 .533 113 101 .528 16 5 1
Belles 994 974 .505 62 76 .449 16 1 1
Sirens 1040 928 .528 59 74 .444 15 1 1
Brigade 1018 950 .517 68 75 .476 15 1 1
Aces 957 1011 .486 78 81 .491 15 2 0
Rockers 1053 915 .535 101 81 .555 14 2 0
Wings 1008 960 .512 85 69 .552 13 3 2
Shock 980 988 .498 52 64 .448 13 0 0
Storm 962 1006 .489 49 57 .462 13 1 1
Miracle 953 1015 .484 75 80 .484 13 2 0
Summit 923 1045 .469 44 62 .415 12 0 0
Comets 921 1047 .468 28 59 .322 12 0 0
Dream 920 1048 .467 42 58 .420 12 1 0
Talons 992 976 .504 79 65 .549 11 3 2
Liberty 980 988 .498 64 60 .516 11 2 0
Sparks 976 992 .496 61 54 .530 11 0 0
Charms 965 1003 .490 36 59 .379 11 0 0
Finches 963 1005 .489 66 58 .532 11 2 2
Monarchs 934 1034 .475 15 45 .250 11 0 0
Fever 909 1059 .462 57 53 .518 10 2 1
Valkyries 899 1069 .457 35 47 .427 10 0 0
Vixens 928 1040 .472 33 44 .429 9 0 0
Sting 912 1056 .463 44 46 .489 9 0 0
Eclipse 834 1134 .424 38 35 .521 7 1 1
Mercury 802 1166 .408 42 33 .560 5 2 0

Young Drachma

12-18-2024, 12:31 AM

Memphis Gets Its Soul: Fans Choose New Identity for Relocated Franchise

NBA Press Release - June 24, 1993

The votes are in, and Memphis's new professional basketball team has found its identity. The Vancouver Vixens will become the Memphis Soul when they tip off the 1993-94 season at The Pyramid, following an overwhelming response to the city-wide naming contest that drew over 5,000 submissions.

"Memphis Soul captures everything we wanted in a team identity," said NBA Commissioner Marnie J. Stern "It represents the city's rich cultural heritage while creating an exciting foundation for professional basketball in the Mid-South."

The winning name was submitted by Marcus Hayes, a 32-year-old music teacher at Whitehaven High School. "When you think about what Soul means to Memphis, it's not just about music – it's about community, passion, and pride," Hayes explained. "That's what basketball should be about too."

The final voting broke down as follows:
Memphis Soul - 41%
Memphis Royalty - 23%
Memphis Sound - 19%
Memphis Express - 12%
Memphis Thunder - 5%

The team also unveiled its new color scheme, featuring burnt orange, navy blue, and gold, inspired by the iconic Stax Records label design. The primary logo features a basketball emerging from a musical staff, while the alternate logo incorporates the city's famous Hernando de Soto Bridge.

"This team belongs to Memphis," said Soul General Manager Elena Vallalpando. "We're inheriting a franchise that's had its ups and downs, but we believe the Soul can capture the spirit of this basketball-crazy region." The team is moving from Vancouver after 19 seasons, having originally started as the Utah Vixens in 1969.

Memphis music legend Al Green expressed enthusiasm about the name choice: "Soul is Memphis. It's who we are, what we do, and now it's our team too. Can't wait to be courtside watching the Soul bring that same energy to basketball."

The franchise will honor its history while embracing its new identity. Season ticket holders will receive a commemorative "Soul of Memphis" basketball, and the team plans extensive community outreach programs incorporating both basketball and music education.

The Soul will debut their new uniforms next month and begin play at The Pyramid in October. Season tickets are already available, with the team reporting strong early sales in the Memphis metro area.
Franchise Timeline
1969-1973: Utah Vixens
1974-1993: Vancouver Vixens
1993-Present: Memphis Soul

Notable achievements:

- Two Northwest Division titles (1985, 1986)
- Conference Finals appearance (1971)
- Eight playoff appearances

Young Drachma

12-18-2024, 12:09 PM

The Last Dance? Baltoski Tests Free Agency Waters After Decade of Dakota Dominance

By Sarah Thompson
NBA Today - June 22, 1993

In the dimming light of another Dakota summer evening, the Zeniths' practice facility stands quiet. The championship banners - five of them won in the last decade - flutter gently in the air conditioning. Somewhere in the building, a decision looms that could reshape the NBA's balance of power.

Molly Baltoski, the Wisconsin kid who transformed into one of basketball's most electrifying stars, has declined her team option. For the first time in her storied career, the future Hall of Famer could wear something other than Dakota's signature navy and silver.

The numbers tell part of the story. A career 27.1 points per game scorer. Five championships. Three Finals MVPs. Two regular season MVPs. But numbers can't capture the revolution she sparked - a 6'0" point guard who could post up, shoot threes, and soar through the air with equal grace.

"Molly Baltoski isn't just a Dakota Zenith, she is Dakota basketball," said team owner in a prepared statement. "Her legacy here is secure, and someday her number will hang in our rafters alongside the championships she helped bring us."

The Zeniths' salary cap situation presents a stark reality. With just $3.2 million in space, retaining their franchise cornerstone would require significant roster reshuffling. Meanwhile, teams like the Portland Talons ($19.1 million in space) and Washington Mystics ($21.8 million) lurk as potential suitors.

Portland, in particular, presents an intriguing destination. Fresh off their 1992 title, the Talons feature emerging superstar Aaliyah Audley and a supporting cast that seems tailor-made for Baltoski's skillset. The possibility of the league's most dynamic point guard joining forces with its most versatile forward has already sent shockwaves through front offices across the NBA.

The timing feels especially poignant given the status of legendary Zeniths coach Demi Bonanno. The only coach Baltoski has ever known at the professional level, Bonanno has been with the franchise since its San Antonio days, amassing six championships and over 1,300 wins. Though she has two years remaining on her contract, industry whispers suggest she may be eyeing a front office role soon.

Together, Baltoski and Bonanno crafted a dynasty in Dakota. Their partnership produced not just championships, but a revolutionary style of play that helped modernize the sport. Now, that partnership could be approaching its final chapter.

Free agency officially begins July 1st. Until then, the practice facility will remain quiet, the banners will continue their gentle dance, and basketball fans across the country will wait to see if one of the game's greatest players has one more act left - in a different city, wearing different colors.

- 18,693 career points
- 5,377 rebounds
- 5,202 assists
- .558 career FG%
- 375 Player of the Game awards
- 7 All-Star selections

Young Drachma

12-18-2024, 03:53 PM

Bonanno's Next Chapter: Legendary Coach to Take Helm of Dream Front Office
NBA Today - June 23, 1993
In a seismic shift that could reshape two franchises, legendary coach Demi Bonanno will leave the Dakota Zeniths to become President of Basketball Operations for the Atlanta Dream, sources close to the situation confirmed late Tuesday night.

The move ends a 24-year run that saw Bonanno guide the franchise from its San Antonio origins to unprecedented heights in Dakota, amassing six championships and over 1,300 wins. Her departure comes at a pivotal moment, as franchise cornerstone Molly Baltoski enters free agency for the first time in her career.

In Atlanta, Bonanno inherits a team at a crossroads. Despite reaching the NBA Finals in 1989, the Dream have missed the playoffs in three straight seasons, finishing 23-59 last year. However, the roster features intriguing pieces, including dynamic point guard Samora Passenger (21.2 PPG, 8.8 APG) and promising rookie Sofia Horne.

The Dream's substantial salary cap flexibility - they currently sit $2.4 million under the cap with several expiring contracts - gives Bonanno immediate tools to reshape the roster. League sources suggest she will have full autonomy over basketball operations, including hiring her own head coach.
"The opportunity to build something from the ground up was too compelling to pass up," said a source familiar with Bonanno's thinking. "After two and a half decades of sustained success, she's ready for a new challenge."

The timing raises intriguing questions about both franchises' futures. In Dakota, the search for Bonanno's replacement will coincide with Baltoski's free agency, potentially influencing the future Hall of Famer's decision. Meanwhile, Atlanta's ability to attract premier talent could be dramatically enhanced by Bonanno's sterling reputation and championship pedigree.

For a Dream franchise that has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled to maintain consistency, landing one of basketball's most respected minds represents a clear statement of intent. The only question now is how quickly Bonanno can work her magic in a different role, in a different city, with different challenges ahead.

Young Drachma

12-19-2024, 11:54 PM

Baltoski Shocks Basketball World, Signs with Charlotte Sting
NBA Today - June 26, 1993
In a move that sent shockwaves through the NBA, ten-time All-Star Molly Baltoski has agreed to a three-year, $78.5 million contract with the Charlotte Sting, ending her storied decade-long run with the Dakota Zeniths.

The decision comes amid a tumultuous week for the Zeniths organization, which also saw the departure of legendary coach Demi Bonanno to the Atlanta Dream's front office. The timing suggests a changing of the guard in Dakota, where Baltoski and Bonanno had built one of professional basketball's most dominant dynasties.

Charlotte's aggressive pursuit of Baltoski signals their intent to build on last season's playoff appearance and their 2022 Conference Finals run. The Sting, who finished 45-37 last year, possess the cap flexibility to surround their new star with additional talent.

For Baltoski, the move represents both a fresh start and a return to her scoring roots. The 33-year-old point guard averaged 23.4 points and 7.5 rebounds last season, showing no signs of slowing down despite entering her eleventh professional season. Her ability to control tempo while creating her own shot could transform Charlotte's offense, which ranked in the bottom half of the league last season.

The signing dramatically alters the NBA's competitive landscape. While Dakota loses both its coach and franchise player in the span of a week, Charlotte emerges as an instant contender in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, other suitors like Portland and Washington - both of whom reportedly made strong pushes for Baltoski - must pivot to alternate plans.

In other major free agency moves, the Talons secured Kamryn Long to a seven-year, $177 million deal, while the Violets retained center Aubrie Emmons on a seven-year, $147 million contract. But it's Baltoski's decision that will likely define this offseason, as one of the game's greatest players writes the next chapter of her career in Hornets' teal.

[Sidebar: Career Accomplishments in Dakota]

18,693 points
5 NBA Championships
2 MVP Awards
3 Finals MVPs
Career .558 FG%

Young Drachma

12-20-2024, 02:28 AM

Both the Atlanta Dream and the Charlotte Sting were bad last year, the AI sending Molly to the Sting made no sense but I didn't want to intervene on the signing to see if something better happened. After a year there, she was still 2nd team All-NBA, but Atlanta had a ton of really bad contracts because 100% cap hit means teams don't drop players even once they're out of the rotation, it's a bad engine thing but I get it.

So I lowered it so teams can amnesty players so teams don't saddle themselves long-term with bad deals. I then intervened and had Charlotte send Baltoski to Atlanta to reunite her with her former coach who is the GM, the Sting needed the cap room and I sent a future 1st in return. We'll see who ends up good first, but both teams have been bad for a while.

Young Drachma

12-20-2024, 11:17 AM

The Final Frame: Molly Baltoski and Basketball's Cruel Clock
The New Yorker - December 1994

In the sterile corridors of Atlanta's Omni Coliseum, Molly Baltoski sits alone, ice wrapped around both knees. At 35, she moves more deliberately now, each motion a careful negotiation with time. The electric dynamism that once defined her game – the crossovers that left defenders grasping at shadows, the supernatural ability to hang in the air just a fraction longer than seemed possible – has faded into something more terrestrial.

The numbers tell a story of swift decline: 11.4 minutes per game, 7.4 points, a shadow of the player who once commanded the sport's brightest stages. But numbers, like photographs, capture only moments. They don't show the weight of expectations, the cruel physics of athletic mortality, or the particular ache of a genius who can still see the game with perfect clarity but can no longer bend it to her will.

Just eighteen months ago, Baltoski left the Dakota Zeniths – where she had won five championships and carved out a legacy as perhaps the most revolutionary point guard in professional basketball – for a fresh start with the Charlotte Sting. The move itself was seismic, a reshaping of the league's competitive landscape. But basketball, like time itself, shows little regard for legacy. Her single season in Charlotte produced flashes of the old brilliance: 21.5 points, 8 rebounds, moments when the court still bent around her gravity. But the game seemed to move faster, the spaces she once found so easily closing just a half-step sooner.

Now in Atlanta, reunited with her longtime coach Demi Bonanno who serves as the Dream's President of Basketball Operations, Baltoski has become something she never was in Dakota or Charlotte: a role player, a veteran presence, a living reminder of basketball's impermanence. The irony isn't lost on those who remember her at her peak, when she redefined what was possible for a 6'0" point guard.

"The game," she says, unwrapping the ice from her knees with methodical care, "it just speeds up on you." She pauses, finding the right words. "Your mind still sees everything – maybe even more than before. But your body..." She doesn't finish the thought. She doesn't have to.

In Sioux Falls, they still talk about the championships, about the way she could control entire quarters of basketball games like a conductor leading an orchestra. In Charlotte, they remember the occasional flashes of brilliance, the moments when past and present aligned perfectly. And in Atlanta, they watch as one of basketball's most incandescent talents faces sport's most fundamental truth: that even the brightest stars must eventually fade.

The clock on the wall ticks forward. Molly Baltoski stands, testing her knees, preparing for another practice, another game, another chance to negotiate with time. The game speeds up for everyone eventually. Even legends. Especially legends.

Young Drachma

12-20-2024, 07:42 PM

My favorite thing about this game after all these years is how well it simulates the upsets and makes them feel plausible. I've been trying to see if North Carolina -- who have been breaking out lately -- could finally get to a title and then this upset happened and it surprised me

The Ram Rebellion: Fordham's Unlikely March to the Elite Eight

For Sports Illustrated - March 1997

In the bowels of the Midwest Regional arena, Fordham coach Averi Mikell sits quietly, a stat sheet trembling slightly in her hands. Her 23rd-ranked Rams have just shocked third-seeded Gonzaga 67-58, securing the program's first Elite Eight appearance in its history. Yet Mikell's expression betrays neither jubilation nor satisfaction – only the intense focus of someone who knows their work isn't finished.

"We're not here by accident," Mikell says, finally looking up from the numbers that tell the story of Fordham's defensive masterpiece. Her team held Gonzaga's vaunted offense to just 58 points, forcing 16 turnovers and limiting All-American candidate Stina Hansen to 3-of-11 shooting.

The architect of this improbable run wasn't supposed to be here. After a tumultuous stint at Ohio State and years of grinding through mid-major basketball, Mikell took over a Fordham program that hadn't made the NCAA tournament since 1989. The Rams hadn't posted a winning record in three years.

But in junior guard Alyssa Ackley (21 points, 9 rebounds against Gonzaga) and senior forward Guadalupe Moreno (8 points, 12 rebounds), Mikell found the cornerstones for her vision. Ackley, the team's leading scorer at 21.1 points per game, has emerged as one of the tournament's breakout stars. Moreno's presence in the paint (11.6 rebounds per game) has given Fordham the defensive anchor it desperately needed.

"Everyone talks about our offense," says Ackley, still breathless from the celebration, "but our identity is on defense. That's what Coach Mikell drilled into us from day one."

The numbers back this up. Fordham leads the Atlantic 10 in scoring defense (61.4 points allowed) and rebounding margin (+8.5). They've held opponents to just 40.8% shooting from the field, best in the conference.

Now comes their biggest test yet: defending national champion Purdue, led by dynamic senior point guard Caitlin Day (18.8 PPG) and sharpshooter Paige Crank (18.2 PPG). The Boilermakers, seeking their third national title, represent everything Fordham aspires to become.

"People keep waiting for the clock to strike midnight," Mikell says, finally allowing herself a small smile. "But these kids, they don't know they're supposed to be Cinderella. They just know how to win."

As she heads back to the locker room to prepare for Sunday's regional final, Mikell pauses. "You know what the beautiful thing about March is? History only matters until the ball goes up."

For a Fordham program that had never won more than 21 games in a season before this year, history is being rewritten with each passing game. The only question that remains: how much more can they write?

Road to the Elite Eight
First Round: Fordham 80, Ole Miss 76
Second Round: Fordham 88, South Dakota State 67
Sweet Sixteen: Fordham 67, Gonzaga 58
Next Up: vs. #4 Purdue (Regional Final)

Young Drachma

12-20-2024, 09:19 PM

The Rose Hill Miracle: Fordham Stuns Purdue to Reach First Final Four
Sports Illustrated - March 31, 1997
The sounds of "New York, New York" echoed through the arena corridors as Guadalupe Moreno, still wearing her sweat-soaked jersey, embraced teammate Alyssa Ackley. The scoreboard above them told a story that would have seemed impossible just weeks ago: Fordham 82, Purdue 62.

The Bronx-based Rams, a program that had never won an NCAA tournament game before this March, are headed to the Final Four.
"I still can't believe it," whispered Moreno, who dominated the defending national champions with 23 points and 10 rebounds. "But we believed. Coach believed. The whole city believed."

That belief manifested in a defensive masterclass against one of the nation's most storied programs. Fordham harassed Purdue's dynamic backcourt of Caitlin Day and Paige Crank into a combined 5-of-22 shooting performance. The Boilermakers, averaging over 80 points per game, were held to just 62.

For Fordham, this run defies every conventional narrative. A program that hadn't posted a winning record since 1994. A first-year head coach in Averi Mikell who was fired from Ohio State just two years ago. A roster built largely from the New York metropolitan area that major programs overlooked.

But there was nothing fluky about this victory. Fordham dominated the glass (46-24 rebounding advantage), got to the free throw line (28 attempts to Purdue's 10), and played with the poise of a team that expected to win rather than hoped to compete.

"We're not just happy to be here," said Ackley, who battled through a tough shooting night to post 17 points and 13 rebounds. "We came to win. That's what New York basketball is all about."

The Rams' rise has captivated the city. Alumni who haven't thought about Fordham basketball in years are scrambling for Final Four tickets. The campus in the Bronx has been electric, with impromptu celebrations breaking out after each victory.

As the final seconds ticked away, Mikell remained stoic on the sideline, only allowing herself to smile when her players engulfed her in celebration. For a coach who spent years grinding through the mid-major ranks, this moment represented validation of her belief in building something special at Rose Hill.
Next weekend in Cincinnati, Fordham will face another basketball blue blood for a chance at the national championship game.

But on this night, as "New York, New York" played and tears of joy flowed freely, the only thing that mattered was that the little Catholic school from the Bronx had shocked the basketball world.

The clock hasn't struck midnight on this Cinderella. In fact, it might just be striking their hour.

Young Drachma

12-20-2024, 09:41 PM

Full Circle: Mississippi State's Tournament Run Sets Up Historic Coaching Matchup

Sports Illustrated - March 31, 1997

The symmetry is almost too perfect. Mississippi State, powered by Macie Sala's transcendent 39-point performance in a 95-66 demolition of Mercer, has earned its first Final Four berth in program history. Their reward? A date with Texas and Corinne Dobson – the coach who first put Mississippi State basketball on the map nearly three decades ago.

"Coach Dobson built the foundation," current Bulldogs head coach Nathalia Allen said after the game. "What we're doing now, it started with her."

The seventh-seeded Bulldogs' path to Cincinnati has been remarkable:

- First Round: Knocked off #10 Michigan 78-65
- Second Round: Stunned #2 Stanford 88-82
- Sweet Sixteen: Edged #3 UCLA 77-74
- Elite Eight: Dominated #8 Mercer 95-66

But it's Sala who has emerged as the tournament's breakout star. The junior point guard from Cheyenne, Wyoming, has been nearly unstoppable, culminating in a regional final performance that included six blocks to go with her 39 points on 14-of-19 shooting.

"She plays with such joy," said freshman forward Shayna Bonilla, who added solid interior presence with 5 points and 4 assists. "When Macie gets going like that, we all feed off her energy."

Texas, seeking its first Final Four appearance since their 1982 national championship season, presents Mississippi State's toughest challenge yet. The Longhorns crushed Kansas State 86-51 in their regional final behind Dobson's trademark defensive pressure.

The coaching matchup offers an intriguing subplot, though both Allen and Dobson have downplayed its significance. "This game is about these players, not about coaching histories," said Dobson, who won 243 games at Mississippi State from 1969-1979 before building Texas into a national power.

They'll be joined in Cincinnati by North Carolina and Fordham – another Cinderella story as the Rams make their first Final Four appearance after stunning top-seeded Purdue.

But for now, the focus remains on Sala and her teammates, who have already made history and show no signs of being satisfied.

"Everyone keeps talking about making the Final Four being enough," Sala said, still wearing the regional championship net around her neck. "But we didn't come this far to just come this far."

Final Four Matchups
#7 Mississippi State vs. #1 Texas
#7 Fordham vs. #1 North Carolina
Saturday, April 5 - Cincinnati, OH

Young Drachma

12-20-2024, 10:53 PM

A Dance of Different Dreams: Mississippi State, UNC Set for Historic Title Game
Sports Illustrated - April 6, 1997
Under the Cincinnati dome, Macie Sala crouched at midcourt, tears streaming down her face. The Mississippi State junior had just authored one of the most remarkable Final Four performances in history – 38 points, including eight three-pointers – in a stunning 100-84 demolition of Texas and Corinne Dobson.

Two hours later, in a defensive slugfest that felt worlds apart, North Carolina methodically dismantled Fordham's Cinderella run, 50-34, setting up a championship game dripping with narrative.

For the Tar Heels (38-0), Monday night represents a chance at perfection. Only 1992 Rutgers has completed an undefeated season in women's college basketball. But for this particular UNC team, led by seniors Samira Attali and Hazel Davis, it means even more. This core has reached second Final Four in their 4 years at UNC, but have fallen short, including an Elite 8 run last year and 2nd round loss two years ago.

"We knew that for this group the clock was running out," said Tar Heels coach Kai Hodson, whose team held Fordham to just 34 points through a suffocating defensive performance. "They've been motivated to play one more game with each, they're tight knit and now they've got one last game to leave a mark forever in this program."

While North Carolina leans on its defensive identity – they've held opponents under 60 points in 31 of 38 games – Mississippi State rides the incandescent Sala, who seems to be rewriting what's possible in March. Against Texas, she controlled every facet of the game, her eight threes punctuated by no-look passes and timely steals.

"I've never seen anything like her," said Texas's Charlotte Keane, who had 15 points in defeat. "It's like she's playing a different game than everyone else."
The contrast in styles couldn't be more stark. North Carolina's Nina Wallace-Foals (14 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 blocks against Fordham) anchors a defense that suffocates opponents. Mississippi State, behind Sala's artistry, has scored 90+ points in three straight tournament games.

"Monday night isn't just about basketball," said Mississippi State coach Nathalia Allen. "It's about dreams. UNC's chasing perfection. We're chasing history. Something's got to give."

Indeed, while North Carolina seeks to join Rutgers in the record books, Mississippi State aims to complete perhaps the most improbable championship run ever. No team seeded lower than sixth has won it all.

The final chapter awaits. Perfection versus destiny. Defense versus offensive brilliance. A program's golden generation versus a team that seems touched by magic.

Tale of the Tape
UNC (38-0):
Allowing 45.2 PPG in tournament
13 blocks vs Fordham
Seeking second title in program history

Miss State (29-8):
Averaging 92.3 PPG in tournament
Sala: 38.5 PPG in last four games
First title game appearance

Young Drachma

12-20-2024, 11:05 PM

1996-97 AWARD WINNERS

1996 OVERALL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

JR PF Makayla Lloyd Eastern Kentucky 24.0 PPG, 15.1 RPG, 4.7 APG 1.4 SPG, 3.8 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR SF Mikeshia Carpenter-Lee New Mexico 18.6 PPG, 15.0 RPG, 3.9 APG 1.8 SPG, 1.9 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Karen McCallum Middlebury 24 - 9 (11 - 3)

All-league 1st Team:
C SR Amaya Weise Baylor 22.8 PPG, 14.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 5.0 BPG
PF JR Makayla Lloyd Eastern Kentucky 24.0 PPG, 15.1 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 3.8 BPG
SF JR Vivian Colton-Hughes Xavier 22.4 PPG, 14.5 RPG, 6.4 APG, 2.3 SPG, 2.4 BPG
SG FR Xixi Aguilar Miami 17.6 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
PG JR Macie Sala Mississippi State 25.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 3.3 SPG, 2.5 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SO Victoria Earnest Sam Houston State 17.5 PPG, 14.3 RPG, 3.9 APG, 2.1 SPG, 1.8 BPG
PF SR Katrin Popp Oregon 22.9 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.1 BPG
SF JR Leilani McCafferty Oregon State 22.4 PPG, 13.1 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 2.6 BPG
SG JR Alyssa Ackley Fordham 20.6 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.9 SPG, 1.2 BPG
PG JR Maura Woodson Rider 15.5 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.2 BPG

All-league 3rd Team:
C JR Emily McCaskill Weber State 23.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, 2.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG
PF SR Abigail Northcutt Florida 18.1 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 3.4 BPG
SF JR Stina Hansen Gonzaga 19.4 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 5.3 APG, 2.5 SPG, 2.7 BPG
SG SR Alivia Nicol Oakland 20.2 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.3 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG JR Erin Kovacs Dayton 14.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 7.5 APG, 2.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Mia Barney Nevada 18.6 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.8 BPG
PF FR Shayna Bonilla Mississippi State 12.2 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG
SF FR Mikeshia Carpenter-Lee New Mexico 18.6 PPG, 15.0 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.9 BPG
SG FR Xixi Aguilar Miami 17.6 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
PG FR Haifa Mekhloufi North Dakota State 15.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.2 APG, 2.3 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Perfect: North Carolina Completes Historic 39-0 Season with Championship Win

Sports Illustrated - April 8, 1997

When the final buzzer sounded in Cincinnati's Riverfront Coliseum, Samira Attali stood at center court, arms raised toward the rafters, a portrait of redemption four years in the making. Her 21 points on near-perfect 8-of-9 shooting had just led North Carolina to a 90-77 victory over Mississippi State and college basketball's first perfect season since 1992 Rutgers, only the 2nd ever.

"This moment," said Attali, tears streaming down her face, "this is what we came back for."

The senior class that transformed North Carolina basketball – Attali, Hazel Davis, and Anaya Murry – had reached three previous Final Fours without capturing the title. But on this night, with history hanging in the balance, they delivered a masterpiece of efficiency against Mississippi State's high-powered offense.

While Mississippi State's Macie Sala continued her brilliant tournament with 30 points, it was UNC's balanced attack that proved unstoppable. The Tar Heels shot a blistering 65% from the field, with five players scoring eight or more points. Nina Wallace-Foals orchestrated the offense masterfully with 9 assists, while the team's signature defense forced 20 turnovers and recorded 10 blocks.

"We've seen great offensive teams before," said Mississippi State coach Nathalia Allen, whose team's magical tournament run ended one game short. "But that was something different. They had an answer for everything."

For North Carolina coach Kai Hodson, who has spent 11 seasons building this program, the victory represents more than just a perfect season. It's the school's second national title – and first since 1972 – achieved with a team that dominated both ends of the court like few in history.

"These seniors," Hodson said, voice cracking with emotion, "they changed everything about what North Carolina basketball means. Perfect record, yes. But more importantly, perfect team."

The game turned midway through the second half. With Sala keeping Mississippi State within striking distance, Attali took over, scoring 12 points in a crucial five-minute stretch that pushed the lead to double digits. Her performance earned Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors.

"Sometimes you just know it's your moment," Attali said. "Four years of falling short, of hearing about what we couldn't do in March. Tonight, we showed what North Carolina basketball is all about."

For Mississippi State, despite the loss, this tournament run rewrote the program's history. Sala's emergence as one of the country's most electric players, combined with freshman Shayna Bonilla's development, suggests their future remains bright.

But this night belonged to perfection. As "One Shining Moment" played and the nets came down, North Carolina's seniors embraced at midcourt – no longer haunted by past March disappointments, but authors of one of college basketball's greatest seasons.

Young Drachma

12-20-2024, 11:12 PM

1996 TOP 100 RECRUITING CLASSES

Like I said, one of the ways I've started to inject some randomness into the recruiting pool is editing some lower level recruits either to move them to other places, like that 1-star California or Texas or Ohio kid moves to Vermont, Maine, Alaska, Wyoming or somewhere. Same with internationals. I start doing this in March, because the game has a funny way of assigning them to wherever anyone has schollies so you get some diffusion in where those kids sign, which feels more like real life where that unheralded prospect ends up a baller at some mid-major. I wish transfers worked better in the game, the only way I've ever been able to make better players transfer is to increase the time in games so more players get reps, so your transfers actually have some stats when they transfer, but that's inconsistent and screws with the overall stats, so I don't love doing it. Also I only edit current ratings, not future ones, so most of them don't end up making very good pros since their numbers flatline over time, which is sort of my goal not to create super players, just to see some unpredictability in the late signing period.

1996 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
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1. Virginia ACC SG Cinta Marquez Lopez ***** 3 2 1 0 0
2. San Diego State Pac-16 C Elaine Evans-Treat ***** 2 2 0 0 0
3. Cincinnati B12 SF Ali West ***** 4 1 0 0 0
4. Seton Hall Big East C Hailey Obryant ***** 2 1 3 0 0
5. Kansas State B12 PF Frankie Molina ***** 2 1 1 0 0
6. Baylor B12 C Harlow Aquilar ***** 2 2 0 0 0
7. Missouri B1G SF Ella Baker ***** 3 0 2 0 0
8. Texas SEC SF Abigail Purcell ***** 1 3 0 0 0
9. Dayton A10 SF Janet Cully-Hyde ***** 1 1 2 0 0
10. Oregon State Pac-16 PG Karissa Thach **** 0 3 3 0 0
11. Purdue B1G C Emma Merriman ***** 2 1 1 0 0
12. Florida A&M SEC PG Haven Jacques-Amor ***** 1 0 3 0 0
13. Stetson ASUN C Quanisha Watters ***** 1 0 1 2 0
14. Minnesota State Summit SF Rudy Huxtable ***** 1 0 1 0 0
15. North Carolina ACC PF Catherine Privett ***** 1 1 2 0 0
16. California Pac-16 C Jacqueline Denier-Price ***** 1 0 3 0 0
17. St. Bonaventure A10 PF Kimorah Malinowski ***** 1 0 1 0 0
18. Green Bay A10 PF Stacy Kolesnyk ***** 1 1 1 0 0
19. Tennessee SEC PG Ariel Evans **** 0 3 1 0 0
20. Iowa B1G SG Brianna Creighton ***** 2 0 1 0 0
21. Indiana B1G PF Layla Mitchell ***** 1 0 2 0 0
22. Clemson ACC C Vicky Meurisse ***** 1 0 3 0 0
23. Auburn SEC SG Abigail Williams **** 0 3 2 0 0
24. Wisconsin B1G C Abbey Espinosa ***** 1 2 0 0 0
25. BYU B12 PF Annie Wu ***** 1 0 2 0 0
26. Illinois B1G PF Summer Mangrum ***** 1 0 2 1 0
27. Michigan State B1G SG Zoe Anton ***** 1 0 4 0 0
28. Rutgers Yankee C Elsa Sandgruber **** 0 3 1 0 0
29. Iowa State B12 C Ellie Walking Stick ***** 1 0 1 0 0
30. Arizona Pac-16 SF Kylie Mateo ***** 1 0 3 0 0
31. Kansas B1G SF Emma Rogers **** 0 3 1 0 0
32. Florida SEC SF Samantha Whitcomb ***** 1 1 1 0 0
33. Butler Big East PG Chloe McMasters **** 0 1 3 0 0
34. Colorado B12 PG Isabel Davis *** 0 0 6 0 0
35. Southeastern Louisiana Southland PG Reese Moll ***** 1 0 1 0 1
36. Utah Pac-16 PF Olivia North **** 0 1 3 0 0
37. UConn Yankee PG Amalie Earwaker **** 0 2 1 0 0
38. DePaul Big East C Alyssa Bottoms ***** 1 0 3 0 0
39. Villanova Big East SF Sarah Dupree ***** 1 1 1 0 0

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
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40. Florida State ACC C Peyton Singleton ***** 1 0 3 0 0
41. Gonzaga MWC PF Maja Angerer **** 0 2 2 0 0
42. Mississippi State SEC SG Kerry Gould ***** 1 1 0 0 0
43. Houston B12 PF Mia Baker **** 0 2 2 0 0
44. Marquette Big East PF Margaret Mannino **** 0 1 4 0 0
45. Siena MAAC C Bria Aho ***** 1 0 0 1 1
46. Pittsburgh Yankee SG Jessica Loving **** 0 1 2 0 0
47. Penn State Yankee SG Brooklyn Graham **** 0 2 2 0 0
48. Oral Roberts Summit PG Kristina Markov ***** 1 0 0 2 1
49. Boise State Pac-16 SF Emily Gandy **** 0 1 3 0 0
50. Boston College Yankee SG Brent Willis ***** 1 0 2 0 0
51. VCU A10 PG Raelynn Reardon *** 0 0 3 1 0
52. Nevada MWC PG Natalia McQuiston **** 0 1 3 0 0
53. Georgia SEC PF Alanna Sanborn *** 0 0 3 1 0
54. Duke ACC PG Charlotte Norris **** 0 1 3 0 0
55. Ole Miss SEC PG Marley Viola **** 0 1 3 0 0
56. Providence Big East C Leah Mair **** 0 2 2 0 0
57. UCLA Pac-16 SF Abril Green **** 0 1 2 0 0
58. Temple Yankee SG Sherlyn Durant **** 0 1 3 0 0
59. Arkansas SEC C Bella Brown **** 0 2 0 0 0
60. Fresno State MWC PF Ava McCrea **** 0 1 2 0 0
61. Hofstra CAA SG Shanee Wuhl **** 0 1 1 1 0
62. Hampton ACC SG Shiloh Gray **** 0 1 2 0 0
63. Oklahoma SEC PG Hannah Keeling *** 0 0 4 0 0
64. Wichita State AAC PF Karrie Washington-Mars ***** 1 0 1 0 1
65. Western Carolina SoCon PF Bella Biles *** 0 0 4 0 1
66. Miami ACC PG Chloe Sim **** 0 1 3 0 0
67. Saint Joseph's A10 C Eliana Vargas *** 0 0 4 0 0
68. George Mason A10 PF Elizabeth Parker *** 0 0 4 0 0
69. Pepperdine WCC PG Lola Mendez *** 0 0 4 2 1
70. Niagara MAAC SF Sloane Atkinson *** 0 0 3 1 1
71. UC Davis MWC SG Kenzie Perez *** 0 0 4 0 0
72. South Alabama Sun Belt C Delaney Blanks *** 0 0 3 0 0
73. Towson CAA SF Neele Preisler *** 0 0 4 0 0
74. SMU B12 SF Kaelyn Quijano **** 0 1 0 2 0
75. Sewanee North Star SG Erica Hackler *** 0 0 2 1 2
76. UNLV MWC SG Adrianna Reeder *** 0 0 3 0 0
77. Wyoming MWC SG Melody Greco *** 0 0 2 2 0
78. Ohio State B1G PG Lauryn Walk *** 0 0 3 1 0
79. Arkansas State Sun Belt SG Emily Gordon *** 0 0 2 4 0

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
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80. Nebraska B1G PF Elizabeth Thompson *** 0 0 4 0 0
81. East Texas A&M Southland PG Madilynn Walters *** 0 0 2 0 0
82. Louisiana Sun Belt PG Angelina Pedro *** 0 0 2 1 1
83. Alabama State B12 PF Abigail Young *** 0 0 4 0 0
84. USC Pac-16 SG Nachine Navarro **** 0 1 2 1 0
85. Jackson State B12 PG Ella Rhodes *** 0 0 3 0 0
86. Eastern Kentucky OVC PG Chloe Collinsworth *** 0 0 2 0 1
87. Wake Forest ACC PF Pearl Casey **** 0 1 1 0 0
88. Georgetown Big East C Alexandra Carvalho *** 0 0 3 0 0
89. Georgia Southern Sun Belt SF Jayde Andrews *** 0 0 2 1 0
90. South Florida AAC PG Emma Mattos *** 0 0 3 0 1
91. Xavier Big East SF Arielle Norris **** 0 1 2 0 0
92. Charleston Southern Big South SG Aubrey Gentry *** 0 0 3 0 0
93. Charlotte AAC SG Alexis Stringfellow *** 0 0 3 0 0
94. Texas A&M SEC SF Lucille Word *** 0 0 2 1 0
95. Texas Tech B12 SG Georgia Rogers *** 0 0 4 0 0
96. St. John's Big East SG Maya Jones *** 0 0 3 0 0
97. Notre Dame B1G SG Ava Blood **** 0 1 2 0 0
98. UC San Diego Big West PF Ashley Pang *** 0 0 3 0 1
99. San Francisco WCC C Jaylen Ly *** 0 0 2 2 1
100. Syracuse Yankee SG Aniyah Weddle **** 0 1 1 0 0

Young Drachma

12-21-2024, 12:17 AM

The Fixer: Sophia Lesko's 28-Year Journey Through College Basketball's Back Roads

The Sporting News - Special Report, December 1997

There's a running joke in women's college basketball circles: if your program needs fixing, call Sophia Lesko. Just don't expect her to stick around for the glory years.

Over 28 seasons, Lesko has crafted one of the sport's most unique coaching careers. Six different programs. Six NCAA tournament appearances. Five hundred and three wins. Zero power conference jobs.

"I go where I'm needed," says Lesko, currently trying to resurrect CSU Northridge's program. At 65, with her shock of silver hair and ever-present clipboard, she's become something of a basketball nomad – the coach you call when your program has hit rock bottom.

The numbers tell only part of the story. What's remarkable isn't just the 503 wins, but where they came from: Texas Southern, UC Irvine, Utah Valley, Arkansas State, Colgate, Bethune-Cookman, and now CSU Northridge. She's never stayed longer than seven years at any stop. Never inherited a winning program. Never failed to improve one.

Her former players, now scattered across the coaching ranks themselves, speak of her with a reverence usually reserved for championship-winning legends. "Coach Lesko taught us basketball was about problem-solving," says Maria Henderson, who played for her at Arkansas State in the mid-80s. "She'd come into a broken program and just start fixing things, piece by piece."

The methodology never changes. First year: install her suffocating defensive system (her teams have finished in the top 50 in defensive efficiency 22 times). Second year: recruit locally, especially the players other coaches overlook. Third year: start winning, usually just enough to get noticed by a slightly bigger program in need of saving.

"People ask why I never pursued a power conference job," Lesko says from her modest office at Northridge, where she's in year two of her latest reconstruction project. "But this is where the real work is. Anyone can win with five All-Americans. Try winning with five kids nobody else wanted."

In an era of dynasty-building and mega-contracts, Lesko represents a different kind of coaching excellence. She's never won a national title or made a Final Four. But she's saved six programs from irrelevance, launched dozens of coaching careers, and quietly accumulated more wins than all but 20 active coaches.

"Sometimes," she says, allowing herself a rare moment of reflection, "the most important work happens in the places nobody's watching."

At 65, she's not sure how many more rebuilds she has left. But somewhere out there is another struggling program, another group of overlooked players, another challenge waiting to be solved.

And Sophia Lesko, basketball's most accomplished fixer, will be ready with her clipboard and her defense-first philosophy, ready to start again.

Because that's what fixers do. They fix things, even if nobody notices.

COACH DETAILS

Sophia Lesko - Head Coach - CSU Northridge
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Age: 65
High School: American Falls High School
Hometown: American Falls, ID
Alma Mater: Iowa

Current Level: 9
Career Record: 503 - 391

Recruiting: 75
Scouting: 23
Offense: 82
Defense: 100

Coaching History:
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Season Team Position W L CW CL Postseason
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 CSU Northridge Head Coach 14 16 10 8 No Postseason
1995 CSU Northridge Head Coach 16 14 10 8 No Postseason
1994 Bethune-Cookman Head Coach 18 14 7 5 Loss in NCAA Round 1
1993 Bethune-Cookman Head Coach 17 14 6 6 No Postseason
1992 Bethune-Cookman Head Coach 14 17 7 5 No Postseason
1991 Bethune-Cookman Head Coach 17 15 8 4 No Postseason
1990 Colgate Head Coach 20 11 12 4 Loss in WNIT Preliminary Round
1989 Colgate Head Coach 18 14 12 4 Loss in WNIT Preliminary Round
1988 Colgate Head Coach 18 13 8 8 Loss in WNIT Round 1
1987 Arkansas State Head Coach 18 14 14 6 Loss in WNIT Round 1
1986 Arkansas State Head Coach 17 16 9 11 No Postseason
1985 Arkansas State Head Coach 17 14 13 7 Loss in WBIT Round 1
1984 Arkansas State Head Coach 14 20 8 12 No Postseason
1983 Arkansas State Head Coach 22 12 15 5 NCAA Tournament Play-in Game
1982 Utah Valley Head Coach 23 12 7 7 WNIT 3rd Place
1981 Utah Valley Head Coach 16 16 8 6 No Postseason
1980 Utah Valley Head Coach 17 14 8 6 Loss in WBI Round 1
1979 Utah Valley Head Coach 15 16 8 6 No Postseason
1978 Utah Valley Head Coach 21 11 11 3 Loss in WNIT Round 1
1977 Utah Valley Head Coach 15 16 8 6 No Postseason
1976 Utah Valley Head Coach 23 12 9 5 Loss in WNIT Round 3
1975 Utah Valley Head Coach 14 16 5 9 No Postseason
1974 Utah Valley Head Coach 14 15 7 7 No Postseason
1973 Utah Valley Head Coach 15 16 6 8 No Postseason
1972 Utah Valley Head Coach 20 12 9 5 Loss in NCAA Round 1
1971 Utah Valley Head Coach 18 13 10 4 No Postseason
1970 UC Irvine Head Coach 25 9 15 3 Loss in NCAA Round 1
1969 Texas Southern Head Coach 26 7 16 2 Loss in NCAA Round 1

Awards & Achievements:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Award
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1990 Patriot League Champion
1989 Conference Coach of the Year (Patriot League)
1989 Patriot League Champion
1987 Conference Coach of the Year (Sun Belt Conference)
1987 Sun Belt Conference Champion
1983 Conference Coach of the Year (Sun Belt Conference)
1978 Conference Coach of the Year (Western Athletic Conference)
1978 Western Athletic Conference Champion
1970 Big West Conference Champion
1969 Conference Coach of the Year (Southwestern Athletic Conference)
1969 Southwestern Athletic Conference Champion

Job Movement:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Move
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 Hired by CSU Northridge (Head Coach)
1995 Quit job with Bethune-Cookman to pursue a higher position
1991 Hired by Bethune-Cookman (Head Coach)
1991 Quit job with Colgate to pursue a higher position
1988 Hired by Colgate (Head Coach)
1988 Quit job with Arkansas State to pursue a higher position
1983 Hired by Arkansas State (Head Coach)
1983 Quit job with Utah Valley to pursue a higher position
1971 Hired by Utah Valley (Head Coach)
1971 Quit job with UC Irvine to pursue a higher position
1970 Hired by UC Irvine (Head Coach)
1970 Quit job with Texas Southern to pursue a higher position
1969 Hired by Texas Southern (Head Coach)

ALL-TIME GREAT COLLEGE COACHES (AS OF 1997)

Coach Wins Records

# NAME SEASON RECORD CURRENT TEAM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Sophia Tully 1997 739 Tennessee
2. Sofia Woodruff 1995 715 Retired
3. Lisa Eddins 1996 691 Retired
4. Corinne Dobson 1997 691 Texas
5. Nevaeh Trimble 1993 672 Retired
6. Sabrina Ballesteros 1997 670 Duke
7. Bella Riddle 1997 664 Cincinnati
8. Scarlett Cepeda 1997 653 Auburn
9. Cindy Merwin 1997 652 Penn State
10. Chana Grimsley 1997 593 Alabama State
11. Emily Barrow 1992 582 Retired
12. Neveah Neal 1997 563 Seton Hall
13. Victoria Alvarez 1997 548 Virginia
14. Lilith Drain 1997 546 Villanova
15. Aniyah Hann 1996 542 Retired
16. Alejandra Givens 1997 536 Michigan
17. Emily Stuart 1997 521 Chicago
18. Veronica Cameron 1992 515 Retired
19. Carlie Pope 1993 512 Retired
20. Adelynn Strong 1995 505 Retired
21. Sophia Lesko 1997 503 CSU Northridge
22. Chloe Colella 1997 501 Missouri
23. Sophia Williams 1997 501 Houston
24. Lily Gray 1997 498 Dayton
25. Kaiya Corrigan 1997 496 Baylor
26. Sarah Stevens 1997 476 Alabama
27. London Castleman 1997 476 Purdue
28. Alyssa Clemmons 1985 469 Retired
29. Genevieve Johnson 1997 457 Indiana
30. Aliya Havard 1992 455 Retired
31. Daphne Lopez 1994 454 Retired
32. Katelynn Haffner 1997 453 Fresno State
33. Sabrina Gutshall 1994 441 Retired
34. Mia Scaife 1997 438 California
35. Cassidy Noel 1994 430 Retired
36. Melissa Doughty 1997 430 Georgia Tech
37. Johanna Malloy 1997 429 North Dakota State
38. Lillian Sly 1984 428 Retired
39. Natalie Messick 1996 426 Retired

# NAME SEASON RECORD CURRENT TEAM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40. Trinity Bostic 1997 424 Northeastern
41. Paige Gerard 1997 423 Houston
42. Kai Hodson 1997 422 North Carolina
43. Chloe Boyce 1987 421 Retired
44. Adalyn Bogard 1997 420 St. John's
45. Haley Gonzalez 1997 419 Quinnipiac
46. Ansley Wampler 1990 417 Retired
47. Melanie Fessler 1997 417 Navy
48. Regina Buchholz 1987 411 Retired
49. Mya Shine 1997 410 Minnesota
50. Arya Williams 1993 408 Retired

Young Drachma

12-21-2024, 12:29 AM

The Risk-Taker: How Sofia Woodruff Rewrote College Basketball History

Bleacher Report - Legacy Series, Dec. 1997

The hallways of Walsh Gymnasium still echo with Sofia Woodruff's footsteps. Seton Hall's historic arena was where she first built her legend, transforming a middling program into a national power across 15 seasons. But it's also where she made the decision that would define her legacy.

"Everyone thought I was crazy," Woodruff says, reflecting on her 1988 move to Rutgers. "Seton Hall was winning. Rutgers hadn't had a winning season in almost a decade. But comfort is the enemy of greatness."

The numbers tell a story of vindication: 715 career wins, four national championships, and 11 conference titles. But it's the transformation of two New Jersey programs that cements her place among basketball's immortals.

At Seton Hall (1975-1987), Woodruff's teams were defensive juggernauts, culminating in the 1983 national title. Her 1990 Seton Hall squad, now under different leadership, would win another. Some thought she'd jumped ship too early.

Then came the Rutgers resurrection. After three losing seasons, Woodruff's system took hold. The 1992 squad didn't just win the national title – they went 38-0, only the second perfect season in women's college basketball history. Two years later, another championship. By the time she retired in 1995, after a runner-up finish, she'd turned both major New Jersey programs into national powers.

"Seton Hall taught me how to build," Woodruff reflects. "Rutgers taught me how to evolve. You can't do the same things at 60 that you did at 35."

Her coaching tree spans the country – 22 former players or assistants now lead Division I programs. Her defensive principles, which she refined over nearly three decades, have become gospel in coaching circles.

But perhaps her greatest legacy is proving that the riskiest move can be staying still. "Every coach hits that moment," she says, "when you can either get comfortable or get better. I chose better."

Now retired in Frenchtown, Montana, where she grew up, Woodruff still watches both her former programs compete. "They're both my children," she says. "Just because one came later doesn't make it any less mine."

The game has changed since she started at Holy Cross in 1969. But her record four national titles and 715 wins stand as testament to a simple truth: sometimes the biggest risks yield the greatest rewards.

Young Drachma

12-21-2024, 12:59 AM

The One-School Wonder: Lisa Eddins and the Program She Built From Scratch

The Athletic - Legacy Series, December 1997

The story of Oregon women's basketball begins and ends with Lisa Eddins. For 28 seasons, through seismic shifts in college athletics, she remained the constant in Eugene, building a powerhouse that would amass 691 wins and a national championship from the ground up.

Now, as Charlotte Pipes prepares for her first season on Lisa Eddins Court at the Duck Dome, the magnitude of the legacy she's inheriting comes into focus. When Eddins arrived in 1969 from Gonzaga, Oregon women's basketball didn't exist. By the time she retired last spring, she'd created one of the sport's most consistent programs.

"We never had the highest highs," says Alannah Mascarenas, Oregon's all-time leading scorer. "But we never bottomed out either. Coach Eddins built something sustainable."

The numbers reflect that stability: 28 straight winning seasons. Twenty-five NCAA tournament appearances. Four Final Fours. The 1971 national championship. But perhaps most remarkably, not a single losing conference record in nearly three decades.

Her system, a relentless defensive scheme paired with crisp offensive execution, became Oregon's identity. Six All-Americans, including program legends like Anna Allen and Mikaela Greig, mastered its intricacies. When other programs chased trends, Oregon stayed true to its foundations.

"You don't stay at one place for 28 years without evolving," Eddins says from her home in Dunsmuir, California. "But you also don't abandon what works. We found our style early and refined it year after year."

That refinement peaked in 1993, when Oregon came within minutes of a second national title, falling in the championship game. It would be the closest they'd come again, though the program remained a perennial tournament threat until Eddins' retirement.

Now Pipes, whose Gonzaga teams were among the few that could match Oregon's defensive intensity, takes control of a program synonymous with its only previous coach. The court bears Eddins' name, but her real legacy lives in the program's bedrock principles: defensive excellence, player development, and above all, consistency.

"Charlotte doesn't need to be the next Lisa Eddins," says the legend herself. "She just needs to understand what Oregon basketball means to this community. Everything else will take care of itself."

Twenty-eight years. One school. A lifetime of excellence. In an era of constant movement, Lisa Eddins proved that sometimes staying put is the boldest move of all.

Young Drachma

12-21-2024, 01:43 AM

The Never-Beens: Major Conference Programs Still Seeking Their First Dance

Sports Illustrated - December 1997

There's something haunting about never. It lingers in the hallways of Matthew Gymnasium in Raleigh, echoes through Assembly Hall in Champaign, haunts the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, and casts long shadows across Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston.

Four programs. Four major conferences. Zero NCAA tournament appearances.

NC State's futility spans 28 seasons and seven head coaches. Their closest brush with success came in 1995 under current coach Arianna Campbell - a WNIT third-place finish that felt more like a tease than a breakthrough. "You can feel the weight of it," Campbell says. "Every season starts with that same question: Is this finally the year?"

At Northwestern, first-year coach Chloe Barnes inherited a program that's managed just two WNIT appearances (1969, 1974) in nearly three decades of Division I play. The Wildcats' 258-293 all-time record tells only part of the story. They've finished above .500 in conference play exactly once - a 12-8 mark in 1991 that still wasn't enough for postseason play.

LSU's tale might be the most perplexing. Despite residing in talent-rich Louisiana, the Tigers have never translated location into success. Their peak came in 1986 - a WBIT finals appearance under then-coach Alicia Brewer who spent 3 years on the Swamp. Current coach Victoria Schulz, who arrived in 1991 after success at Mississippi Valley State, has yet to crack the postseason puzzle.

Then there's Illinois, where Finley Black's decade-long tenure has produced a staggering 87-211 record. The Fighting Illini haven't posted a winning season since joining the Big Ten, their 17-14 mark in 1982 representing their high-water mark.

"These aren't mid-majors," says women's basketball analyst Patricia Wheeler. "These are power conference programs with power conference resources. The fact that none has ever made the tournament isn't just surprising - it's almost statistically impossible."

For context: 128 different programs have made at least one NCAA tournament appearance since 1969. Even former Division II programs like UC Riverside and Cal State Bakersfield have danced. Meanwhile, these four continue waiting for their first invitation.

This season offers glimmers of hope. NC State returns four starters. LSU's recruiting class ranks in the top 20. Northwestern and Illinois... well, they're still rebuilding.

But in college basketball, "never" only lasts until it doesn't. Just ask Fordham, who before their Final Four run last year had only ever made the post-season once before, a one & done trip to the NCAAs in 1989.

Sometimes all it takes is one season to erase never.

Young Drachma

12-29-2024, 10:40 PM

Small School, Big Dreams: West Georgia's Historic Tournament Run
Sports Illustrated - March 23, 1998

In the visitors' locker room of the West Regional site, Grace Atkins holds up her phone, FaceTiming with her sister back in Dublin, Georgia. "Can you believe it?" she asks, her voice still hoarse from screaming. "Sweet Sixteen!"

The West Georgia Wolves, a 16-seed that entered the tournament with a modest 16-14 record, have done what no 16-seed has ever done before: advance to the NCAA Tournament's second weekend. Their 81-69 dismantling of 8th-seeded Virginia, coming on the heels of their stunning 89-78 upset of top-seeded Oregon State, has turned March Madness on its head.

"Nobody believed in us except us," says junior guard Melody Lay, who's averaged 15.9 points this season and helped key both upset victories. "When you're from a small school, people think you don't belong. But basketball is basketball."

The Wolves have played fearless, free-flowing basketball, shooting a combined 24-49 from three-point range in their two tournament victories. Against Virginia, it was sophomore point guard Ella Burnette coming off the bench to provide a perfect 4-for-4 shooting performance and five assists. Against Oregon State, it was a balanced attack with five players scoring in double figures.

"What makes this team special is that different players step up every night," says head coach Skylar Newcombe. "We don't have one superstar. We have a team full of players who believe in each other."

The roster reads like a Georgia basketball family reunion - eight players from the Peach State, including four from the Atlanta metro area. They've played against each other in high school, competed in the same AAU circuits, and now they're making history together.

Next up is 5th-seeded Houston, and another chance to extend this improbable run. But regardless of what happens, West Georgia has already secured its place in tournament lore.

"Sweet Sixteen sounds nice," says Trinity Alexander, who shot a perfect 6-for-6 against Virginia. "But why stop here?"

Defense and Destiny: Nevada's Rise from Mountain West Afterthought to National Title Contender
Sports Illustrated - March 28, 1998
Inside Nevada's practice facility, there's a sheet of paper taped to every player's locker. The numbers are simple but stark: 14-17, 15-16, 13-18 - the Wolf Pack's records from 1985-87, when the program seemed destined for permanent mediocrity.

A decade later, Nevada (33-3) sits one win away from its first Final Four appearance, having survived a heart-stopping 65-64 victory over Miami in the Sweet Sixteen. The transformation from Mountain West afterthought to national title contender isn't just remarkable - it seemed impossible.

"Defense," says head coach Genesis Griffen, whose team leads the nation in points allowed and steals. "Everything we do starts there."

The numbers back up Griffen's philosophy. The Wolf Pack forces 19.5 turnovers per game while holding opponents to 66.6 points. But it's the emergence of junior forward Mia Barney (19.0 PPG, 11.4 RPG) that's turned Nevada from good to great.

Against Miami, Barney delivered another masterclass: 18 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 assists. More importantly, she anchored a defense that forced 25 Hurricane turnovers, none bigger than their final possession with six seconds remaining.

"Mia sees everything before it happens," says point guard Sarah Meeks, who's averaging 12.5 points. "She's calling out plays before the other team runs them."
Next up is 10th-seeded St. Bonaventure, looking to recapture the magic of their 1985 run to the national championship game. The Bonnies have their own Cinderella story brewing, but Nevada's path feels different - less fairy tale, more manifest destiny.

"We knew this was possible," says senior center Emily Dickerson, who's grabbing 10.8 rebounds per game. "Even when nobody else did."

The sheet of paper in their lockers serves as both reminder and motivation. The past isn't just prologue - it's fuel for a program that's methodically built itself into a defensive juggernaut.

One more win, and those old records become exactly what they are: history.

Young Drachma

12-29-2024, 10:46 PM

The Machine Marches On: St. Bonaventure Returns to Final Four After 13-Year Wait
Sports Illustrated - March 29, 1998
The ghosts of 1985 still linger in the rafters of St. Bonaventure's Reilly Center. Now they'll have some company.

In a masterful 78-67 dismantling of top-seeded Nevada, the 10th-seeded Bonnies proved that their program's winning tradition isn't just history - it's very much alive. Freshman sensation Kimorah Malinowski (20 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists) and senior guard Rubi Delobel (20 points) led a balanced attack that overwhelmed Nevada's vaunted defense.

"This program knows what March feels like," said Malinowski, who added 5 steals to her stat line. "The banners, the stories, the expectations - it's all here. We're just adding our chapter."
St. Bonaventure's methodical dissection of Nevada's defense - forcing 20 turnovers while shooting 52% from the field - looked eerily reminiscent of their legendary 1985 team that reached the national championship game. But this group has forged its own identity.

"Everyone talks about '85," said coach Chanel Wong, whose team has now knocked off a 2-seed (Arkansas), 3-seed (Georgia Tech), and 1-seed (Nevada) in their remarkable run. "But these kids are writing their own story."
That story has been defined by poise under pressure. Against Nevada's nation-leading defense, the Bonnies committed just 15 turnovers while assisting on 19 of their 30 field goals. German junior Jolina Kuhn added 11 points and stellar interior defense.

Nevada's magical season ends at 33-4, as Mia Barney (12 points, 10 rebounds) and Sarah Meeks (16 points) couldn't overcome the Bonnies' defensive pressure.
"Some programs just have March in their DNA," Wong reflected. "This place... there's something special about St. Bonaventure in March."

Now it's on to Cincinnati, where another chapter awaits.
Tournament Path
First Round: def. Arizona 73-63
Second Round: def. Arkansas 76-64
Sweet Sixteen: def. Georgia Tech 79-75
Elite Eight: def. #1 Nevada 78-67
Up Next: Final Four vs. #3 San Diego State

Young Drachma

12-29-2024, 10:58 PM

Culture Clash: Mississippi State and San Diego State Meet for NCAA Crown
Sports Illustrated - April 5, 1998
Inside the practice facility, Maria Traore works on her post moves. The sophomore forward from Timbuktu, Mali, represents everything unique about the Aztecs' unlikely run to Monday night's national championship game - a blend of international flair and California cool that's carried them past three higher seeds.

Meanwhile, Mississippi State's Macie Sala runs through shooting drills. The junior guard from Cheyenne, Wyoming, has become the face of the Bulldogs' redemption tour, averaging 22.2 points while leading her team back to the title game they lost to North Carolina last year.

Two programs. Two distinct identities. One trophy.

"They're like looking in a mirror sometimes," says Mississippi State head coach Nathalia Allen. "Not in how they play, but in how they've built something special with pieces nobody else wanted."

The Bulldogs have done it with defensive pressure (forcing 20.8 turnovers per game) and efficient offense (50.4% from the field). Sala forms a devastating inside-out combination with freshman Kerry Gould (12.3 PPG, 9.2 RPG), while Canadian import Shayna Bonilla (12.6 PPG) provides defensive versatility.

San Diego State counters with their own international flavor. Jamaican point guard Elaine Evans-Treat (15.7 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 5.1 APG) runs the show, while Traore (15.0 PPG) and Arizona native Rosa Baber (12.8 PPG) provide scoring punch. Their calling card? A suffocating frontcourt anchored by junior center Courtney Hutson (2.4 blocks per game).

"People talk about our different styles," says San Diego State coach Sophia Lewis, "but both teams are built on the same thing - trust. Whether it's Mali or Mississippi, Jamaica or Wyoming, these kids have found a home."

For Mississippi State, last year's loss still stings. "You don't forget that feeling," says Sala, who watched from the bench as a sophomore when North Carolina celebrated. "But this is a different team. A better team."

The Aztecs, meanwhile, carry their own historical weight. Their only national title came in 1985 against St. Bonaventure - whom they beat again in Saturday's semifinal in what felt like karmic justice.

"Basketball is basketball," says Evans-Treat, her Jamaican lilt still strong after four years in California. "Doesn't matter where you're from. Only matters where you're going."

Young Drachma

12-29-2024, 11:01 PM

Redemption's Roar: Mississippi State Claims First National Title
Sports Illustrated - April 6, 1998
The tears started before the final buzzer. As Macie Sala dribbled out the clock on Mississippi State's 80-68 victory over San Diego State, a year's worth of heartbreak dissolved into pure joy. The junior guard from Cheyenne had done what seemed impossible after last year's championship game loss - she'd brought the Bulldogs back, and this time, made sure they finished the job.

"Last year, I watched from the bench," said Sala, who poured in 26 points on 10-of-15 shooting. "This year, I wasn't letting anyone else decide our fate."
The game turned midway through the second half when Sala orchestrated a 12-2 run that broke open what had been a tight contest. But it was the Bulldogs' suffocating defense - forcing 25 turnovers while holding San Diego State's dynamic offense in check - that ultimately secured the program's first national championship.

"Defense wins championships," said Mississippi State coach Nathalia Allen, wiping away tears as she hugged Kerry Gould (10 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists). "These kids bought into that from day one."

The Aztecs, led by Maria Traore's 18 points and 9 rebounds, showed flashes of the brilliance that carried them to the title game. But their usually reliable backcourt of Elaine Evans-Treat and Rosa Baber (combined 22 points, 8 turnovers) struggled against Mississippi State's pressure.

"Their defense..." Evans-Treat paused, shaking her head. "You can watch film, but until you're out there, you don't understand how suffocating it is."
For Mississippi State, the victory represents more than just a championship. It's validation for Allen's program-building philosophy, combining local talent like Shayna Bonilla (15 points) with hidden gems like Sala.

"Coach Allen saw something in me that nobody else did," Sala said, the championship net draped around her neck. "She told me, 'Wyoming girls can play too.' Now we've proved it."

As the celebration spilled onto the court, Allen found herself in an embrace with her entire team. A year ago, they'd watched another team celebrate. Now, in Cincinnati's riverfront arena, they were the ones climbing the ladder, cutting down the nets, turning last year's nightmare into this year's dream.

"Sometimes," Allen said, watching her players celebrate, "you have to lose something to understand how badly you want it. These kids never forgot that feeling. Now they'll never forget this one either."

1997-98 AWARD WINNERS

1997 OVERALL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SR SF Stina Hansen Gonzaga 19.6 PPG, 14.1 RPG, 6.1 APG 2.3 SPG, 1.7 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR SF Kimorah Malinowski St. Bonaventure 15.5 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 4.9 APG 2.2 SPG, 1.6 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Bailey Soriano Middlebury 23 - 10 (11 - 3)

All-league 1st Team:
C SR Leilani McCafferty Oregon State 20.7 PPG, 13.9 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.6 SPG, 2.8 BPG
PF SR Makayla Lloyd Eastern Kentucky 21.5 PPG, 13.1 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 2.5 BPG
SF SR Stina Hansen Gonzaga 19.6 PPG, 14.1 RPG, 6.1 APG, 2.3 SPG, 1.7 BPG
SG SR Alyssa Ackley Fordham 22.6 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.2 BPG
PG SR Nina Wallace-Foals North Carolina 13.6 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 7.0 APG, 2.9 SPG, 2.5 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C FR Cinta Marquez Lopez Virginia 19.1 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PF FR Layla Mitchell Indiana 15.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.5 BPG
SF SR Vivian Colton-Hughes Xavier 20.7 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 5.7 APG, 2.4 SPG, 2.5 BPG
SG FR Zoe Anton Michigan State 19.0 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG SR Maura Woodson Rider 16.3 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 5.1 APG, 2.5 SPG, 1.1 BPG

All-league 3rd Team:
C SO Mikeshia Carpenter-Lee New Mexico 17.5 PPG, 13.0 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.9 SPG, 1.7 BPG
PF SR Perla Futrell UC Irvine 9.4 PPG, 13.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 3.8 BPG
SF SR Emily Albanese Mercer 17.8 PPG, 13.0 RPG, 6.7 APG, 2.3 SPG, 0.5 BPG
SG SR Dana Miller Arizona State 21.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.9 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG SR Gretchen Ahmad-Knoll Middlebury 25.3 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 2.2 SPG, 0.9 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Cinta Marquez Lopez Virginia 19.1 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PF FR Layla Mitchell Indiana 15.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.5 BPG
SF FR Kimorah Malinowski St. Bonaventure 15.5 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 4.9 APG, 2.2 SPG, 1.6 BPG
SG FR Zoe Anton Michigan State 19.0 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG FR Elaine Evans-Treat San Diego State 15.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 1.6 BPG

Young Drachma

12-30-2024, 03:55 PM

Breaking the Geographic Recruiting Pipeline: My Experiment with Moving Schools Around
So one thing that's always bugged me about this game is how static the recruiting feels - especially for programs that should have more national reach. Like, I get why Southern Illinois ends up with mostly Illinois/Missouri kids, but it's weird when Notre Dame's roster is just Indiana players.

I started messing around with an idea: What if I periodically moved certain schools to different parts of the country? Not going crazy with it, just strategic relocations for programs that historically recruit nationally anyway. Looking at schools like:

Notre Dame (moved to Riverside, CA)
The service academies (spread them around - Navy to Pensacola, Air Force to Illinois, Army to Eastern PA)
Howard and Georgetown (Newark and Allentown)
Jackson State (moved them out to Kansas)

The game's recruiting engine is pretty simplistic - outside of the top recruits, it heavily weights location. But by moving these schools around every few years, I'm hoping to force more geographic diversity in their rosters over time.
I'm also tweaking ratings for late-cycle recruits, especially from places like California/Texas that the game floods with low-rated players. The game generates way too many 1-star recruits in talent-rich states. By bumping some of these players' ratings late in recruiting (when most big schools have filled their classes), they end up at interesting spots where they can either help build something or be the star at a smaller program. Feels more realistic than having every California kid be a 1-star recruit just because there are so many of them.

The goal isn't to create powerhouses - I have no control over where players actually commit. Just trying to create more realistic talent distribution and give some programs a chance to build through finding overlooked players. Will be interesting to see how it plays out over a few recruiting cycles.

Young Drachma

12-30-2024, 05:22 PM

Rising Above: The North Star Conference's Quest for Recognition
Basketball Times - December 1998
In the crowded landscape of women's college basketball, the North Star Conference operates in a unique space between Division I's traditional powers and its emerging mid-majors. Formed from predominantly former Division III institutions, the conference has spent the last decade trying to carve out its identity in the sport's highest division.

The league's fourteen members represent some of America's most prestigious academic institutions - NYU, Emory, Carnegie Mellon - but athletic success has proven more elusive. No North Star team has yet earned an NCAA tournament bid, though NYU's 1992 Women's Basketball Invitational title stands as the conference's highest achievement.

"We're building something different here," says Oberlin coach Jenny Smith, whose program reached the WBI final in 1995. "These are true student-athletes in every sense of the word. The challenge is matching that academic excellence with competitive basketball."

The conference has produced individual brilliance. Emily Mazza's career at Oberlin (2994-1997) set a new standard, as she became the league's only All-American while earning conference player of the year honors all four seasons. But sustained program success has been harder to achieve.

This season offers new hope. Cal Tech (20-10) leads the conference behind a suffocating defense, while Grinnell (23-8) and Emory (24-8) have posted the kind of records that could draw tournament consideration. The Pioneers landed the conference's highest-rated recruit in years with Flipino five-star forward Kallie Dumlao.

"The talent level rises every year," says NYU coach Jenae Hardison "We're seeing more three-star recruits choose North Star schools, recognizing they can get an elite education while playing Division I basketball."

Without an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, the path remains steep. But in academic circles where success is measured across decades rather than seasons, the North Star Conference's slow build feels appropriate. These institutions have always taken the long view.

The Little Leagues That Could: Heritage Conference Navigates D1 Waters
College Hoops Weekly - March 1998
When the Heritage Conference made the unprecedented leap to Division I in 1990, skeptics questioned whether small liberal arts colleges could compete at the highest level of women's basketball. Eight years later, while the conference may not be producing national champions, it has carved out a unique niche in the college basketball landscape.

"People thought we were crazy," says Bailey Soriano, head coach of Middlebury, which has emerged as one of the conference's standard-bearers. "But we believed these student-athletes deserved the opportunity to compete at the highest level while maintaining our academic standards."

Middlebury and Wesleyan have led the way, each making NCAA Tournament appearances since the transition. The Panthers, under Soriano's guidance, have become particularly competitive, reaching the WNIT in consecutive seasons and winning four regular season conference titles.

"What we've built here is special," says Soriano, who was named National Coach of the Year in 1997. "We're not just competing - we're winning games against established D1 programs."

The conference's unique geographic footprint - concentrated in New England's most prestigious academic institutions - has created both challenges and opportunities. While recruiting blue-chip prospects remains difficult (no Heritage team has landed better than a three-star recruit this year), coaches have found success targeting overlooked players who prioritize academics.

"We sell a different vision," explains Sarah Pleasant, Wesleyan's head coach since 1995. "Our players know they're getting an elite education while playing high-level basketball. That combination is powerful."

The Heritage Conference's success has provided a blueprint for similar institutions. The North Star Conference, another collection of academically rigorous schools, has seen programs like Emory and Grinnell emerge as consistent WNIT contenders.

While a national championship may not be imminent, the Heritage Conference's experiment has proven that academic excellence and athletic competitiveness aren't mutually exclusive - even at the Division I level.

"Eight years ago, people laughed," Soriano reflects. "Nobody's laughing now."

Young Drachma

12-30-2024, 09:56 PM

Coming Home: Dobson's Surprise Return to Mississippi State Shakes Up College Basketball

Sports Illustrated - July 15, 1999

The office still looks the same. The view of the practice court, the worn leather chair, even the faded 1976 National Coach of the Year plaque - all exactly as Corinne Dobson left them 19 years ago when she departed Mississippi State for Texas.

"It's surreal," says Dobson, 61, settling into that familiar chair. "Sometimes the most unexpected decisions are the ones that feel most right."

The announcement sent shockwaves through college basketball. Dobson, who built Texas into a national power and won the 1982 national championship, was returning to where it all began - the program she first led from 1969 to 1979.

"When I left for Texas, we were in the Big 12, and Mississippi State was just another game on the schedule," Dobson reflects. "Now we're both in the SEC, both powerhouses. The landscape has completely changed."

Indeed, the Mississippi State she returns to barely resembles the program she left. Under Nathalia Allen's guidance, the Bulldogs have become a national force, reaching three straight Final Fours and winning the 1997 national title. But after Allen's sudden retirement this summer, Athletic Director Marcus Thompson knew exactly who to call.

"Coach Dobson built this foundation," Thompson says. "From 1969 to 1979, she showed us what Mississippi State basketball could be. Now she's back to show us what it can become."

The timing is particularly intriguing. Mississippi State enters the season ranked #2 nationally, returning four starters from last year's Final Four team. Texas, meanwhile, has slipped slightly from its perennial powerhouse status, failing to advance past the second round in Dobson's final two seasons.

"People will say I'm crazy for leaving Texas," Dobson says, the sun glistening off the 1982 national championship ring she still wears. "Maybe I am. But something about this feels like destiny. The talent here, the unfinished business - it all just clicked."

Her first stint in Starkville produced a 243-154 record and laid the groundwork for the program's eventual rise. Now, with two decades of additional experience and a national title under her belt, Dobson returns to write one final chapter.

"I surprised myself with this decision," she admits, gazing out at the practice court where her journey began 30 years ago. "But sometimes coming home isn't about going backwards. Sometimes it's about finishing what you started."

The leather chair creaks as she leans back, a familiar sound in an office that's been waiting two decades for her return. Outside, the October sun sets on Starkville, and Corinne Dobson begins again.

Young Drachma

12-30-2024, 10:16 PM

Texas Turns to Givens to Maintain Longhorn Legacy

In the wake of Corinne Dobson's shocking departure to Mississippi State, Texas has found its new leader in Alejandra Givens, whose path to Austin runs through some of college basketball's most storied programs.

Givens, 56, arrives from Michigan where she compiled a 422-197 record over 18 seasons, including the 1991 national championship and two Final Four appearances. Her appointment signals Texas's commitment to maintaining its status as a national power despite Dobson's unexpected exit.

"You don't replace a legend like Corinne Dobson," Givens said at her introductory press conference. "But Texas basketball isn't built on any one person. It's built on excellence, on tradition, on competing at the highest level. That's what brought me here."

The contrast between the two coaches couldn't be more striking. Where Dobson built her reputation on defensive intensity and methodical game planning, Givens brings a high-octane offensive philosophy that helped Michigan lead the Big Ten in scoring six times during her tenure.

"Coach Givens runs an NBA-style offense," says returning Texas point guard Emma Armstrong. "Everything is about pace and space. It's going to be an adjustment, but an exciting one."

The timing of Givens' arrival is crucial. Texas, coming off consecutive second-round NCAA tournament exits, finds itself at a crossroads. The program's recruiting pipeline, long one of the nation's strongest under Dobson, needs reinvigoration.

"Texas has always been about innovation," says Athletic Director James Morton. "Coach Givens represents the modern game - fast-paced, position-less basketball that today's recruits want to play."

For Givens, who rebuilt Michigan from a Big Ten also-ran into a national champion, the challenge of maintaining Texas's established excellence presents a different kind of test.

"At Michigan, we were building something," she reflects. "Here, it's about adding new chapters to an already incredible story. That's both daunting and exciting."
As practice begins this fall, all eyes will be on how Givens adapts her system to Texas's personnel - and how the proud Longhorn program adapts to life after Dobson.

"Change is inevitable," Givens says, standing beneath the championship banners in Texas's practice facility. "But excellence? That's non-negotiable

Young Drachma

12-31-2024, 02:10 PM

After the Zeniths reign of the NBA disspitated, we've had 8 straight years of a different team winning a title. I was aiming for parity and we've gotten it.

NBA Champs

Season Champ Wins Runner-up Wins MVP Team
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 Valkyries 4 Sirens 0 Abigail Moxley Valkyries
1994 Brigade 4 Violets 3 Kenzie Powell Brigade
1993 Mystics 4 Talons 2 Carolyn Beal Mystics
1992 Talons 4 Violets 3 Aaliyah Audley Talons
1991 Eclipse 4 Talons 2 Kawanda Wheeler Eclipse
1990 Brigade 4 Violets 1 Kenzie Powell Brigade
1989 Storm 4 Dream 0 Kenzie Powell Storm
1988 Zeniths 4 Violets 1 Molly Baltoski Zeniths
1987 Zeniths 4 Rockers 3 Molly Baltoski Zeniths
1986 Fever 4 Zeniths 3 Lauryn Falk Fever
1985 Zeniths 4 Fever 1 Marianna Larson Zeniths
1984 Zeniths 4 Miracle 1 Marianna Larson Zeniths
1983 Zeniths 4 Liberty 0 Molly Baltoski Zeniths
1982 Lynx 4 Mercury 2 Mckinley Rager Lynx
1981 Belles 4 Mercury 1 Joelle Schell Belles
1980 Violets 4 Tempo 3 Ella Hawes Violets
1979 Stars 4 Violets 0 Sawyer Vega Stars
1978 Mystics 4 Tempo 2 Madison Martinez Mystics
1977 Sirens 4 Stars 3 Hallie Palmer Sirens
1976 Finches 4 Stars 1 Angeline Rowe Finches
1975 Wings 4 Liberty 1 Ava Desilva Wings
1974 Finches 4 Wings 1 Ella Hawes Finches
1973 Wings 4 Rockers 1 Cira Casald liga Wings
1972 Lynx 4 Miracle 2 Erica Lenoir Lynx
1971 Trail Blazers 4 Sky 3 Aubree Alger Trail Blazers
1970 Sky 4 Aces 1 Liana Parker Sky
1969 Sky 4 Aces 3 Liana Parker Sky

Young Drachma

12-31-2024, 02:20 PM

The Burden of Almost: Adelyn Shelly and Milwaukee's Finals Heartbreak

Sports Illustrated - April 1997

The numbers tell a cruel story. Four NBA Finals appearances in seven years. Four losses. The Milwaukee Violets, led by their transcendent point guard Adelyn Shelly, have become the Buffalo Bills of professional basketball – perpetually good enough to reach the summit, never quite able to plant their flag at the peak.

Now, as they prepare to face the Miami Sirens in the conference finals, the weight of those near-misses hangs heavy. Shelly, at 32, remains a force of nature – averaging 28.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 7.4 assists this season. Her evolution from rookie sensation to four-time MVP has been remarkable. But the one accolade that matters most remains elusive.

"You look at the Finals losses – '88 to Dakota, '90 to Kansas City, '92 and '94 to Portland – and each one hurts differently," says longtime Milwaukee beat writer James Thompson. "But they all share one thing: they weren't blowouts. These were winnable games."

The 1994 Finals perhaps stings most. Up 3-1 against Portland, Milwaukee dropped three straight, including a devastating Game 7 at home. Shelly was brilliant – averaging 30.7 points and 12.8 rebounds in the series – but the moment slipped away.

Milwaukee's only championship came in 1980, before Shelly arrived. Since drafting her in 1987, they've been a model of regular-season excellence: eight 50-win seasons, seven division titles, and four conference championships. Yet somehow, that final step has proven insurmountable.

This year's team, at 53-29, isn't their most dominant. But with Shelly shooting a career-best 65.3% from three-point range and veterans like Aubrie Emmons and Erika Prine providing steady support, they remain dangerous. The question isn't whether they can reach the Finals – it's whether they can finally break through if they get there.

"History's just history until you change it," Shelly said after their first-round series win over Boston. There was steel in her voice, the kind forged by a decade of almosts.

For Milwaukee and their superstar, the next few weeks represent another chance to rewrite their legacy. The clock is ticking. The burden of almost awaits.

PLAYER DETAILS

#4 PG Adelyn Shelly - Violets
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Height: 5-10
Weight: 209
DOB: 1/31/1965 (32)
College: Green Bay
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Exp: 9

Health: Good
Status: Active Roster
Salary: $16,500,246
Length: 1

Stat Averages:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season LGE TEAM G GS MIN PTS ORE REB AST TO A/T STL BLK PF
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 NBA MIL 79 79 36.5 28.5 5.4 12.1 7.4 3.4 2.18 0.8 0.5 0.3
1995 NBA MIL 61 61 36.0 30.3 5.8 12.3 9.1 3.5 2.63 0.6 0.8 0.5
1994 NBA MIL 82 82 35.3 33.5 5.1 12.0 9.7 3.8 2.55 0.6 0.7 0.8
1993 NBA MIL 82 82 36.8 34.5 6.0 12.4 9.8 3.9 2.49 0.9 0.8 0.8
1992 NBA MIL 82 82 37.7 29.5 4.9 11.6 9.0 3.8 2.40 0.9 1.2 0.8
1991 NBA MIL 82 82 36.3 29.0 4.4 10.6 8.6 3.5 2.49 1.0 0.9 1.1
1990 NBA MIL 82 82 38.0 23.6 4.4 9.8 8.9 3.6 2.50 0.7 0.7 1.2
1989 NBA MIL 82 78 36.5 23.8 3.9 9.1 7.7 3.5 2.22 0.8 0.5 0.9
1988 NBA MIL 53 52 35.8 21.6 2.6 7.5 7.8 3.9 2.00 0.6 0.6 1.2
1987 NBA MIL 82 82 38.6 27.2 3.3 7.8 8.1 4.0 2.06 0.7 0.7 1.1
Career 767 762 36.8 28.3 4.6 10.6 8.6 3.7 2.06 0.8 0.7 0.9

Shooting Averages:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season FGM FGA FG% FTM FTA FT% InsM InsA In% JsM JsA Js% 3PM 3PA 3P%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 10.5 19.4 .540 1.2 1.3 .910 1.5 2.5 .608 2.7 7.3 .367 6.3 9.7 .653
1995 11.1 19.6 .570 1.5 1.6 .939 1.6 2.4 .681 3.0 6.9 .433 6.5 10.3 .637
1994 12.2 20.5 .595 1.5 1.5 .961 1.5 2.5 .614 2.9 6.6 .444 7.7 11.3 .679
1993 12.6 22.1 .569 1.7 1.8 .966 1.6 2.7 .590 3.4 7.8 .440 7.6 11.6 .650
1992 10.9 20.9 .522 1.7 1.8 .966 1.8 2.5 .705 3.2 7.2 .441 6.0 11.2 .531
1991 10.7 20.2 .531 1.4 1.5 .937 1.5 2.4 .639 3.1 7.0 .446 6.1 10.8 .563
1990 8.8 17.4 .507 1.1 1.2 .948 1.6 2.6 .618 2.3 5.3 .441 4.9 9.5 .513
1989 8.8 18.2 .483 1.5 1.6 .888 1.8 2.6 .670 2.3 5.8 .401 4.7 9.8 .481
1988 8.1 17.0 .474 1.1 1.2 .968 1.4 2.2 .605 2.4 5.5 .436 4.3 9.3 .465
1987 9.7 19.1 .507 2.4 2.5 .942 1.8 2.5 .694 2.4 6.0 .391 5.5 10.5 .529
Career 10.4 19.5 .533 1.5 1.6 .942 1.6 2.5 .643 2.8 6.6 .424 6.0 10.5 .575

Stat Totals:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season LGE TEAM G GS MIN PTS OREB REB AST TO STL BLK PF +/-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 NBA MIL 79 79 2883 2248 427 958 583 267 66 36 27 651
1995 NBA MIL 61 61 2197 1851 356 751 557 212 37 46 31 586
1994 NBA MIL 82 82 2896 2749 418 984 796 312 52 60 62 1335
1993 NBA MIL 82 82 3017 2825 491 1017 801 322 71 67 65 1006
1992 NBA MIL 82 82 3092 2423 404 949 739 308 75 95 63 460
1991 NBA MIL 82 82 2978 2377 363 871 705 283 81 70 89 568
1990 NBA MIL 82 82 3115 1939 361 806 733 293 54 55 98 398
1989 NBA MIL 82 78 2991 1950 322 747 628 283 62 44 71 293
1988 NBA MIL 53 52 1899 1145 137 398 413 206 32 34 63 661
1987 NBA MIL 82 82 3165 2234 269 642 668 325 56 56 89 377
Career 767 762 28233 21741 3548 8123 6623 2811 586 563 658 6335

Shooting Totals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season FGM FGA FTM FTA 3PM 3PA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 829 1535 91 100 499 764
1995 680 1193 92 98 399 626
1994 998 1677 122 127 631 929
1993 1031 1812 143 148 620 954
1992 895 1716 143 148 490 922
1991 880 1657 118 126 499 887
1990 723 1427 92 97 401 782
1989 722 1496 119 134 387 805
1988 428 903 60 62 229 493
1987 793 1564 194 206 454 859
Career 7979 14980 1174 1246 4609 8021

Efficiency:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season LGE TEAM G TS% PPS AST TO USG ORR DRR RR PER VA EWA +/- OEFF DEFF
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 NBA MIL 79 .712 1.46 24.0 11.0 29.7 20.4 26.4 23.4 35.4 1049.0 35.0 8.2 119.0 106.8
1995 NBA MIL 61 .749 1.55 27.8 10.6 30.8 22.7 26.3 24.5 38.2 891.7 29.7 9.6 125.1 111.3
1994 NBA MIL 82 .793 1.64 28.0 11.0 30.7 20.5 26.5 23.6 39.7 1238.4 41.3 16.3 133.7 111.0
1993 NBA MIL 82 .752 1.56 26.7 10.7 31.0 22.0 23.3 22.7 37.2 1179.1 39.3 12.3 129.2 113.2
1992 NBA MIL 82 .681 1.41 26.1 10.9 29.2 15.8 21.6 18.7 35.5 1130.0 37.7 5.6 116.7 109.3
1991 NBA MIL 82 .694 1.43 26.1 10.5 29.1 14.8 20.8 17.8 35.7 1099.5 36.6 6.9 115.9 106.7
1990 NBA MIL 82 .660 1.36 29.4 11.7 24.5 14.3 17.5 15.9 28.4 811.2 27.0 4.9 116.0 110.2
1989 NBA MIL 82 .627 1.30 25.5 11.5 26.5 13.1 17.4 15.3 28.9 799.8 26.7 3.6 111.3 106.3
1988 NBA MIL 53 .615 1.27 26.7 13.3 25.4 8.9 16.2 12.6 24.1 372.2 12.4 12.5 113.1 96.5
1987 NBA MIL 82 .675 1.43 25.2 12.3 26.6 10.8 15.1 12.9 26.2 720.2 24.0 4.6 113.6 108.2
Career 767 .700 1.45 26.5 11.3 28.3 16.2 20.9 18.5 33.0 9291.2 309.7 8.3 119.3 108.3

Playoff Averages:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season LGE TEAM G GS MIN PTS ORE REB AST TO A/T STL BLK PF
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 NBA MIL 11 11 36.5 32.4 5.5 11.5 8.3 3.0 2.76 0.3 0.5 1.0
1995 NBA MIL 11 11 35.7 31.2 5.8 12.5 7.1 3.4 2.11 0.6 0.5 0.5
1994 NBA MIL 24 24 36.6 30.7 6.1 12.8 10.2 3.6 2.85 0.8 1.0 0.8
1993 NBA MIL 14 14 37.6 33.7 6.4 13.1 10.6 4.8 2.21 0.9 0.6 1.0
1992 NBA MIL 25 25 37.4 30.1 6.7 13.3 10.0 4.1 2.42 1.0 1.2 0.9
1991 NBA MIL 12 12 35.7 29.0 5.5 11.6 7.8 3.1 2.51 0.8 0.9 0.4
1990 NBA MIL 24 24 37.7 22.3 3.8 8.9 7.9 2.5 3.10 0.6 0.7 0.9
1989 NBA MIL 10 10 37.1 28.3 4.1 7.8 8.2 2.8 2.93 0.5 0.5 1.1
1988 NBA MIL 18 18 39.2 26.4 3.1 8.2 9.3 4.3 2.17 0.9 0.8 1.3
1987 NBA MIL 17 15 36.2 26.1 2.8 6.9 8.2 4.6 1.79 0.6 0.6 1.3
Career 166 164 37.1 28.6 5.0 10.7 8.9 3.7 1.79 0.7 0.8 0.9

Playoff Shooting Averages:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season FGM FGA FG% FTM FTA FT% InsM InsA In% JsM JsA Js% 3PM 3PA 3P%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 11.5 20.2 .568 1.7 1.8 .950 0.9 1.5 .588 2.8 6.2 .456 7.7 12.5 .620
1995 11.3 20.1 .561 1.5 1.5 .941 1.6 3.4 .486 2.5 6.3 .391 7.2 10.5 .687
1994 11.4 21.1 .542 0.7 0.8 .944 1.5 2.6 .587 2.7 6.8 .401 7.2 11.7 .612
1993 12.3 21.6 .570 1.2 1.3 .944 1.1 2.1 .517 3.3 7.9 .418 7.9 11.6 .681
1992 11.2 20.8 .537 1.0 1.1 .857 1.9 3.4 .547 2.6 6.4 .406 6.7 11.0 .611
1991 10.7 20.8 .514 1.1 1.2 .929 1.7 3.0 .556 2.4 6.1 .397 6.6 11.7 .564
1990 8.3 15.8 .524 1.3 1.5 .857 1.2 1.8 .674 2.6 5.4 .481 4.5 8.7 .519
1989 10.9 19.5 .559 1.5 1.6 .938 2.6 3.1 .839 3.3 6.0 .550 5.0 10.4 .481
1988 9.9 19.4 .513 1.0 1.1 .947 1.8 2.4 .727 2.6 6.3 .416 5.6 10.7 .521
1987 9.7 19.5 .498 1.8 1.9 .938 1.5 2.1 .722 3.3 7.0 .471 4.9 10.4 .472
Career 10.6 19.7 .536 1.2 1.3 .917 1.6 2.5 .616 2.8 6.4 .434 6.2 10.8 .578

Playoff Totals:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season LGE TEAM G GS MIN PTS OREB REB AST TO STL BLK PF +/-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 NBA MIL 11 11 402 356 60 126 91 33 3 5 11 99
1995 NBA MIL 11 11 393 343 64 138 78 37 7 6 6 48
1994 NBA MIL 24 24 879 737 146 308 245 86 19 23 18 126
1993 NBA MIL 14 14 526 472 90 184 148 67 13 9 14 144
1992 NBA MIL 25 25 936 752 167 332 249 103 25 31 22 105
1991 NBA MIL 12 12 428 348 66 139 93 37 9 11 5 28
1990 NBA MIL 24 24 905 536 90 214 189 61 15 17 22 22
1989 NBA MIL 10 10 371 283 41 78 82 28 5 5 11 19
1988 NBA MIL 18 18 706 476 56 148 167 77 16 15 23 115
1987 NBA MIL 17 15 615 443 48 117 140 78 10 10 22 1
Career 166 164 6161 4746 828 1784 1482 607 122 132 154 707

Playoff Shooting Totals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season FGM FGA FTM FTA 3PM 3PA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 126 222 19 20 85 137
1995 124 221 16 17 79 115
1994 274 506 17 18 172 281
1993 172 302 17 18 111 163
1992 280 521 24 28 168 275
1991 128 249 13 14 79 140
1990 199 380 30 35 108 208
1989 109 195 15 16 50 104
1988 179 349 18 19 100 192
1987 165 331 30 32 83 176
Career 1756 3276 199 217 1035 1791

Playoff Efficiency:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season LGE TEAM G TS% PPS AST TO USG ORR DRR RR PER VA EWA +/- OEFF DEFF
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 NBA MIL 11 .771 1.60 25.6 9.3 30.9 20.3 24.4 22.2 27.6 99.1 3.3 9.0 128.1 115.0
1995 NBA MIL 11 .754 1.55 22.7 10.8 29.9 21.1 29.6 24.9 28.7 103.2 3.4 4.4 120.1 114.8
1994 NBA MIL 24 .716 1.46 29.0 10.2 30.4 21.0 27.9 24.2 30.2 250.6 8.4 5.3 125.1 118.4
1993 NBA MIL 14 .761 1.56 28.2 12.8 30.7 23.6 24.9 24.2 31.3 159.3 5.3 10.3 128.5 115.0
1992 NBA MIL 25 .705 1.44 28.1 11.6 30.3 23.1 24.6 23.8 31.7 284.4 9.5 4.2 124.2 118.6
1991 NBA MIL 12 .682 1.40 24.2 9.6 29.9 18.7 19.3 19.0 30.5 124.7 4.2 2.3 114.2 112.2
1990 NBA MIL 24 .678 1.41 29.3 9.5 22.3 12.2 17.8 14.9 23.4 165.5 5.5 0.9 113.7 113.5
1989 NBA MIL 10 .703 1.45 26.3 9.0 26.1 14.2 13.4 13.8 27.7 92.1 3.1 1.9 114.8 112.6
1988 NBA MIL 18 .667 1.36 27.8 12.8 26.7 9.9 16.1 13.1 24.2 138.7 4.6 6.4 117.1 108.7
1987 NBA MIL 17 .643 1.34 24.9 13.9 29.2 9.8 14.8 12.2 21.7 98.5 3.3 0.1 110.2 110.3
Career 166 .704 1.45 27.1 11.1 26.4 17.1 21.1 19.0 27.6 1516.1 50.5 4.3 119.5 114.2

Career Highs:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type Pts OReb Reb Ast Stl Blk TO FGM FGA FTM FTA 3PM 3PA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season 50 11 22 17 3 2 9 19 30 4 5 12 18
Playoff 51 13 24 16 3 4 10 18 33 7 8 13 18
Career 63 16 24 18 5 4 11 23 35 12 12 17 24

Awards & Achievements:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Award
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Player of the Game: 452
Total Player of the Week: 74
Total Player of the Month: 30
Total All-Star Appearances: 9
Total All-League First Team : 7
Total All-League Second Team : 1
Total All-League Third Team : 1
Total Most Valuable Player : 4
Total Scoring Leader : 2
1996 NBA All-League First Team
1996 NBA All-Star
1995 NBA All-League Third Team
1995 NBA All-Star
1995 NBA 3-Point Shootout Champion
1994 NBA Scoring Leader
1994 NBA All-League First Team
1994 NBA Most Valuable Player
1994 NBA All-Star
1993 NBA Scoring Leader
1993 NBA All-League First Team
1993 NBA Most Valuable Player
1993 NBA All-Star
1993 NBA 3-Point Shootout Champion
1992 NBA All-League First Team
1992 NBA Most Valuable Player
1992 NBA All-Star
1992 NBA 3-Point Shootout Champion
1991 NBA All-League First Team
1991 NBA Most Valuable Player
1991 NBA Most Improved Player
1991 NBA All-Star
1990 NBA All-League Second Team
1990 NBA All-Star
1989 NBA All-League First Team
1989 NBA All-Star
1988 NBA Rookie Game MVP
1988 NBA Rookie Game Participant
1987 NBA All-Rookie First Team
1987 NBA All-League First Team
1987 NBA Rookie of the Year
1987 NBA All-Star
1987 NBA Rookie Game Participant
1986 Conference Player of the Year (Atlantic 10 Conference)
1986 1st Team All-Conference (Atlantic 10 Conference)
1986 1st Team All-American
1986 National Player of the Year
1986 NCAA Champion
1985 2nd Team All-Conference (Atlantic 10 Conference)
1984 1st Team All-Conference (Atlantic 10 Conference)
1984 2nd Team All-American
1983 Conference Freshman of the Year (Horizon League)
1983 Conference Player of the Year (Horizon League)
1983 Freshman All-Conference (Horizon League)
1983 1st Team All-Conference (Horizon League)
1983 Freshman All-American
1983 1st Team All-American
1982 High School: All-State (Illinois)
1982 High School: Rated *** and #486 overall by the FBCB scouting service.

Young Drachma

12-31-2024, 02:36 PM

NBA.COM: 1997 NBA FINALS PREVIEW

Memphis Soul vs. Milwaukee Violets: A Tale of Two Destinies

As the 1996-97 NBA season draws to a close, the Memphis Soul and the Milwaukee Violets prepare to square off in what promises to be a Finals series for the ages. On one side stands the Memphis Soul, a franchise reborn just three years ago in the city of blues and barbecue, making their first-ever Finals appearance. On the other is the storied Milwaukee Violets, making their seventh trip to the championship round but still seeking their elusive second title. For both franchises, history beckons.
Milwaukee’s Legacy of Heartache

The Milwaukee Violets know the highs and lows of playoff basketball better than most. The franchise has come agonizingly close to glory on multiple occasions, including Finals defeats in 1990, 1992, and most recently in 1994. Now, led by All-Star point guard Adelyn Shelly, Milwaukee is determined to reverse their fortunes and claim the title that has so often slipped from their grasp.

Shelly, the league's preeminent floor general, has carried the Violets throughout the postseason, averaging 28.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. Her ability to control the pace and distribute the ball will be critical against Memphis' high-octane offense. Complementing her is the duo of Erika Prine and Aubrie Emmons, who have provided steady scoring and rim protection.

“We know what’s at stake,” Shelly said after Milwaukee's Game 6 victory over Miami in the Eastern Conference Finals. “This city has waited long enough. It’s our time.”
Memphis: A City and a Team on the Rise

Just a few years ago, the Memphis Soul were struggling for relevance as the Vancouver Vixens. Now, in their new home, the Soul have captured the hearts of Memphis and the attention of the league. Their journey to the Finals is a testament to perseverance and teamwork, led by star forward Sophia Wood and do-it-all guard Adele Crawford.

Wood has been the Soul's offensive anchor, averaging 25.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Crawford’s playmaking has elevated her team, contributing 18.4 points and 6.4 assists per game. The absence of Aaliyah Audley, who has missed most of the season with an injury, has loomed large, but Memphis has proven resilient.

“This team has battled through adversity all year,” said head coach Aegurl Altun. “We’ve been counted out before, and we’ve always found a way to win. This series will be no different.”

The Matchup

Offense vs. Defense: Memphis boasts one of the league's most potent offenses, averaging 114.6 points per game during the regular season. Milwaukee, however, is known for their stifling defense, allowing just 95.7 points per game. The battle between Memphis’ fast-paced attack and Milwaukee’s disciplined defense will likely decide the series.

X-Factors:

For Milwaukee, Greta Newsom's defensive versatility and ability to guard multiple positions could help contain Memphis' dynamic scorers.
For Memphis, the bench contributions of players like Serena Heaton and Baylee Zhao will be crucial in maintaining their offensive output.

History at Stake:

A win for Milwaukee would end a 17-year championship drought and cement Adelyn Shelly’s legacy as one of the league’s all-time greats.
For Memphis, a title in their first Finals appearance would mark the ultimate validation of their relocation and signify the arrival of a new powerhouse in the NBA.

Young Drachma

12-31-2024, 03:00 PM

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
June 10, 1997

Violets Finally Bring It Home: Milwaukee Clinches Second NBA Title

By Paul Richter

MILWAUKEE – On a warm June night at the Bradley Center, the Milwaukee Violets achieved what had eluded them for 17 long years. With a gritty 87-77 victory over the Memphis Soul in Game 4, the Violets completed a dominant sweep in the 1996-97 NBA Finals, capturing their second championship in franchise history and cementing their place in the league’s upper echelon. The triumph wasn’t just about breaking a drought; it was about erasing years of heartbreak and frustration that had come to define this proud franchise. For Milwaukee, it was finally their time.

Adelyn Shelly, the Violets’ indomitable point guard and the Finals MVP, stood at center court after the final buzzer, holding the Tammi O’Brien Trophy high above her head as cheers roared through the sold-out crowd. Tears streamed down her face as she spoke. “This isn’t just for us,” Shelly said, her voice cracking with emotion. “This is for Milwaukee. This is for every fan who stuck with us through the ups and downs. We did it together.”

Shelly’s performance throughout the series was nothing short of legendary. In Game 4, she delivered another masterful effort with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists, dominating both ends of the court and leaving no doubt as to why she’s considered one of the greatest players of her generation. Over the four-game series, she averaged 31.0 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, a tour de force that will be remembered in Milwaukee sports lore for decades to come. Her poise, leadership, and relentless will to win set the tone for a Violets team that smothered Memphis from start to finish.

The sweep was a statement. While many anticipated a competitive series, Milwaukee wasted no time asserting their dominance. The Violets opened Game 1 with a 118-95 rout, dismantled Memphis 112-93 in Game 2, crushed them 128-89 in Game 3, and delivered the knockout blow in Game 4. Memphis, without injured star Aaliyah Audley, fought valiantly behind the efforts of forward Sophia Wood, who averaged 24.5 points in the series, but they simply could not match Milwaukee’s depth, physicality, and execution.

For head coach Hailey Floyd, this victory marked the pinnacle of her short but already remarkable tenure in Milwaukee. Hired just two years ago, the fiery former college coach, has transformed the Violets into a defensive juggernaut. Under her guidance, Milwaukee posted a 53-29 regular-season record and stormed through the playoffs with a 16-4 mark. Known for her meticulous preparation and defensive brilliance, Floyd crafted a game plan that completely neutralized Memphis’ high-powered offense, holding them to just 88.5 points per game in the Finals.

“This team never stopped believing,” Floyd said after the game, her voice hoarse from shouting over the postgame celebrations. “We’ve been through so much together, but we stayed the course. To see the players’ hard work and resilience rewarded like this—it’s everything I could have dreamed of.”

Milwaukee fans poured into the streets after the game, their joyous celebrations reflecting both relief and pride. For a city that had endured six Finals losses since their first championship in 1980, this moment felt like redemption. The Violets had been so close before—too many times to count—but this year, they were undeniable.

Erika Prine, who chipped in 12 points and seven rebounds in the clincher, summed up the team’s emotions. “This is for the city,” Prine said. “This is for everyone who never gave up on us. Milwaukee deserves this.”

The victory also solidified Shelly’s legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Already a perennial All-Star and league MVP, her performance in this Finals run elevated her to a new level of greatness. Her leadership on and off the court has been instrumental in shaping the Violets into the team they are today.

For Memphis, the loss stung, but there were signs of hope. Just three years removed from their relocation from Vancouver, the Soul made their first Finals appearance in franchise history. Even in defeat, they proved they belong on the league’s biggest stage. Head coach Aegurl Altun expressed optimism about the team’s future. “This is just the beginning for us,” she said. “We’ve grown so much this year, and we’ll use this experience to come back stronger.”

As the confetti fell and the players hugged their families on the court, it was clear this title was about more than just a trophy. It was about a city reclaiming its place among the NBA elite. It was about a team rewriting its narrative from heartbreak to triumph. And it was about a point guard named Adelyn Shelly, who refused to let Milwaukee be denied any longer.

The Milwaukee Violets are champions once again. And this time, it feels like just the beginning.

Young Drachma

12-31-2024, 10:59 PM

The Dream Realized: Jackson State's Rise Marks New Era for HBCUs in Power Conferences

Sports Illustrated - March 2000

In the visitors' locker room at the Alamodome, Leyla Crawford fights back tears. Her Jackson State Tigers have just defeated Florida to reach their first Final Four, completing a journey that began seven years ago when JSU and several other historically Black colleges and universities made the unprecedented leap to power conferences.

"This isn't just about basketball," says Crawford, herself a Jackson State alum. "This is about showing what's possible when institutions like ours get the same opportunities as everyone else."

The story of Jackson State's rise – and the broader transformation of HBCU athletics – began in 1993 when a coalition of boosters and corporate partners committed to leveling the playing field. The Tigers joined the Big 12, part of a wave that saw Alabama State also enter the Big 12, Florida A&M join the SEC, North Carolina A&T and Hampton enter the ACC, and Grambling and Southern head to the Pac-16.

But unlike previous conference realignment waves, this one came with a broader vision. The athletic investments sparked wider institutional growth. Jackson State's endowment has tripled since 1993. New research facilities and academic programs have followed. Applications have surged 400%.

"People said we'd lose our identity," says JSU President Marcus Thompson. "Instead, we've enhanced our mission while becoming more accessible to all students. The success in athletics opened doors, but what we've done with those opportunities is the real story."

The results speak for themselves. Howard's back-to-back NCAA appearances and Sweet Sixteen run this year. And now, Jackson State's Final Four breakthrough behind freshman sensation Shaquana Rodgers and sophomore star Dia Sharma.

"When I was being recruited, some people questioned why I'd choose an HBCU over traditional powers," says Sharma, who chose JSU over Stanford and UConn. "But I saw the vision here. We're proving you can get an elite education and play elite basketball at an HBCU."

Looking ahead to their Final Four matchup with BYU, Crawford reflects on the bigger picture. "Tennessee State joining the Big Ten next year isn't just about athletics. It's about these institutions finally getting the resources they've always deserved. We're showing what's possible when you level the playing field."

For Jackson State, the dream of a national championship is now just two wins away. But in many ways, they've already achieved something far more significant – helping to reshape the landscape of American higher education, one victory at a time.

Young Drachma

12-31-2024, 11:10 PM

State of Grace: A Mississippi Basketball Civil War Ends in Glory

Sports Illustrated - April 4, 2000

In a state where divisions run as deep as the Delta soil, Mississippi State and Jackson State's national championship showdown became more than just a basketball game. It became a referendum on how far we've come, and how far we still have to go.

Mississippi State's thrilling 98-90 victory over Jackson State – secured through Kerry Gould's masterful 14-point, 12-rebound, 12-assist triple-double and Jazlyn Mowery's career-high 25 points – marked the culmination of a journey that began in Starkville over three decades ago when Corinne Dobson first arrived to build a program from scratch.

Now, after returning to Mississippi State this season following 19 successful years at Texas, Dobson has delivered the program's third national title in four years. But this one felt different.

"This wasn't just about basketball," Dobson said, her voice cracking with emotion. "This was about two schools, sixty miles apart, representing everything that makes this state both complicated and beautiful."

The game itself was a masterpiece of contrasting styles. Jackson State's dynamic offense, led by Karina Schmidt-Light's 21 points and Ciarra Eddins' near triple-double (11 points, 5 rebounds, 11 assists), traded haymakers with State's suffocating defense. The Tigers hit 13 three-pointers; the Bulldogs forced 31 turnovers.

But the real story was in the stands, where fans from both schools mixed together in unprecedented fashion. Jackson State's Sonic Boom of the South traded songs with State's Famous Maroon Band. Alumni from both institutions shared stories of progress and pride. It was indeed a competition, but it was also a celebration.

"Seven years ago, people questioned whether HBCUs could compete at this level," said JSU coach Leyla Crawford. "Tonight proved we belong. Not just in basketball, but in every arena. We fell short tonight, but we're not Cinderella because we'll be back to the ball again, believe that."

For Dobson, who began her career when Mississippi's wounds were still raw, the sight of two in-state programs competing for a national title represented something profound.

"When I started at State in '69, this would have been impossible," she said. "Not just Jackson State being here – but the idea that this entire state could come together to celebrate both programs. That's the real victory tonight."

As the confetti fell and Mississippi State celebrated its championship, Jackson State's players lingered on the court, soaking in the moment. They may have lost the game, but they'd helped write a new chapter in their state's complex history.

Sixty miles never felt so small.

1999 OVERALL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

JR PG Kimorah Malinowski St. Bonaventure 18.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 5.3 APG 1.9 SPG, 1.3 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR PG Izzie Kamensky Quinnipiac 16.8 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 5.0 APG 2.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Haley Gonzalez Quinnipiac 21 - 10 (10 - 4)

All-league 1st Team:
C JR Elaine Evans-Treat San Diego State 12.8 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 5.6 APG, 2.9 SPG, 2.0 BPG
PF JR Stacy Kolesnyk Green Bay 16.6 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG
SF SR Mikeshia Carpenter-Lee New Mexico 14.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 3.9 APG, 2.3 SPG, 2.4 BPG
SG JR Kerry Gould Mississippi State 17.6 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 5.8 APG, 3.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG JR Kimorah Malinowski St. Bonaventure 18.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.9 SPG, 1.3 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C JR Harlow Aquilar Baylor 10.7 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.9 SPG, 2.2 BPG
PF JR Layla Mitchell Indiana 17.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.8 SPG, 2.1 BPG
SF JR Quanisha Watters Stetson 17.7 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, 2.2 BPG
SG SO Kallie Dumlao Grinnell 23.1 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.4 APG, 2.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG
PG SR Ava Makeer Villanova 15.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 6.6 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-league 3rd Team:
C SO Yvette Chavez Morehead State 16.4 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.9 SPG, 1.4 BPG
PF SR Tyaishia Parkinson Howard 13.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 5.4 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
SF SO Alphonsine Mbilila Pittsburgh 11.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.5 BPG
SG SO Lamesha Prosser Howard 18.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.9 APG, 2.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG JR Frankie Molina Kansas State 12.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 7.0 APG, 1.9 SPG, 1.0 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Shaquana Rodgers Jackson State 9.5 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PF FR Leilani McMorris FAU 8.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.5 BPG
SF FR Sophia Hu Eastern Washington 18.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SG FR Donqueta Jackson Prairie View A&M 16.2 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.0 BPG
PG FR Izzie Kamensky Quinnipiac 16.8 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 5.0 APG, 2.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Young Drachma

01-01-2025, 01:13 AM

Small Schools, Big Dreams: Heritage Conference's Long Road to March Madness
For D1Hoops.com - March 2000

When the Heritage Conference tips off next season, every game will carry new weight. After a decade in Division I's wilderness, the eight-team conference of elite liberal arts colleges has finally secured an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

"This validates everything we've been building," says Middlebury head coach Bailey Soriano, whose program has been the conference's most consistent performer with five regular season titles. "These schools chose a difficult path when we moved to Division I. We believed we could compete while maintaining our academic standards."

The journey hasn't been easy. Since joining D1 in 1990, only Wesleyan and Middlebury have managed to earn at-large bids to the NCAA tournament, both coming in the magical 1995 season. The conference has had to settle for occasional WNIT appearances, with Middlebury (3), Wesleyan (1), and Williams (1) representing the league's postseason history.

"People forget how ambitious this move was," says Meghan Lower, Wesleyan's coach who has guided the Cardinals to a 24-9 record in 1998. "We're talking about schools with enrollments under 3,000 competing against major universities. But we've shown we can develop talent and compete."

The numbers tell the story of a conference slowly finding its footing:

Williams: 168-129 (.566), 2 conference titles
Middlebury: 169-134 (.558), 5 conference titles
Wesleyan: 164-137 (.545), 2 regular season and 1 tournament title

"Next year changes everything," says Soriano. "That automatic bid means every conference game becomes a step toward March Madness. It's what these student-athletes deserve."
For a conference that has prided itself on academic excellence while pursuing athletic achievement, the automatic bid represents more than just a path to the tournament. It's validation of a bold experiment in Division I athletics.

"We're proving you can compete at the highest level without compromising who you are," Lower adds. "That's always been the Heritage Conference's mission."

Come next March, one of these small schools will hear their name called on Selection Sunday. It's been a long time coming.

Young Drachma

01-01-2025, 03:57 PM

Belief in March: Tennessee State's Improbable Journey to the Brink of History

Inside the jubilant Tennessee State locker room, Nia Perry clutches the game ball from her 38-point masterpiece against Iowa, a performance that has the Tigers one win away from the most unlikely NCAA tournament bid in history.

"People keep asking when we're going to wake up from this dream," says Perry, still catching her breath after leading TSU to a stunning 78-74 upset over the second-seeded Hawkeyes. "But this isn't a dream. This is what happens when a team just refuses to quit."

The story of Tennessee State's March miracle begins with a midseason coaching change that defied conventional wisdom. Carmen Dudley, a 63-year-old coaching lifer with stops at seven different programs, left her assistant position at Oklahoma to take over a 4-20 Tigers team in their first Big Ten season.

"When the AD called, people thought I was crazy," Dudley recalls, watching her players celebrate. "But I saw something in these kids. Sometimes basketball isn't about X's and O's. Sometimes it's about believing when nobody else will."

That belief has manifested in an unprecedented conference tournament run. After finishing the regular season 9-20, the Tigers have reeled off four straight wins against increasingly imposing opponents – culminating in tonight's stunner over an Iowa team that had beaten them by 33 and 30 points in their regular season meetings.

"This isn't the same team we played before," said Iowa coach Elle Foreman after watching Perry hit nine three-pointers. "They're playing with a freedom and confidence I've never seen."

The transformation has been remarkable. Under Dudley's guidance, the Tigers have shed their hesitation. Perry has evolved from a solid point guard into a fearless scorer. Senior Scarlett Groth has become a lockdown defender. The pieces that seemed mismatched in December have suddenly clicked into place in March.

"Coach Dudley told us on day one that she trusted us," says Groth, who added 14 points in the semifinal victory. "When someone believes in you like that, it changes everything."

Now only Michigan State stands between Tennessee State and an automatic NCAA bid that seemed impossible just weeks ago. The Tigers would be just the second team in history to reach the tournament with 20 losses.

"Everyone keeps talking about what we can't do," Dudley says, her voice steady despite the emotion of the moment. "But these young women aren't interested in what's supposed to happen. They're writing their own story."

The final chapter will be written tomorrow afternoon. But regardless of the outcome, Tennessee State has already accomplished something remarkable – proving that sometimes the most important coaching decision is simply choosing to believe.

The Road to the Championship Game

- First Round: Tennessee State 81, Illinois 44
- Quarterfinals: Tennessee State 67, Indiana 54
- Semifinals: Tennessee State 64, Michigan 56
- Semifinals: Tennessee State 78, Iowa 74
- Championship: vs. Michigan State (March 11)

Young Drachma

01-01-2025, 04:06 PM

Dancing in the Dark: Tennessee State's Improbable March From Last to the NCAA Tournament

For Sports Illustrated - March 12, 2001

In the delirious aftermath of Tennessee State's 62-53 Big Ten championship victory over Michigan State, Carmen Dudley stood motionless at center court, watching her players celebrate a moment that defied every conventional basketball wisdom. The 63-year-old coach, who took over a 4-20 team midseason, had just guided the Tigers to the most unlikely NCAA tournament bid in history.

"Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is just believe," Dudley said, her voice barely audible above the chaos. "These young women never stopped believing, even when the whole world told them they should."

The Tigers (14-20) become just the third team in NCAA history to reach the tournament with 20 losses, joining Pacific (14-19) and Arkansas Pine-Bluff (11-22) in this year's First Four. But Tennessee State's journey stands alone in its improbability – a first-year Big Ten team that seemed hopelessly overmatched in December transformed into March giant-killers under a coach who left her Oklahoma assistant position mid-season for what appeared to be basketball's equivalent of a suicide mission.

Instead, TSU has authored one of the greatest conference tournament runs ever: victories over Illinois, Indiana, third-seeded Michigan, second-seeded Iowa, and now Michigan State, powered by junior point guard Nia Perry's emergence as one of March's most compelling stars.

"Coach Dudley gave us freedom," says Perry, who followed her 38-point masterpiece against Iowa with 11 points, six assists and six steals in the championship game. "She told us to play without fear, to trust our instincts. When someone believes in you like that, it changes everything."

The transformation has been remarkable. A team that lost to Iowa by 33 and 30 points in the regular season knocked off the Hawkeyes in the semifinals. A program that hadn't made the NCAA tournament since 1986 is now heading to a First Four matchup with MEAC champion Morgan State.

"We knew moving to the Big Ten would be challenging," says TSU Athletic Director Marcus Thompson, who convinced Dudley to leave Oklahoma mid-season. "But Carmen saw something in these players that nobody else did. She saw their heart."

That heart was on full display in the championship game. Despite 26 turnovers, the Tigers forced 27 from Michigan State and got contributions from their entire roster – 11 different players scored, embodying the "strength in numbers" philosophy Dudley has preached since her arrival.

As the celebration continued around her, Dudley finally allowed herself a small smile. "People keep asking when this dream is going to end," she said. "But who says it has to?"

In three days, Tennessee State will face Morgan State in Dayton, with the winner advancing to face top-seeded Cincinnati. It's a daunting task, but the Tigers have already rewritten what's possible in March.

"Nobody believed in us except the people in that locker room," Perry said, clutching the championship trophy. "Sometimes that's all you need."

The Road to the Dance

First Round: def. Illinois 81-44
Quarterfinals: def. Indiana 67-54
Semifinals: def. Michigan 64-56
Semifinals: def. #11 Iowa 78-74
Championship: def. Michigan State 62-53
Next: vs. Morgan State (First Four)

Young Drachma

01-01-2025, 04:17 PM

From The Last Frontier to The Big Dance: Alaska-Anchorage's Historic Journey

For Sports Illustrated - March 13, 2001
The temperature outside Alaska Airlines Center hovers around 20 degrees, but inside, the Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves are generating their own heat. The nets have been cut down, the Western Athletic Conference championship trophy is being passed around, and an entire state is celebrating a moment three decades in the making.

For the first time in program history, Alaska-Anchorage is going to the NCAA Tournament.

"People don't understand what basketball means up here," says head coach Natalie Bidwell, fighting back tears after her team's 72-69 victory over New Orleans in the WAC championship game. "When it's dark most of the day in winter, this gym becomes more than just a basketball court. It becomes a community center, a gathering place, a source of light."

The Seawolves' journey to March Madness has been anything but conventional. After starting the season 6-10, they found their rhythm in conference play behind the emergence of sophomore shooting guard Jessica Hoffman (14.4 PPG) and junior forward Alexis Slone (13.2 PPG, 7.3 RPG). Their reward for this historic run? A date with third-seeded Tennessee in the South Region.

"Everyone's going to talk about the logistics," Bidwell says, referring to the 4,500-mile journey her team will make to Knoxville. "But we've been flying all season. Our closest conference game is a four-hour flight. These women are used to it."

Indeed, the Seawolves' regular season resembled a geography lesson as much as a basketball schedule. They logged over 40,000 air miles, often practicing at midnight after returning from road trips to accommodate class schedules. Their roster reflects this frontier spirit – players from Oregon, Washington, and even Canada who chose to pursue their dreams in the nation's northernmost Division I program.

"When I took this job eleven years ago, people thought I was crazy," says Bidwell, who left her assistant position at Gonzaga following their 1990 runner-up finish. "But I saw something special here. These aren't just basketball players – they're pioneers."

The pioneering spirit was on full display in their conference tournament run. After dispatching Southern Utah, they overcame a New Orleans team that had split their regular season meetings, using a suffocating defense that's become their trademark under Bidwell.

Now comes their biggest challenge yet. Tennessee awaits in Knoxville, where the Volunteers rarely lose tournament games. The Seawolves will be the biggest underdogs of the first round, but that's nothing new for a program that's been defying expectations all season.

"Everyone keeps asking about Tennessee," says Hoffman, the sophomore guard who hit the winning free throws in the WAC final. "But we've already made history. Why stop now?"

As the celebration continues around her, Bidwell takes one more look at the championship trophy. "In Alaska, we're used to long nights," she says. "But sometimes, that just makes the dawn more beautiful when it comes."

The Seawolves' dawn has arrived. Their next chapter will be written under the bright lights of March Madness, 4,500 miles from home but carrying the hopes of an entire state with them.

Young Drachma

01-01-2025, 04:27 PM

The New Kids: Chicago and Williams Make Historic NCAA Debuts

Sports Illustrated - March 14, 2001
The irony isn't lost on Emily Stuart. Thirty-two years after leaving Iowa State, the 65-year-old coach has guided the University of Chicago to its first NCAA tournament appearance – against Purdue, another Big Ten power she once regularly faced.

"Sometimes life comes full circle," Stuart says, watching her team practice in the historic Ratner Athletics Center. "But I don't think anyone could have written this script."

The Maroons' journey to March Madness represents more than just a coaching redemption story. It's the culmination of Chicago's remarkable return to Division I athletics, a path that began in 1989 when the university exercised its dormant Big Ten membership rights. After six challenging years in the conference, Chicago found its footing in the Patriot League, where Stuart's experienced hand has guided them to a 24-9 record and an automatic bid as a 13-seed.
Meanwhile, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, another academic powerhouse is celebrating its own breakthrough. Williams College (25-5) captured the Heritage Conference's first-ever automatic bid, earning a 13-seed and a date with St. Bonaventure, a program that has reached three of the last four Final Fours.

"This is what we envisioned when we moved to Division I in 1990," says Williams coach Sloane Sanders, whose team dominated the Heritage Conference with a 13-1 record. "We wanted to prove that academic excellence and athletic achievement aren't mutually exclusive."

Both programs represent a broader movement of elite academic institutions returning to or joining Division I athletics. The Heritage Conference's formation in 1990 brought several prestigious liberal arts colleges to the highest level, while the North Star Conference (still seeking its first automatic bid) united similar institutions under the same banner.

For Chicago, led by shooting guard Molly Hodge (17.3 PPG) and versatile forward Isla Taylor (11.9 PPG, 8.7 RPG), the matchup with Purdue represents a chance to measure themselves against their former conference rivals. Williams, powered by guard Rebekah Nelson (13.2 PPG) and center Gracelynn Madera (9.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG), faces an equally daunting task against the Bonnies.

"People keep talking about David versus Goliath," Stuart says. "But these women aren't here just to be part of the tournament. They're here to compete."
As both teams prepare for their first-round games, they carry more than just their own hopes. They represent a vision of collegiate athletics where academic excellence and competitive success can coexist – a vision that's finally reached the sport's biggest stage.

"Whether we win or lose," Sanders reflects, "we've already proven something important. You don't have to choose between being a great student and a great athlete. You can be both."

First Round Matchups
Midwest Region: #13 Chicago (24-9) vs. #4 Purdue (25-6)
East Region: #13 Williams (25-5) vs. #4 St. Bonaventure (28-3)

Young Drachma

01-01-2025, 04:50 PM

History, Rivalry, and Redemption: Butler and Seton Hall Meet for Final Four Berth

Sports Illustrated - March 24, 2001

The storylines write themselves. A coach facing her former team with a Final Four berth on the line. A historic program seeking to end a nine-year Final Four drought against a first-time Elite Eight participant. But in the cramped hallways of the Midwest Regional, both coaches are desperately trying to keep the focus on their players.

"This isn't about me," says Seton Hall coach Joan Crossland, who left Butler last offseason after guiding them to consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. "This is about two outstanding teams playing for a chance at history."

Her counterpart, Frances Russel, inherited a Butler program that Crossland had rebuilt, then elevated it to unprecedented heights. The third-seeded Bulldogs (29-5) have ridden the stellar play of senior forward Jaylyn Mize (18.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG) and junior guard Kimber Neighbors (14.2 PPG) to their first-ever Elite Eight appearance.

"Everyone wants to make this personal," says Russel, who came to Butler after three successful years at UTSA. "But these young women have earned their moment. That's what tomorrow is about."

For fifth-seeded Seton Hall (28-10), the stakes feel familiar. This is their ninth Elite Eight appearance, though their last Final Four trip came in 1992. The Pirates have built their success on a balanced attack led by senior guard Sophia Ridenour (12.4 PPG, 4.6 APG) and freshman center Alicia Littlejohn (10.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG).

"The history here, the expectations – they're real," Crossland admits. "But when I took this job, it wasn't about leaving Butler. It was about Seton Hall. About what this program means to women's basketball."

The matchup itself is fascinating. Butler's high-powered offense (72.7 PPG) against Seton Hall's suffocating defense (56.8 PPG allowed). The Pirates' veteran backcourt versus the Bulldogs' dynamic frontcourt. Two teams that know each other intimately, thanks to their shared coaching DNA.

"Coach Crossland recruited most of us," says Mize, Butler's leading scorer. "But Coach Russel gave us the freedom to become who we are. Sometimes things work out the way they're supposed to."

Tomorrow afternoon in Minneapolis, one of these teams will punch their ticket to the Final Four. For Butler, it would be a program-defining breakthrough. For Seton Hall, a return to familiar heights under new leadership.

"The personal storylines make for good copy," Russel says, watching her team's final practice. "But tomorrow isn't about the past. It's about these players, this moment, this opportunity."

Tip-off is set for 2:30 PM Eastern. History awaits.

[Box Out: Tale of the Tape]
Butler (29-5)
- First Elite Eight appearance
- 72.7 PPG (21st nationally)
- Led by Jaylyn Mize (18.6 PPG)
- 10-4 vs. Top 50 teams

Seton Hall (28-10)
- Ninth Elite Eight appearance
- 56.8 PPG allowed (24th nationally)
- Led by Sophia Ridenour (12.4 PPG)
- 8-6 vs. Top 50 teams

Young Drachma

01-01-2025, 05:10 PM

2001 MIDWEST REGIONAL FINAL

Butler 49, Seton Hall 46

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Butler (30-5, 15-5):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
A. Rothwell-CarterC 24 3-10 2-2 1 4 2 2 8
Isabelle Wirth PF 31 2-4 2-2 3 5 0 1 6
Jaylyn Mize SF 34 4-15 0-0 3 11 2 0 11
Amelia Mastin SG 34 1-5 0-0 2 4 1 2 2
Chloe McMasters PG 34 4-10 1-2 1 5 5 2 11
E. Prangnell PG 17 0-0 0-0 0 2 1 0 0
Angela Brown SG 10 2-3 1-1 1 1 0 3 6
Amy Bryant PG 2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Stephanie Rivera C 12 2-3 0-0 0 2 0 0 5
Aubrey Leblanc SF 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 16 (A.Rothwell-Carter 3, I.Wirth 1, J.Mize
2, A.Mastin 1, C.McMasters 3, E.Prangnell 2, A.Brown
1, A.Bryant 1, S.Rivera 2)
Blocked Shots: 10 (A.Rothwell-Carter 6, I.Wirth 1,
C.McMasters 1, S.Rivera 1, A.Leblanc 1)
Steals: 6 (J.Mize 3, A.Mastin 2, E.Prangnell 1)
3P FGs: 7-16 (J.Mize 3-8, C.McMasters 2-4, A.Brown 1-2,
S.Rivera 1-2)

Seton Hall (28-11, 14-6):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Alicia Littlejohn C 27 1-11 0-0 0 1 0 3 2
Michelle Harriman PF 30 2-5 0-0 2 8 2 0 4
B. Higginbotham SF 31 2-7 1-1 2 8 0 4 5
Sophia Ridenour SG 31 2-8 0-0 4 5 5 2 5
Hannah Pruitt PG 31 4-8 1-1 2 3 1 0 10
Elizabeth Jones PG 13 3-7 0-0 1 1 3 2 7
Juliana Bigham SF 17 2-3 0-0 0 1 1 0 5
Kyra Scanlon SG 5 1-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 3
Donna Park SF 8 2-3 0-0 0 4 0 0 5
Kylie Maurer C 5 0-0 0-0 1 2 0 0 0

Turnovers: 19 (M.Harriman 2, B.Higginbotham 4,
S.Ridenour 7, H.Pruitt 3, E.Jones 2, D.Park 1)
Blocked Shots: 12 (A.Littlejohn 4, M.Harriman 2,
B.Higginbotham 2, J.Bigham 2, K.Maurer 2)
Steals: 5 (B.Higginbotham 1, S.Ridenour 1, H.Pruitt 2,
J.Bigham 1)
3P FGs: 6-18 (B.Higginbotham 0-2, S.Ridenour 1-4,
H.Pruitt 1-4, E.Jones 1-4, J.Bigham 1-2, K.Scanlon
1-1, D.Park 1-1)

Player of Game: SF Jaylyn Mize (BUTL)

2000 OVERALL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SR PG Kimorah Malinowski St. Bonaventure 18.1 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 5.4 APG 2.2 SPG, 0.9 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR SG Kim Rogers Marshall 17.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 5.3 APG 2.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Samantha Gibson Hofstra 26 - 6 (17 - 1)

All-league 1st Team:
C SR Elaine Evans-Treat San Diego State 10.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 5.9 APG, 2.2 SPG, 2.1 BPG
PF JR Galina Novoseltsev Texas 17.3 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.9 BPG
SF JR Kallie Dumlao Grinnell 21.7 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.7 BPG
SG SR Kerry Gould Mississippi State 13.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 6.3 APG, 2.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG SR Kimorah Malinowski St. Bonaventure 18.1 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 5.4 APG, 2.2 SPG, 0.9 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR Quanisha Watters Stetson 20.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.6 SPG, 2.2 BPG
PF SR Peyton Singleton Florida State 15.8 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 3.5 BPG
SF SR Jaida Amaro Utah 13.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 5.4 APG, 2.4 SPG, 0.4 BPG
SG SR Jacqueline Denier-Price California 14.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 6.0 APG, 2.0 SPG, 1.9 BPG
PG JR Suze Richard Rider 20.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.4 APG, 2.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG

All-league 3rd Team:
C SR Rudy Huxtable Minnesota State 18.4 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PF SR Bria Aho Siena 17.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.0 BPG
SF SR Cinta Marquez Lopez Virginia 15.5 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 4.1 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
SG FR Kim Rogers Marshall 17.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 5.3 APG, 2.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG SR Shanya McGovern Baylor 15.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 7.2 APG, 2.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Keira Arvizu Alabama 9.7 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.6 BPG
PF FR Kimberly Gross Stanford 11.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.9 BPG
SF FR Megan Jones Milwaukee 14.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.9 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG
SG FR Kim Rogers Marshall 17.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 5.3 APG, 2.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG FR Yesenia Brock Auburn 14.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG

2000-01 NATIONAL TITLE GAME
BAYLOR (32-5) 72, RUTGERS (36-3) 71

Baylor 72, Rutgers 71

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
A.Khristich C 30 2-4 3-6 1 5 0 0 7
Amiya Townsend PF 34 1-2 0-0 1 11 1 2 2
Mia Trainor SF 27 7-12 0-0 1 2 3 0 16
S.Ilgauskas SG 27 4-10 0-0 1 1 0 1 9
Ryan Clarke PG 33 3-9 0-0 3 6 10 0 8
Thalia Twomey PG 7 3-4 0-0 0 0 0 1 8
Olivia Blades SF 13 2-4 0-0 2 3 3 1 5
Ava Barnard SG 13 2-3 0-0 0 1 0 0 6
Kayla Collier C 12 3-5 0-2 2 2 1 0 8
Makayla Alston PF 4 1-2 0-0 2 4 0 0 2

Turnovers: 19 (A.Townsend 3, M.Trainor 2, S.Ilgauskas
3, R.Clarke 3, T.Twomey 1, O.Blades 6, M.Alston 1)
Blocked Shots: 5 (A.Khristich 4, A.Townsend 1)
Steals: 3 (A.Khristich 1, A.Townsend 1, S.Ilgauskas 1)
3P FGs: 12-29 (M.Trainor 2-6, S.Ilgauskas 1-5, R.Clarke
2-7, T.Twomey 2-3, O.Blades 1-3, A.Barnard 2-3,
K.Collier 2-2)

Baylor:
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Linda Lacey C 30 5-9 0-0 1 4 0 3 12
Harlow Aquilar PF 33 7-9 3-3 2 5 3 0 17
Samantha Russell SF 32 5-14 0-0 1 5 2 1 12
Stephanie Hulett SG 30 5-10 0-0 1 2 5 2 12
Shanya McGovern PG 33 3-10 0-0 3 6 6 2 6
Raelyn Tsang PG 20 4-5 0-0 3 3 4 0 8
Jennifer Monday SG 6 1-4 0-0 0 0 1 0 3
Esperanza Cannon SF 7 0-2 0-0 0 1 0 0 0
Nevaeh Eveland C 2 0-1 0-0 0 1 0 1 0
Autumn Morgan PF 7 1-2 0-0 2 3 1 0 2

Turnovers: 11 (H.Aquilar 4, S.Russell 1, S.McGovern 2,
R.Tsang 2, N.Eveland 1, A.Morgan 1)
Blocked Shots: 3 (S.Russell 1, S.McGovern 1, A.Morgan 1)
Steals: 8 (L.Lacey 3, S.Russell 2, S.Hulett 1,
S.McGovern 2)
3P FGs: 7-29 (L.Lacey 2-4, S.Russell 2-10, S.Hulett
2-6, S.McGovern 0-3, J.Monday 1-4, E.Cannon 0-2)

Player of Game: PF Harlow Aquilar (BAYL)

Young Drachma

01-01-2025, 11:00 PM

TWEAKS TO THE COLLEGE GAME .INI FILES

The tweaks I'd made to the file when I first started felt a little off, but we've been operating that way for a long time, I wanted to attempt to make some changes to the womens college game to make the game feel more realistic. My goal all along has been playing in a modern environment.

After nearly two decades of running with mostly unchanged settings, I took some time to evaluate how I wanted my FBCB universe to reflect modern women's basketball. The game has evolved significantly - we're in an era of positionless basketball, increased three-point shooting, and more dynamic offensive schemes.

Key changes I implemented:

Usage adjustments

- Increased guard usage slightly (SG/PG to 115)
- Balanced forward positions (SF to 110)
- Kept post players involved (C/PF to 105)

Three-Point Shooting

- Significantly increased TpPct (75) and TpaRate (90)
- Results show teams now attempting 15-24 threes per game
- Seeing realistic variance in three-point success between teams

Pace and Scoring

- Adjusted shot rate and overall pace
- Games now regularly hitting 70-85 point range
- Still seeing defensive battles when appropriate team matchups occur

Early results have been promising. Looking at recent box scores:

- More balanced scoring distribution
- Realistic free throw attempt variance
- Better three-point volume
- Guard-forward versatility without losing post presence

This won't show up until next season, I have a D2 file that I use for testing that's separate from the prime universe.

Young Drachma

01-02-2025, 12:40 AM

Returning to Glory: Immaculata's Journey Back to the National Stage

For The Athletic - September 2001

In the dimly lit trophy room at Immaculata University, the silverware tells a story that predates the modern era of women's basketball. Before there was an NCAA tournament, before conference realignment and TV contracts, there were the Mighty Macs and their dynasty of the 1950s.

Under legendary coach Margaret "Maggie" Sullivan, Immaculata dominated the National Women's Basketball League (NWBL) from 1951-1959, winning six national championships in an era when women's basketball was emerging as America's premier winter sport. Their fast-break style and innovative zone defense revolutionized the game, drawing crowds that regularly exceeded 10,000 to their home games in suburban Philadelphia.

"People forget how important those teams were," says basketball historian Patricia Walker. "While the men's game struggled to find its footing in small gymnasiums, Immaculata was selling out arenas and pioneering modern basketball concepts."

Now, after decades of success at the Division III level, Immaculata is making the leap to Division I, joining the Heritage Conference alongside fellow newcomer Gallaudet. To lead this transition, they've hired Kaitlynn Carson, fresh off three successful years as an assistant at Tennessee.

"The history here is sacred," says Carson, surveying the trophy room. "But we're not here to live in the past. We're here to build something new while honoring that legacy."

Carson brings defensive expertise from her Tennessee years and head coaching experience from her lengthy tenure at McNeese. Her hiring signals Immaculata's intent to compete immediately at the D1 level.

The move comes as part of a broader trend of prestigious academic institutions embracing high-level athletics. The Heritage Conference, formed in 1990, has already proven that academic excellence and athletic achievement can coexist, with Williams reaching the NCAA tournament last season.

"Immaculata isn't just joining Division I," says Athletic Director Maria Bennett. "We're returning to our rightful place in the national conversation. The Mighty Macs helped build women's basketball. Now we're ready to help shape its future."

The trophy room's newest addition is a glass case, currently empty, waiting for the next chapter of Mighty Macs history to be written. Carson and her team begin that journey this November, carrying the weight of tradition and the promise of tomorrow.

Immaculata's Pre-NCAA Dynasty
- 6 NWBL National Championships (1951, 1953-55, 1957, 1959)
- 8 consecutive Final Four appearances (1952-1959)
- 201-23 record under Coach Maggie Sullivan (1950-1960)
- Averaged 10,000+ attendance (1954-1959)

Young Drachma

01-02-2025, 05:44 PM

New Vision: Florida A&M Aims to Recapture HBCU Basketball's Rising Tide

Sports Illustrated - April 2001

When Dahlia Dorsett surveys the landscape of college basketball from her new office in Tallahassee, she sees more than just Florida A&M's recent struggles. She sees opportunity in the wake of a revolution that has transformed the sport.

"Look at what's happening," says Dorsett, recently hired to lead the Rattlers after a decade at Colorado. "Jackson State in back-to-back Final Fours. Howard dominating the Ivy League. Tennessee State in the Sweet Sixteen. This isn't just about HBCUs joining power conferences – it's about excellence demanding its proper stage."

Florida A&M's own transition to the SEC hasn't been smooth since joining in 1993 when Missouri departed for the Big Ten. The Rattlers haven't posted a winning conference record in their eight SEC seasons, leading to Jaycee Clark's dismissal after a 16-15 campaign.

But Dorsett, who led Colorado to the 1995 Final Four, sees the blueprint in their HBCU peers' success. "Jackson State showed that with the right resources and vision, we can compete at the highest level," she says. "When they took runner-up last year, it wasn't just their achievement – it was a statement about what's possible."

The transformation began in the early '90s when several HBCUs made unprecedented moves to power conferences. Jackson State and Alabama State joined the Big 12, Florida A&M entered the SEC, North Carolina A&T and Hampton joined the ACC, while Grambling and Southern headed west to the Pac-16.

"People questioned if we could maintain our identity in these conferences," says FAMU Athletic Director J. Dakari Morrison "But look at Howard – they're not just surviving in the Ivy League, they're thriving. Two straight Sweet Sixteens while graduating doctors and lawyers. That's the model."

For Dorsett, rebuilding starts with Florida talent. The Rattlers' roster features nine players from the Sunshine State. Leading scorer Guadalupe Hill (11.9 PPG) from Thomasville, Georgia showing the region is talent rich beyond just Florida. "This state produces incredible talent," Dorsett notes. "We need to be their first choice, not their fallback."

The challenges are real. The SEC remains brutally competitive, and FAMU's facilities need updating. But watching Tennessee State's improbable run to the Sweet Sixteen in their first Big Ten season has everyone in Tallahassee dreaming bigger.

"What's happening in college basketball right now isn't just integration – it's revolution," Dorsett says. "HBCUs aren't just earning seats at the table. They're showing they belong at the head of it."

In her office, Dorsett keeps a photo from Jackson State's Final Four celebration last month. It's a reminder of what's possible, of barriers yet to be broken, of a future where excellence knows no boundaries.

The revolution continues. And Florida A&M intends to be its next chapter.

Young Drachma

01-02-2025, 07:53 PM

As I mentioned a while back, I have the game artificially increase the length of games so that everyone on the roster at least gets some run, since it's sort of unrealistic in FBCB how so many transfers have never played a game. It's sort of paid off finally, as talent has gotten more distributed, it looks like a lottery pick is a transfer player. The game is pretty bad at IDing these players and moving them, because it operates in the old-school mindset, but this is one success story of a bit player who became a starter on a NCAA-tournament team.

The Relentless Rise of Miranda Thomas

BOSTON - As the 1998 WNBA Draft approaches, few prospects have garnered as much intrigue as Boston College's Miranda Thomas. The 6'3" shooting guard is projected to be the first overall pick, a testament to her remarkable college career - one that saw her overcome a disappointing start to emerge as an elite scorer and three-point marksman.

Thomas' story begins at Duke University, where she arrived as a highly-touted four-star recruit out of high school. However, her freshman campaign with the Blue Devils proved to be a struggle. Buried on the depth chart and unable to find her rhythm, Thomas averaged just 1.8 points per game in limited playing time.

"Coming in, I had so much promise and potential, but I just couldn't seem to translate that to the college game at Duke," Thomas recalls. "I felt lost, like I was never going to break through and show what I was truly capable of."

Rather than let that setback define her, Thomas made the bold decision to transfer to Boston College following her freshman year. It proved to be a transformative move that would reshape the trajectory of her college career.

Under the guidance of coaches Alina Redden and Sarah Stevens, Thomas blossomed into an offensive juggernaut for the Eagles. Her scoring averages improved dramatically each season, from 7.9 points per game as a sophomore, to 13.0 as a junior, and finally culminating in a senior campaign where she poured in 20.3 points per contest.

Just as impressive was Thomas' development as a three-point shooter. She finished her career ranked 4th all-time at Boston College with 115 made threes in a single season - a testament to her tireless work ethic and refined shooting stroke.

"Miranda's transformation was truly incredible to witness," says Stevens, her final collegiate coach. "She refused to let that initial setback at Duke define her. Instead, she channeled that disappointment into an unrelenting drive to improve and assert herself as one of the premier players in the country."

Despite the overall struggles of the Boston College team during Thomas' tenure - the Eagles made just one NCAA Tournament appearance in her four years - her individual brilliance continued to shine through. She repeatedly lifted the team on her shoulders, showcasing the full breadth of her scoring arsenal and three-point prowess.

"BC became my home, and I was determined to make the most of the opportunity," Thomas says. "I knew I had so much more to give, and I was willing to put in the work to reach my full potential."

As the WNBA draft approaches, Miranda Thomas' remarkable journey from Duke disappointment to Boston College stardom has scouts and fans alike captivated. Her story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and the transformative impact of finding the right fit.

"Miranda is the embodiment of what makes college basketball so special," Stevens adds. "Her work ethic, skill development, and sheer determination have taken her from a struggling freshman to a projected first overall pick. It's an incredible accomplishment."

For Miranda Thomas, the path to stardom has been anything but linear. But through her resilience and relentless pursuit of excellence, she has rewritten the narrative - emerging as one of the most intriguing and inspiring prospects in the upcoming WNBA Draft.
"Miranda's dedication and work ethic are unmatched," says Stevens, her final collegiate coach. "She transformed herself into an elite shooter and leader for us."

Thomas's three-point prowess is particularly remarkable given Boston College's struggles as a team during her tenure. In her four years, the Eagles made the NCAA Tournament just once, each time bowing out in the opening rounds. Yet Thomas's individual brilliance shone through, cementing her status as one of the most accomplished transfers in recent memory.

"I could have given up after Duke, but I knew I had so much more to give," Thomas says. "BC became my home, and I was determined to make the most of it."

As the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks prepare to make her the first overall pick, Miranda Thomas's remarkable journey serves as a testament to perseverance, skill development, and the power of finding the right fit. She's no longer just a talented player - she's a blueprint for how to break through when the odds seem stacked against you.

Young Drachma

01-03-2025, 01:45 AM

One of the things about upstart programs in this game, using the FBCB.ini file that I use where better than average talent gets generated, teams can do unusual things. Getting into the NCAAs in their first year is not one of those usual things, but one good player and an autobid can make things happen and that's precisely what happened here.

Past new programs have not fared well, so I'm actually very surprised at this situation and their prestige (40) wasn't even artificially super high, so it's hard for me to explain what happened here here than an easy schedule in a conference other teams didn't have the benefit of essentially building a transfer-portal style roster.

"The Walk-Ons' Tale: How Immaculata Built a Cinderella Story One Transfer at a Time"
Sports Illustrated - March 14, 2002

Pierre, South Dakota isn't exactly a basketball hotbed. But on a frigid November morning in 2000, Diya Henry made a decision that would alter the course of two basketball programs. The freshman point guard, rated 1,694th in her recruiting class, chose to walk on at Immaculata University, a school transitioning to Division I basketball.

"Everyone told me I was crazy," Henry says now, averaging 18.2 points per game and leading the Mighty Macs to their first NCAA tournament appearance. "But something about building something from nothing just felt right."

That "something" has become the most improbable story in college basketball. Immaculata, in its first year of Division I eligibility, captured the Heritage Conference title with a roster that reads like a basketball Island of Misfit Toys: seven walk-ons, four Division I transfers, and not a single recruited scholarship player among them.

"We're the anti-superteam," says head coach Kaitlynn Carson, whose own journey from McNeese State head coach to Tennessee assistant to Immaculata head coach mirrors her team's unconventional path. "Every player here has been told 'no' somewhere else. But sometimes 'no' just means 'not yet.'"

Consider the starting five: Henry, the South Dakota walk-on; Kiersten Carroll, who left Hofstra's bench for a chance to play; Alanna Holm, another walk-on who's become a deadly three-point shooter (46.4%); Jennifer Bateman, a 6'5" center who wasn't recruited out of tiny Somerset, Texas but now averages nearly 15 rebounds per game; and Jennifer Seely, who turned down Division II scholarships to prove herself at the highest level.

The bench is equally eclectic. There's Marie Davis, North Dakota's Miss Basketball who chose books over basketball scholarships; Mariama Ching, a CSU Fullerton transfer; and Michelle Norman, who left East Carolina's program. Even their practice squad includes former Colorado State forward Zariah Cornish and McNeese State's Sonia Wilborn.

"We're like the basketball version of the Dirty Dozen," Carson jokes. "Except there's more than twelve of us, and none of us were anybody's first choice."

Yet somehow, this collection of basketball refugees has earned a 13-seed in the NCAA tournament and a date with Wisconsin. Their 22-7 record includes a 14-2 mark in the Heritage Conference, a league of like-minded academic institutions making their own transition to Division I.

"People look at our RPI (84) and say we don't belong," Henry says. "But we've been hearing that our whole careers. At some point, you stop listening to what you can't do and start proving what you can."

For Carson, who spent three years as Tennessee's lead scout under Olivia Baca before taking the Immaculata job, the success is validation of a different kind of program building.

"Everyone wants the five-star recruits," she says. "We built this program on two-star heart and walk-on hunger. Sometimes that's better than raw talent."

As the Mighty Macs prepare for their tournament debut, they carry more than just their own dreams. They represent every player who's ever been told they weren't good enough, every program trying to prove it belongs.

"Wisconsin probably doesn't know any of our names," Henry says, a slight smile crossing her face. "But they will. We've been anonymous our whole careers. Now we're writing our own story."

It's a story that's already redefining what's possible in college basketball, one walk-on at a time.

IMMACULATA MIGHTY MACS TEAM INFO

Current Performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Team Prestige: 40 Record Vs 1-50: 0-0 Poll Rank: NR
Season Record: 22-7 Record Vs 51-100: 0-0 RPI Rank: #92
Conference Record: 14-2 Record Vs 101-200: 7-2
Home Record: 11-3 Record Vs 200+: 15-5

Team Stats CR NR Opp. Stats CR NR Margin CR NR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points 83.9 2 107 Points 77.2 3 112 Points 6.7 2 58
O.Reb 19.7 3 53 O.Reb 16.1 2 89 O.Reb 3.6 2 35
D.Reb 22.5 6 191 D.Reb 20.9 5 105 D.Reb 1.6 3 119
Rebounds 42.2 4 87 Rebounds 37.0 3 66 Rebounds 5.2 3 53
Assists 13.5 7 310 Assists 13.4 5 27 Assists 0.1 6 191
Steals 5.3 6 252 Steals 5.0 3 56 Steals 0.3 5 170
Blocks 2.3 8 363 Blocks 4.1 10 262 Blocks -1.8 10 369
Turnovers 10.1 3 21 Turnovers 11.0 3 242 Turnovers -0.9 3 115
Fouls 28.9 5 270 Fouls 26.2 10 374 Fouls 2.7 9 375
FG% .439 6 210 FG% .444 8 226 FG% -.006 6 222
FT% .675 2 74 FT% .641 2 147 FT% .035 1 63
3P% .375 4 165 3P% .357 6 144 3P% .017 3 137
PPS 1.36 7 225 PPS 1.40 7 294 PPS -.041 6 275
Adj. FG% .518 4 98 Adj. FG% .499 7 202 Adj. FG% .019 6 125

IMMACULATA MIGHTY MACS Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11/21/01 Northeastern 18-11 145 L 93-62 0-1
11/23/01 Carnegie Mellon 19-12 122 L 79-66 0-2
11/26/01 at Utah Tech 11-20 376 W 88-76 1-2
11/28/01 Le Moyne 7-22 395 W 91-80 2-2
12/04/01 at New Hampshire 14-16 216 L 98-64 2-3
12/08/01 Lehigh 12-17 211 L 73-72 2-4
12/11/01 Kent State 12-18 287 W 90-77 3-4
12/13/01 at Navy 13-19 215 W 92-79 4-4
12/17/01 at St. Thomas 14-16 377 L 78-66 4-5
12/19/01 Maine 9-22 387 W 81-78 5-5
12/23/01 at Trinity 8-21 369 W 82-74 6-5 (1-0)
12/28/01 Bates 15-14 214 W 106-93 7-5 (2-0)
12/30/01 Bowdoin 10-19 329 W 103-87 8-5 (3-0)
01/04/02 Williams 21-8 123 W 76-65 9-5 (4-0)
01/06/02 at Middlebury 20-9 152 W 80-59 10-5 (5-0)
01/11/02 at Gallaudet 9-19 363 L 87-79 10-6 (5-1)
01/13/02 Hamilton 13-16 177 W 97-76 11-6 (6-1)
01/18/02 Middlebury 20-9 152 W 90-85 12-6 (7-1)
01/20/02 at Bowdoin 10-19 329 W 88-79 13-6 (8-1)
01/25/02 at Bates 15-14 214 L 80-68 13-7 (8-2)
01/27/02 at Amherst 15-16 243 W 88-77 14-7 (9-2)
02/01/02 at Hamilton 13-16 177 W 88-77 15-7 (10-2)
02/03/02 Trinity 8-21 369 W 106-75 16-7 (11-2)
02/08/02 Wesleyan 19-10 160 W 79-55 17-7 (12-2)
02/09/02 at Knox 16-14 300 W 97-91 18-7
02/10/02 at Williams 21-8 123 W 85-73 19-7 (13-2)
02/15/02 Gallaudet 9-19 363 W 89-68 20-7 (14-2)
02/17/02 at Wash U 8-22 337 W 72-61 21-7
02/19/02 at Cheney 8-22 360 W 88-66 22-7

2001 Heritage Conference Standings

TEAM CW CL Pct W L Pct RPI Prestige
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Immaculata Mighty Macs 14 2 .875 22 7 .759 92 40
Williams Ephs 13 3 .813 21 8 .724 123 47
Bates Bobcats 11 5 .688 15 14 .517 214 28
Middlebury Panthers 10 6 .625 20 9 .690 152 50
Wesleyan Cardinals 9 7 .563 19 10 .655 160 47
Amherst Mammoths 7 9 .438 15 16 .484 243 33
Hamilton Continentals 6 10 .375 13 16 .448 177 34
Gallaudet Bison 4 12 .250 9 19 .321 363 23
Trinity Bantams 4 12 .250 8 21 .276 369 33
Bowdoin Polar Bears 2 14 .125 10 19 .345 329 32

Young Drachma

01-03-2025, 04:31 PM

Return to Glory: Boise State's Long Road Back to Basketball's Elite

Sports Illustrated - March 2002

High in the rafters of ExtraMile Arena, a faded banner from 1969 tells a story that seems almost mythical to modern basketball fans. That year, under pioneering professor-turned-coach Dr. Bella Breton, Boise State won the first-ever NCAA women's basketball championship. Now, 33 years later, the 10th-seeded Broncos stand two wins away from their first Final Four appearance since 1987, preparing to face third-seeded Tennessee at the Spokane Arena in the West Regional semifinals.

"Those banners up there, they mean something," says Broncos head coach Angelica Howze, who was actually an assistant on that 1969 championship team before following her mentor to Villanova. "This program's history runs deeper than most people realize."

Indeed, while Tennessee has become basketball royalty with their unprecedented 33 NCAA tournament appearances in 34 years, it was Boise State that first showed what women's college basketball could become. The 1969 championship team played to packed houses when most schools were still treating the sport as an afterthought. The Broncos' Final Four run in 1987 helped usher in the modern era of the sport.

But the path back to prominence hasn't been easy. Before this season's run, Boise State hadn't won an NCAA tournament game since 1994. After stunning second-seeded Maryland 68-59 in the second round, emotions overtook Howze, who returned to Boise in 2000 after head coaching stops at six different programs.

"I was there at the beginning," Howze says, fighting back tears. "To help bring this program back to where it belongs – it means everything."

The Broncos have done it with a balanced attack led by senior shooting guard Chloe Blain (15.8 PPG) and junior center Cochiti Vicente (15.1 PPG, 10.4 RPG). Their upset of Maryland showcased the kind of tough, fundamental basketball that defined those early Boise State teams.

Standing in their way is a Tennessee program that represents what Boise State once was – and hopes to be again. Under fourth-year head coach Olivia Baca, the Volunteers remain a model of consistency, led by explosive shooting guard Briley King (20.3 PPG) and dominant center Tessa Henderson (10.4 PPG, 17.7 RPG).

"We respect Tennessee's tradition," says Blain, "but Boise State has a pretty good tradition too. Those banners up there prove it."

Dr. Breton passed away in 1989, but her legacy lives on in every aspect of Boise State basketball. The court bears her name. The team still runs some of her offensive sets. And now, for the first time in years, the Broncos are back in the Sweet Sixteen, dreaming of adding another banner alongside that mythical first one from 1969.

"Coach Breton used to say that champions are made when no one is watching," Howze recalls. "Well, people are watching now. And these young women are ready to show that Boise State basketball is back where it belongs."

[Box Out: Road to Spokane]
First Round: def. Gonzaga 82-77
Second Round: def. #2 Maryland 68-59
Up Next: vs. #3 Tennessee (West Regional Semifinal)
At Stake: Second Elite Eight appearance since 1987

Young Drachma

01-03-2025, 05:04 PM

Jersey's New Giant: Rider's Cinderella Run Reaches Elite Eight

Sports Illustrated - March 2002

The walls of Rider University's Alumni Gymnasium tell the story of New Jersey basketball royalty – but not their own. Photos of Rutgers' national championships in '92 and '94. Seton Hall's perfect season in 1990. For decades, the small school in Lawrenceville watched as their Garden State neighbors built dynasties.

Now, improbably, Rider is writing its own chapter in Jersey basketball lore.

"People keep waiting for us to wake up from this dream," says 37-year-old head coach Kayla Bass, whose fifth-seeded Broncs will face Pittsburgh in the East Regional Final after stunning top-seeded Temple 66-63. "But we're not dreaming. We're just playing basketball."

It's been a meteoric rise for both Rider and Bass, a former Rutgers assistant who took over the program in 1999. In just her third season, she's guided the Broncs to unprecedented heights – the first Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight appearances in MAAC history.

The transformation has been remarkable. Senior guard Suze Richard (17.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG) has emerged as one of March's breakout stars. Madison Hammett (17.2 PPG, 9.1 RPG) has dominated the glass. And freshman point guard Amy Lilly has played with the poise of a veteran, orchestrating an offense that's left higher-seeded opponents searching for answers.

"Coach Bass told us from day one – why not us?" says Richard, who transferred from Haiti to New Jersey as a teenager. "Everyone talks about Rutgers and Seton Hall. But New Jersey basketball is bigger than just two schools."

The run has electrified Rider's campus. Students packed Alumni Gymnasium to watch the Temple game on projection screens. The team bus received a police escort back to campus at 2 AM. For a program that had never won an NCAA tournament game before this March, each victory feels like uncharted territory.

Now only Pittsburgh stands between Rider and an unthinkable Final Four appearance. The Panthers, led by guard Stephanie Osburn (16.4 PPG) and coach Laniyah Pace, represent another major challenge. But the Broncs have made a habit of defying expectations.

"Three weeks ago, people were surprised we even made the tournament," Bass says, referring to Rider's at-large bid that made the MAAC a two-bid league for the first time. "Now they're learning what we've known all along – this team is special."

Win or lose against Pittsburgh, Bass will likely field calls from major programs this offseason. But on this March evening, as she watches her players cut down nets in Philadelphia, the future can wait.

Road to the Elite Eight
First Round: def. North Texas 54-41
Second Round: def. Mississippi State 67-61
Sweet Sixteen: def. Temple 66-63
Up Next: vs. Pittsburgh (East Regional Final)

Young Drachma

01-03-2025, 06:58 PM

Penn State wins the national title over Providence in 2001-02.

2001 OVERALL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

JR PG Izzie Kamensky Quinnipiac 20.6 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 8.7 APG 2.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR C Cordelia Smythe Vermont 17.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.6 APG 1.4 SPG, 1.4 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Haley Gonzalez Temple 29 - 6 (13 - 3)

All-league 1st Team:
C SR Kat Skrastins Louisiana Tech 20.0 PPG, 15.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.4 SPG, 2.1 BPG
PF SR Galina Novoseltsev Texas 16.3 PPG, 15.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.3 SPG, 3.5 BPG
SF SR Kallie Dumlao Grinnell 21.3 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, 2.1 BPG
SG SR Ifama Jajah George Mason 17.7 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PG JR Izzie Kamensky Quinnipiac 20.6 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 8.7 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C JR Gia Sandler East Tennessee State 13.0 PPG, 14.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.3 SPG, 3.6 BPG
PF JR Ruby Rosenblatt Montana State 10.8 PPG, 18.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.2 SPG, 3.9 BPG
SF SR Zoe Dillon Queens 20.2 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.9 BPG
SG SR Suze Richard Rider 17.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 4.0 APG, 2.7 SPG, 0.4 BPG
PG SR Tori Braxton Tennessee Tech 21.0 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG

All-league 3rd Team:
C SR Tessa Henderson Tennessee 10.2 PPG, 17.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 3.6 BPG
PF SR Addison Holliday Purdue 16.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.3 BPG
SF JR Shreya Kelly Howard 15.8 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG SR Drea Antonelli UMass 19.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG SR Yvette Chavez Morehead State 19.9 PPG, 15.3 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.1 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Cordelia Smythe Vermont 17.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.4 BPG
PF FR Tori Barnes Michigan State 21.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SF FR Nichelle Irons Princeton 16.1 PPG, 13.0 RPG, 3.6 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG
SG FR Michelle Morelli Oklahoma 22.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG FR Diya Henry Immaculata 18.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Young Drachma

01-03-2025, 11:51 PM

Saints Come Marching In: Siena's Historic Rise from MAAC Afterthought to National Power

Sports Illustrated - February 2003

The rafters of Siena College's Alumni Recreation Center tell two stories. One is of decades of mediocrity – 34 years without a single NCAA tournament appearance. The other was written just last week, when the Saints clinched their first-ever MAAC regular season title, the latest milestone in a season that has seen them rise to #20 in the national rankings.

"Sometimes programs need to see it's possible," says Siena head coach Breanna Lafrance, watching her team practice on a snowy February morning. "What Rider did last year, getting to the Final Four – it showed everyone in this conference that the ceiling is higher than we thought."

The transformation has been remarkable. A program that hadn't posted a winning conference record until 1973 now sits at 19-3, powered by a suffocating defense and the inside-out combination of junior center Jennifer Hawley (8.5 PPG, 10.9 RPG) and sophomore sensation Cynthia Lewis (11.2 PPG).

"Coach Lafrance told us about the history when she got here," says Lewis, who chose Siena over several power conference offers. "But she also told us we could make our own history."

The timing feels particularly poignant in the wake of Rider's magical run to last year's Final Four. When Broncs coach Kayla Bass departed for Virginia this offseason, many wondered if the MAAC's moment in the spotlight was over. Instead, Siena has grabbed the torch, proving that last year wasn't a fluke but perhaps the beginning of a seismic shift in the conference's reputation.

"What people forget is that New York has always been basketball country," says Lafrance, who took over at Siena in 2000 after successful stints at Richmond and Coppin State. "These kids grew up watching the game at the highest level. They just needed someone to believe they could play at that level too."

The Saints' rise has galvanized the Capital Region. Home games are regularly sold out, with the intimate 3,500-seat ARC creating one of college basketball's most raucous environments. A program that once struggled to draw 500 fans now has a waiting list for season tickets.

"The energy is different now," says Hawley. "People stop us on campus, in restaurants. They're not just supporting us – they're expecting us to win."

Those expectations will reach new heights in March. While Rider's Final Four run may have kicked down the door for mid-majors, Siena has a chance to establish permanent residence at basketball's highest level.

"We're not satisfied with just making the tournament," Lafrance says, gazing up at the empty space where an NCAA tournament banner might soon hang. "This program has waited 34 years to dance. When we get there, we plan to stay a while."

Program Milestones
- First 20-win season: 1973 (22-10)
- First MAAC Regular Season Title: 2003
- Current National Ranking: #20

Finding Their Level: NC A&T and Hampton's Bold Conference Shift Pays Early Dividends

Sports Illustrated - February 2003
In the bowels of Corbett Sports Center, North Carolina A&T head coach Valeria Hawkins watches game film of her 18th-ranked Aggies. A year ago, such a scene would have been unimaginable – A&T was wrapping up another frustrating ACC campaign, their 34th straight season without an NCAA tournament appearance.

"Sometimes," Hawkins says, pausing the video, "you have to be honest about who you are and where you fit."

That honesty led to one of college basketball's most intriguing experiments. After years of struggling in power conferences, several historically Black colleges and universities made the unprecedented decision to step down in conference affiliation. While some stayed – Tennessee State in the Big Ten, Howard jumped from the Ivy League to the ACC – others chose to find their competitive level. North Carolina A&T and Hampton left the ACC for the Colonial Athletic Association. Southern and Grambling returned to the SWAC.

One year later, the results are striking. NC A&T sits at #18 in the national rankings, poised for their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance. Hampton (20-9) finds itself squarely on the tournament bubble. Both programs have found new life in the CAA, where they can compete for championships rather than moral victories.

"We didn't leave the ACC because we were afraid of competition," says Hampton first-year head coach Olivia Curry, whose Pirates have already surpassed last year's win total. "We left because we wanted to build something sustainable."

The transformation has been particularly dramatic at NC A&T. A program that won just six games in the ACC three years ago now features a balanced attack led by senior guard Evelyn Aldrich (11.3 PPG) and forward Kayla Ford (10.0 PPG, 9.6 RPG). More importantly, they've found an identity.

"In the ACC, we were always trying to be something we weren't," says Hawkins. "Here, we can be ourselves. We can recruit to our strengths. We can play our style."

Not everyone supported the move. Critics argued it represented a step backward for HBCU athletics. But as Hampton athletic director Matteo Wilson points out, "Success breeds success. When recruits see us competing for championships, playing in the tournament – that matters more than conference affiliation."

For programs with such rich histories – Hampton made four NCAA tournaments between 1978 and 1984 – the renaissance feels less like a step back and more like a return to form. The only difference? This time, they're doing it on their own terms.

"We're building something here," Hawkins says, turning back to the game film. "And we're building it to last."

Young Drachma

01-04-2025, 12:26 AM

The HBCU Revolution: How History's Underdogs Became Basketball's New Power Base
Sports Illustrated - March 2003

When Howard made it to last year's Final Four, it felt like a watershed moment, as it was the third straight year an HBCU made a Final Four. Now, as Grambling stuns fourth-seeded Louisville and Southern topples Tennessee State in March's opening weekend, it's clear: we're witnessing more than moments. We're watching a revolution in women's basketball.

"People keep talking about surprises," says Eloise Phillips, Grambling's 42-year-old head coach, after her team's heart-stopping 69-68 victory. "But if you've been paying attention, there's nothing surprising about it. These programs have always had the talent. Now they have the resources too."

The numbers tell the story. In the past three years, HBCUs have made three Final Four appearances (Jackson State in '99 and '00, Howard in '02). This year alone, five HBCU programs advanced to the Round of 32 - Grambling, Southern, North Carolina A&T, Hampton, and perennial power Jackson State.

The transformation began in 1993, when several HBCUs made unprecedented moves to power conferences. While some, like Howard (ACC) and Jackson State (Big 12), have thrived in their new homes, others like Grambling and Southern chose to return to the SWAC - bringing back elevated resources and national exposure.

"It changed everything," says Ariana Damon, Southern's 33-year-old first-year head coach, whose team faces top-seeded Arkansas after dispatching Tennessee State. "These schools got a taste of what's possible with proper funding and support. They brought that knowledge back home."

Perhaps most telling is Tennessee State's trajectory. After joining the Big Ten, the Tigers made three straight NCAA tournaments, including two Sweet Sixteen appearances. Though they fell to Southern this year, their success helped pave the way for other HBCUs to dream bigger.

The crown jewel remains Jackson State, where Coach Leyla Crawford has built a legitimate national power. The Tigers' fifth straight Round of 32 appearance feels routine now - a far cry from the program that went 7-22 just a decade ago.

"What you're seeing isn't just about basketball," Crawford says. "It's about these institutions finally getting the resources they've always deserved. The talent was always there. The coaching was always there. Now the playing field is starting to level."

As Grambling prepares to face North Carolina and Southern readies for Arkansas, the question isn't whether HBCUs belong on basketball's biggest stage anymore. They've answered that emphatically. The only question is: how much higher can they climb?

Young Drachma

01-04-2025, 05:57 PM

The House That Lisa Hester Built (With Some Help From Her Friends)
Grantland - March 2003

Here's something that won't make sense to future basketball historians: Florida, a school that practically invented the modern women's game in the Southeast, had never made a Final Four before last weekend. This is like learning that Texas never had a president, or that New York City somehow avoided having a subway system until 2002. It just doesn't compute.

Yet here we are, watching a program that's been knocking on the door since Richard Nixon was president finally kick it down. And they did it in the most Florida way possible – with a team that nobody saw coming.

Let's talk about Lisa Hester for a moment. The 6'8" junior from Middleburg, Florida isn't going to make any All-American teams. Her 8.7 points per game wouldn't crack the top 100 scorers list. But watch her for five minutes and you'll understand why she's the skeleton key that unlocked Florida's Final Four dreams. Together with Hawaiian import Hailee Krebs, they've formed the most intimidating shot-blocking duo in college basketball (6.3 blocks per game combined), turning the paint into a no-fly zone that would make the Pentagon jealous.

"People keep asking me what changed this year," says head coach Skyler Mackie, now in her 17th season in Gainesville. "Nothing changed. We just stopped trying to be something we're not."

What they are is a reflection of their state – a melting pot of talent that somehow works better than it should. Jaylene Wright, the Georgia-born point guard who plays like she learned basketball from a John Wooden instructional video. Anahi Faris, straight out of West Palm Beach, who might be the best passer you've never heard of. Angela Schwartz, the Orlando kid who treats every loose ball like it personally insulted her family.

The fascinating part? None of these players were particularly highly recruited. Florida's roster is what happens when you prioritize fit over star power, when you build a team rather than collect talent. It's basketball as ecosystem rather than hierarchy.

Now they face Rutgers, basketball royalty incarnate, in Minneapolis. The Scarlet Knights are everything Florida isn't – blue blood, traditionally dominant, expected to be here. They've been to five Final Fours since 1989 alone. Their trophy case includes two national titles. They're the house that Sofia Woodruff built, and they show no signs of moving out.

But here's the thing about houses: sometimes the new neighbors show up with better furniture.

"Nobody expected us to be here," Wright says with a shrug that suggests she's tired of hearing about expectations. "But that's their problem, not ours."

In the other semifinal, Cincinnati (old money) faces North Carolina A&T (new money in their first-ever tournament) in what feels like a metaphor for basketball's evolving power structure. But the real story is in the Florida-Rutgers matchup, where 33 years of almosts and what-ifs finally get their moment of resolution.

Lisa Hester will be there, protecting the rim like she's guarding the gates to basketball Valhalla. Jaylene Wright will orchestrate, Anahi Faris will create, and Angela Schwartz will dive for loose balls like each one contains the secret to eternal life. And maybe, just maybe, the house that Florida's been building since 1969 will finally get its roof.

Sometimes the best stories are the ones you don't see coming. Sometimes they're the ones that were there all along, just waiting for the right moment to be told.

The waiting ends Saturday night in Minneapolis.

Young Drachma

01-04-2025, 06:10 PM

The Last Chapter in Cincinnati's Beautiful, Bizarre Basketball Story

ESPN The Magazine - March 2003

Three national titles. Thirty tournament appearances. One program that defies every conventional narrative about basketball dynasties. And now, Sophia Lewis stands at the precipice of something extraordinary: the chance to add her own verse to Cincinnati's peculiar poetry.

This isn't a story about legacy or tradition – at least not in the way we usually tell those stories. Cincinnati's basketball history reads like experimental fiction: three different head coaches winning national titles (Athena Eure in 1970, Mia Tom in 1981, Bella Riddle in 1987). No sustained dynasty, just brilliant bursts of excellence punctuating decades of very good basketball.

"People keep trying to fit us into some kind of narrative," says Lewis, who arrived in 1998 after nearly reaching the summit with San Diego State. "But maybe that's the point. Maybe we're the program that proves there isn't just one way to build something lasting."

The numbers are staggering: 59 tournament wins against 26 losses. Fourteen Sweet Sixteens. Ten Elite Eights. Four Final Fours. Only Tennessee and Villanova have made more tournament appearances. Yet Cincinnati exists somehow apart from basketball's aristocracy, neither blue blood nor upstart, occupying a space entirely their own.

Now they face North Carolina A&T in the national semifinals, a program making its first-ever tournament appearance. The contrast couldn't be starker – or more fitting. Cincinnati has always been both insider and outsider, powerhouse and perpetual surprise.

Lewis didn't build this. She inherited it, added her own chapters (four straight tournament appearances, including this Final Four run), and now prepares to write her conclusion. But she understands better than most what makes Cincinnati unique.

"Every great program has a story," she says. "Rutgers is about sustained excellence. Tennessee about relentless consistency. But Cincinnati? We're about reinvention. About proving there are different paths to greatness."

If they win two more games, Cincinnati will claim its fourth national title. Lewis will become the fourth different coach to hang a championship banner in Fifth Third Arena. And somehow, it will feel both shocking and inevitable, just like every other peak in Cincinnati's remarkable 33-year journey.

Sometimes the most interesting stories are the ones that don't fit the template. Sometimes greatness looks different than we expect. And sometimes, just sometimes, that's exactly the point.

Cincinnati's Championship Coaches
- Athena Eure (1970): Upset Iowa 85-73
- Mia Tom (1981): Defeated Kansas 91-79
- Bella Riddle (1987): Outlasted Kansas 71-66
- Sophia Lewis (2002): To be determined

COACH DETAILS

Sophia Lewis - Head Coach - Cincinnati
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Age: 60
High School: Tombstone High School
Hometown: Tombstone, AZ
Alma Mater: Stetson

Career Record: 394 - 203

Coaching History:
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Season Team Position W L CW CL Postseason
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 Cincinnati Head Coach 31 3 19 1 Loss in NCAA Round of 32
2000 Cincinnati Head Coach 31 3 18 2 Loss in NCAA Round 1
1999 Cincinnati Head Coach 22 11 13 7 Loss in NCAA Round 1
1998 Cincinnati Head Coach 25 10 13 7 Loss in NCAA Round of 32
1997 San Diego State Head Coach 34 5 18 2 Loss in NCAA Championship Game
1996 San Diego State Head Coach 26 7 15 5 Loss in NCAA Round 1
1995 San Diego State Head Coach 20 14 11 9 Loss in WNIT Round 3
1994 San Diego State Head Coach 19 13 13 7 Loss in NCAA Round 1
1993 San Diego State Head Coach 18 13 12 6 No Postseason
1992 UNLV Head Coach 25 10 10 6 Loss in NCAA Sweet Sixteen
1991 UNLV Head Coach 22 12 9 7 Loss in WNIT Round 2
1990 UNLV Head Coach 13 17 8 8 No Postseason
1989 UNLV Head Coach 15 16 9 7 No Postseason
1988 UNLV Head Coach 10 19 4 12 No Postseason
1987 Colgate Head Coach 18 14 12 4 Loss in WNIT Preliminary Round
1986 Colgate Head Coach 20 13 10 6 WBI Champion
1985 Colgate Head Coach 14 17 8 8 No Postseason
1984 Villanova Assistant 32 5 17 3 Loss in NCAA Final Four
1983 Villanova Assistant 28 7 16 4 Loss in NCAA Sweet Sixteen
1982 Florida State Assistant 25 10 16 4 Loss in NCAA Round of 32
1981 Florida State Assistant 23 11 13 7 Loss in NCAA Sweet Sixteen
1980 Boise State Assistant 18 14 8 6 Loss in WNIT Round 1
1979 Boise State Assistant 15 17 5 9 No Postseason
1978 Boise State Assistant 15 17 9 5 No Postseason
1977 Boise State Assistant 12 19 5 9 No Postseason
1976 Boise State Assistant 12 18 5 9 No Postseason
1975 Saint Mary's Assistant 22 10 12 2 Loss in NCAA Round 1
1974 Saint Mary's Assistant 22 10 9 5 Loss in NCAA Round 1
1973 Missouri Assistant 24 10 10 8 Loss in NCAA Round of 32
1972 Missouri Assistant 15 15 6 12 No Postseason
1971 Memphis Assistant 20 14 12 8 Loss in WNIT Round 1
1970 Memphis Assistant 23 11 11 9 Loss in NCAA Round 1
1969 Georgia State Assistant 27 10 15 5 Loss in WNIT Round 3

Awards & Achievements:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Award
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 Conference Coach of the Year (Big 12 Conference)
2000 Big 12 Conference Champion
1997 Conference Coach of the Year (Pacific-16 Conference)
1997 Pacific-16 Conference Champion
1992 Conference Coach of the Year (Mountain West Conference)
1987 Patriot League Champion

Job Movement:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Move
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 Hired by Cincinnati (Head Coach)
1998 Quit job with San Diego State to pursue a higher position
1993 Hired by San Diego State (Head Coach)
1993 Quit job with UNLV to pursue a higher position
1988 Hired by UNLV (Head Coach)
1988 Quit job with Colgate to pursue a higher position
1985 Hired by Colgate (Head Coach)
1985 Quit job with Villanova
1983 Hired by Villanova (Lead Scout)
1983 Fired by Florida State
1981 Hired by Florida State (Lead Scout)
1981 Fired by Boise State
1976 Moved with head coach from Saint Mary's to Boise State
1974 Hired by Saint Mary's (Lead Scout)
1974 Fired by Missouri
1972 Moved with head coach from Memphis to Missouri
1970 Hired by Memphis (Lead Scout)
1970 Fired by Georgia State
1969 Hired by Georgia State (Lead Scout)

Young Drachma

01-04-2025, 06:29 PM

Perfect Storm: Cincinnati, Rutgers Set for Historic Championship Clash

For Sports Illustrated - April 2003, Minneapolis

The scoreboard at the Target Center still flashed Rutgers 89, Florida 74 when Thalia Twomey allowed herself to think about Tuesday night. The Scarlet Knights' point guard had just orchestrated a masterpiece – 24 points, 7 assists in their Final Four victory – but her mind was already racing toward what comes next.

"Cincinnati," she said, almost reverently. "For all the marbles."

Indeed, Tuesday's national championship game between Cincinnati and Rutgers represents more than just a title bout. It's a collision of basketball's most decorated programs, each seeking to write another chapter in their storied histories. Cincinnati, chasing an unprecedented fourth national title. Rutgers, looking to join them in the three-championship club.

For Cincinnati head coach Sophia Lewis, the stakes are deeply personal. She's the only Bearcats coach not to win a national title, though she's only had 4 times to try. "We don't talk about that," Lewis said after Cincinnati's semifinal win. "We're just focused on being the best version of this team." Lewis joined the Bearcats just 5 years ago after a long storied career around the country, most recently building San Diego State into a top program. She took this job late in her career for one reason -- one last chance at the mountaintop.

The matchup drips with historical significance. Rutgers coach Sarahi Urban, just 34, represents the next generation of the Seton Hall coaching tree that has dominated the sport for three decades. Her mentor, Sofia Woodruff, won titles at both programs. Now Urban has a chance to add her own name to that legacy.

"Growing up in New Jersey, you dreamed about coaching in games like this," Urban said. "But you never really believe it'll happen."

The game itself promises to be a tactical chess match. Rutgers' three-guard attack, led by Twomey and sharpshooter Aurora Yazzie (22 points against Florida), will test Cincinnati's acclaimed perimeter defense. Meanwhile, the Bearcats' methodical offensive approach will challenge the patience of a young Rutgers team that loves to run.

As workers prepared to transform the Target Center from Final Four to championship configuration, Urban took one last look around the arena before heading to the bus. Tomorrow brings film study, practice, and preparation. But for a moment, she allowed herself to savor where she was.

"This is what March is all about," she said. "Two great programs, playing for everything. What could be better than that?"

Young Drachma

01-04-2025, 06:32 PM

Cincinnati won the national title over Rutgers. Was happy to sim and see Woodruff get her title before she called it quits, I wouldn't have done a re-sim on her behalf lol.

Cincinnati 69, Rutgers 50

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Sarah Frank C 25 4-9 2-4 5 5 5 4 10
Etel Martin PF 27 6-8 1-2 2 4 0 4 13
Roxie Kerton SF 35 5-11 2-2 3 6 3 2 13
Layla Gonzalez SG 18 1-2 1-3 0 3 2 4 3
Gracelyn Gregory PG 31 2-5 3-5 0 0 4 2 7
Isla Mancuso SG 22 3-5 3-4 1 5 0 2 10
Jacquelyn Calzada PG 9 3-3 2-2 0 0 0 1 11
Elise Hauck SF 4 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 1 0
Amanda Glynn C 12 0-3 0-0 0 1 1 0 0
Nancy Mitchell PF 7 0-1 0-0 0 2 3 0 0
Alexandria Cagle C 8 1-3 0-0 2 3 1 0 2

Turnovers: 12 (S.Frank 1, E.Martin 3, L.Gonzalez 5,
I.Mancuso 1, N.Mitchell 2)
Blocked Shots: 10 (S.Frank 1, E.Martin 3, R.Kerton 2,
L.Gonzalez 1, E.Hauck 1, A.Glynn 1, A.Cagle 1)
Steals: 4 (R.Kerton 1, L.Gonzalez 1, I.Mancuso 1,
J.Calzada 1)
3P FGs: 5-9 (R.Kerton 1-3, L.Gonzalez 0-1, I.Mancuso
1-2, J.Calzada 3-3)

Rutgers:
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Makayla Alston C 32 1-3 0-0 4 8 0 2 2
Brenda Pimble PF 30 3-8 1-2 4 7 2 3 7
Sonia Khristich SF 36 3-11 5-6 3 8 1 3 11
Mia Trainor SG 21 6-11 0-1 1 2 4 5 12
Thalia Twomey PG 26 2-4 2-4 1 1 3 4 7
Aurora Yazzie PG 17 2-3 0-0 1 3 0 4 4
Ava Barnard SG 17 1-2 2-3 0 1 2 2 5
Laney Underwood PG 6 0-0 2-2 0 0 1 2 2
Eve Bitner PF 5 0-1 0-0 0 0 0 2 0
Annalise Abbott C 8 0-1 0-0 1 2 0 0 0
Fay Sivers C 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 21 (M.Alston 1, B.Pimble 2, S.Khristich 4,
M.Trainor 4, T.Twomey 3, A.Yazzie 3, L.Underwood 2,
F.Sivers 2)
Blocked Shots: 5 (B.Pimble 1, S.Khristich 3, M.Trainor
1)
Steals: 2 (M.Alston 1, M.Trainor 1)
3P FGs: 2-9 (S.Khristich 0-2, M.Trainor 0-1, T.Twomey
1-2, A.Barnard 1-2, E.Bitner 0-1, A.Abbott 0-1)

Player of Game: SF Roxie Kerton (CINC)

2002-03 OVERALL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SO PF Kimberly Gross Stanford 16.0 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 1.4 APG 0.4 SPG, 2.2 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR C Omolara Rodmell UConn 9.8 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.6 APG 0.8 SPG, 1.8 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Breanna Lafrance Siena 26 - 6 (12 - 2)

All-league 1st Team:
C JR Gia Sandler East Tennessee State 10.9 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.3 SPG, 2.9 BPG
PF SO Kimberly Gross Stanford 16.0 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.4 SPG, 2.2 BPG
SF SR Sophia Hu Eastern Washington 18.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG JR Jennifer Johnson Providence 14.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.0 BPG
PG SR Sariah Allan Arkansas 12.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR Avah Stroman UC Irvine 12.5 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.4 SPG, 1.9 BPG
PF JR Keira Arvizu Alabama 15.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.5 BPG
SF SR Kallie Dumlao Grinnell 15.6 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.8 BPG
SG SR Hanna Jean-Louis Bethune-Cookman 16.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.3 BPG
PG SR Izzie Kamensky Quinnipiac 13.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG

All-league 3rd Team:
C JR Marlene Ulibarri Mississippi State 11.2 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.9 BPG
PF SR Isabelle Dixon Penn State 10.4 PPG, 13.3 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.6 BPG
SF JR Yesenia Brock Auburn 12.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.7 BPG
SG SR Mae Rice Tulane 13.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG SR Lana Bolt Dayton 11.6 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 5.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Omolara Rodmell UConn 9.8 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.8 BPG
PF FR Jennifer Ng Utah 11.8 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.4 SPG, 1.7 BPG
SF FR Sasha Lewendon St. Bonaventure 11.7 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG FR Nafisa Al-Aziz Southern Utah 15.0 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG FR Marlee Wesson UL Monroe 13.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.0 BPG

FBPro

01-17-2025, 09:29 PM

I'm interested in using some of the women's college files if they aren't too difficult to configure. Any help would be appreciated.

Young Drachma

01-18-2025, 12:15 AM

I'm interested in using some of the women's college files if they aren't too difficult to configure. Any help would be appreciated.

All you gotta do is replace the Names + Cities file in your game to use these. Backup your male ones. It turns out this game does not let actually manually add other countries unlike the pro game, so my new nation files will do nothing for you, but here's the mod: Just a moment... (https://www.mediafire.com/file/dkqzx233owk3vmi/WomenCollegeMod.zip/file)

Here separately is the 2026-27 college basketball mod (https://www.mediafire.com/file/2z3eyqmfuhq37yj/2026-27.zip/file) I shared on the main forum

The womens mod will generate womens names, the game still sometimes generates the stray male sounding name, it's seemingly unavoidable but you can always just edit those people or suspend disbelief.

Young Drachma

01-19-2025, 12:06 AM

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
March 15, 2009

The Coach Who Stayed
Madison Brooks and Detroit Mercy's 37-Year Journey
By Phoebe Mitchell

The old Catholic gymnasium at University of Detroit Mercy still echoes with memories. On a cold March morning, Madison Brooks walks these familiar hardwood floors one last time, her footsteps tracing paths worn by 37 years of practices, games, and what she calls "building moments." Now 65 and four years into retirement, Brooks speaks with the kind of clarity that only distance can provide.

"Christine Lopez was right there when she hit that buzzer-beater against Xavier in '78," Brooks says, pointing to a spot just beyond the three-point line. Lopez would go on to become Detroit Mercy's all-time leading scorer with 2,225 points, but Brooks remembers her more for the early morning shooting sessions and the way she'd mentor freshman guards.

It's easy to focus on the numbers that defined Brooks' career: 428 wins against 694 losses, the most defeats in women's college basketball history. But in the dimly lit gymnasium where she spent nearly four decades, Brooks sees something different. She sees the evolution of women's basketball itself.

When Brooks arrived in Detroit in 1969, fresh from her playing days at LSU, women's college basketball existed in a different universe. "We played in empty gyms, traveled by bus, and sometimes washed our own uniforms," she recalls. "But we were building something. We all were."

Those early years tested her resolve. The 1972 season brought a brutal 10-21 record, but it also brought Irene Head, a freshman point guard from Flint who would become one of the program's greatest players. "Coach Brooks taught us that basketball was about more than winning," says Head, who scored 1,680 points in her career. "She taught us about persistence, about showing up every day ready to work, ready to improve."

The closest Brooks came to a breakthrough was 1990, when a squad led by dynamic point guard Alyssa Marin went 18-12. But even in leaner years, Brooks remained steadfast. Her coaching staff showed remarkable loyalty – Ava Pires served as her assistant for the final 14 seasons, while Claire Ingersoll coordinated recruiting through three different conference alignments.

"Madison understood that we were developing young women first, basketball players second," says Pires, now an assistant at Michigan State. "She never wavered from that, even when the pressure to win became more intense in the '90s."

The modern era of women's basketball bears little resemblance to the world Brooks entered in 1969. Today's coaches face immediate pressure to produce results, with contracts often measured in months rather than decades. The idea of a coach staying 37 years at one program, weathering the struggles Brooks endured, seems almost unthinkable.

Yet Brooks' impact resonates through the program's history. Christine Lopez. Kylee Osborne. Olivia Bohannon. The names of Detroit Mercy's scoring leaders tell a story of player development that transcended win-loss records. "Coach Brooks saw potential in me that I didn't see in myself," says Bohannon, who scored 1,667 points from 1994-98. "She wasn't just building a program. She was building people."

When Brooks finally stepped away in 2005, she left behind more than a record of losses. She left a legacy of persistence that shaped hundreds of young women's lives. Her successor, Kennedy Donahue, inherited a program rich in tradition if not championships.

On her last walk through the gym, Brooks pauses at center court. The morning light streams through the high windows, illuminating the space where thousands of practices, hundreds of games, and countless moments of growth unfolded. "People ask if I regret staying so long," she says, her voice soft but certain. "How could I regret being part of something bigger than myself?"

In an era where coaching success is measured primarily in championships and NCAA tournament appearances, Madison Brooks' career reminds us that some victories can't be counted in a record book. Sometimes, the simple act of staying, of showing up day after day to build something lasting, represents its own kind of triumph.

Young Drachma

01-19-2025, 12:40 AM

Paradise Lost: The Fall of Basketball's Prairie Dynasty

Hoop Magazine, April 2004

The weathered bronze statue outside the Zenith Center in downtown Sioux Falls still gleams in the harsh South Dakota spring sun. It depicts Molly Baltoski in full flight, ball extended high above her head, frozen forever in the moment before one of her signature thunderous dunks. The base reads simply: "Greatness Rises." These days, the statue serves more as a bittersweet reminder of what once was, rather than an inspiration for what could be.

The Dakota Zeniths, the most dominant dynasty in professional basketball through the 1980s, haven't seen playoff basketball since 1992. The team that once boasted a legendary coach-player triumvirate of Demi Bonanno, Molly Baltoski, and Marianna Larson now struggles to attract top talent to the upper Midwest, despite a passionate fanbase and rich basketball tradition.

"People forget how impossible it seemed at first," says former season ticket holder Margaret Larsen, who has witnessed the entire arc of the franchise. "A professional basketball team in Sioux Falls? But Demi, Molly, and Marianna made the impossible feel inevitable."

The numbers tell the story. From 1983 to 1988, the Zeniths won five championships in six years. The 1984 team, perhaps their finest, went an astounding 76-6 in the regular season. Baltoski and Larson formed the most lethal scoring duo in basketball history, with Baltoski's otherworldly efficiency (she shot an impossible 62.6% from the field that season) complementing Larson's explosive scoring (she averaged 38.8 points per game in 1985).

But what made the Zeniths truly special wasn't just the winning – it was how they won. Bonanno's innovative offensive system, which emphasized spacing and three-point shooting years before it became common in professional basketball, transformed the sport. Baltoski, who entered the Hall of Fame in 1994, redefined what was possible for a point guard. Larson, inducted in 1996, terrorized opponents on both ends of the floor, earning three Defensive Player of the Year awards while leading the league in scoring twice.

The end, when it came, was swift and brutal. The 1992 season marked the last hurrah of the dynasty, with both Baltoski and Bonanno departing after a second-round playoff exit. Twelve years later, the playoff drought continues.

What makes the Zeniths' situation unique is that, unlike other struggling franchises, relocation isn't an option. When the team moved from San Antonio in 1982, the South Dakota state legislature, eager to secure a professional sports franchise, passed the Professional Sports Preservation Act. This unprecedented law required any professional sports team operating in South Dakota to be replaced by a team of equal caliber in the same sport before relocation could be approved. The NBA, having signed off on this arrangement, finds itself in a bind: no ownership group wants to commit to placing a team in Sioux Falls before the Zeniths can leave.

The current roster reflects the team's challenges. While point guard Charley Tolley (22.3 points per game) and shooting guard Quanisha Watters (19.3 points) provide some offensive spark, the team lacks the transcendent talent that defined its glory years. Head coach Clara Lake, despite her defensive expertise, has struggled to implement a winning system, posting a career record of 248-392.

Even attempts to recapture past magic have fallen flat. Bringing Bonanno back as general manager from 1994-1997 failed to reverse the team's fortunes, with the Zeniths going 76-170 during her tenure.

"The league is different now," explains current GM Kailyn Sawyer. "In the '80s, you could build through the draft and keep your core together. Today's players have more options, more mobility. When free agents look at South Dakota winters versus Miami or Los Angeles, well..." She trails off, letting the obvious go unsaid.

Yet hope persists in Sioux Falls. The Zenith Center still draws respectable crowds, and local businesses proudly display faded photographs of the championship years. The statue of Baltoski continues to inspire young players who dream of bringing glory back to the prairie.

For now, though, the Zeniths remain caught between their glorious past and uncertain future, a reminder that in professional sports, even the mightiest dynasties can fall – and sometimes, due to circumstances beyond their control, they can't get back up.

Young Drachma

01-21-2025, 08:34 PM

The Marmalade Revolution: How North Dakota State, Stanford, Arkansas State, and North Carolina Made the 2009 Final Four a Story for the Ages

By Riley Kessler, The Press Forward

For years, women’s college basketball fans have lamented the familiar names at the top of the sport—those perennial powerhouses that dominate the Final Four and set up predictable championship matchups. But 2009 has thrown the script out the window, giving us a Final Four that’s equal parts history-making, heart-stopping, and delightfully chaotic.

Of the four teams left standing—North Carolina, North Dakota State, Arkansas State, and Stanford—only North Carolina has been here before. For Arkansas State, Stanford, and North Dakota State, their ascension to the sport’s biggest stage feels both improbable and deeply earned. What these programs share is a combination of sharp coaching, undeniable grit, and narratives that demand our attention.
North Dakota State: From Cold Winters to a Red-Hot Season

The North Dakota State Bison are no strangers to battling the odds. Under first-year head coach Finley White, who took the reins in Bismarck with the precision of a general, the Bison have transformed into a powerhouse in waiting. This season, they posted a 29-8 record, with an impressive 8-3 record against Top 50 opponents.

Their Final Four berth came courtesy of a 74-67 victory over San Diego State, a game that showcased the team’s athleticism and defensive intensity. Guard Adeline Somerville has been the cornerstone of the Bison offense, averaging 15.7 points per game. Her 18-point, five-assist effort in the Elite Eight win against San Diego State underscored her ability to control the game at both ends of the floor.

But Somerville isn’t doing it alone. Forward Aubree Strader has anchored the Bison defense, pulling down an average of 7.4 rebounds per game while chipping in 10.9 points. Strader’s presence in the paint has been crucial in a tournament defined by its physicality.

“This is what we’ve worked for all season,” White said after the Elite Eight win. “These players don’t care about odds or expectations—they play for each other. That’s what makes them dangerous.”

Arkansas State: The Cinderella Story in Scarlet

No team embodies the underdog narrative better than Arkansas State. Under the direction of rookie head coach Avery Thomas, the Red Wolves have exploded onto the national stage. In her first season after a decade coaching at tiny Mount Union from the North Star conference (which does not receive an autobid to the NCAAs), Thomas has brought an infectious energy to Jonesboro.

The Red Wolves punched their ticket to the Final Four with a thrilling 66-65 win over Rutgers, another team that thrives in March. Payton Rugg, Arkansas State’s sharpshooting guard, has been the heart of their Cinderella run, averaging 21 points per game in the tournament, including a 24-point performance against Rutgers.

“We’re not just happy to be here,” Thomas said. “This team has more fight than people give us credit for. We’ve got one more weekend to prove it.”

The Red Wolves’ balanced attack has been key. Point guard Laney Piotrowski has been a revelation in the tournament, dishing out clutch assists and nailing a trio of three-pointers in the Sweet Sixteen win over Western Washington.

Stanford: The Cardinal Rise Again

Though Stanford has a long history of athletic success, their women’s basketball program has often lived in the shadow of bigger names in the Pacific-16. That narrative has shifted under first-year head coach Angelique Stinson, who returned to Palo Alto after a successful stint at Montana.

The Cardinal’s 25-11 season included a statement victory over Penn State in the Elite Eight, where they dismantled the Nittany Lions 71-63 behind a commanding performance from center Giselle Gonzalez. Gonzalez’s 16-point, 12-rebound double-double was the kind of effort Stanford fans have come to expect from their breakout star.

“It’s not about where we’ve been—it’s about where we’re going,” said Stinson. “This group is ready to write their own legacy.”

Stanford’s ability to dominate the glass has been pivotal, with power forward Faith Reyes averaging 10.6 rebounds per game. The team’s relentless defensive effort has made them a nightmare matchup for opponents throughout the tournament.
North Carolina: The Veterans Among Rookies

In a Final Four loaded with newcomers, North Carolina feels like a veteran presence. Head coach Autumn Delvecchio has guided the Tar Heels to three Sweet Sixteen appearances in the past four years, but this season marks their first trip to the Final Four since winning it all in 2004.

The Tar Heels’ journey hasn’t been easy. They had to go through top-seeded Mississippi State in the Elite Eight, pulling off an 89-85 victory behind a lights-out performance from point guard Angelina Bushey, who finished with 23 points and six assists.

“We’ve been here before, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less special,” Delvecchio said. “Every player on this team has earned the right to call themselves a Final Four participant.”

North Carolina’s offense is as potent as it is versatile. With a tournament-best 100.2 points per game, the Tar Heels lead the field in scoring, thanks to sharp-shooter Avah Riddle and forward Lilly Sirois, who are both averaging double figures this season.

A Weekend to Remember

As these four teams descend on Tampa for the Final Four, fans are bracing for a weekend of unforgettable basketball. The narratives couldn’t be more compelling: Arkansas State’s Cinderella run, North Dakota State’s small-town dominance, Stanford’s return to prominence, and North Carolina’s quest for another title.

In a season defined by unpredictability, one thing is clear—this Final Four will add a new chapter to the rich and growing history of women’s college basketball.

Young Drachma

01-21-2025, 08:36 PM

Looks like improving the talent pool to create more randomness is having immediate dividends, I'll be curious to see if over the decade this changes the guard in the college game.

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
April 14, 2009

Defense Rules the Day
Stanford's Improbable Championship Delivers Lowest-Scoring Final in History
By Derek Gorlann

The game clock at the St. Pete Times Forum showed 4.2 seconds when Faith Barnes stepped to the free-throw line. North Carolina, a program accustomed to the bright lights of the Final Four with its rich championship pedigree, had one timeout left. Stanford, making its first-ever appearance beyond the second round, had a three-point lead and history hanging in the balance.

Barnes hit one of two. Game over. Stanford 49, North Carolina 46.

In an era of high-scoring offenses and uptempo play, the Cardinal delivered a championship game that felt transported from another time. The 95 combined points marked the lowest-scoring final in NCAA women's basketball history, nearly 20 points below the previous record. But for second-year head coach Angelique Stinson, it was a masterpiece.

"We knew who we were," says Stinson, wiping away tears in the postgame celebration. "We weren't going to out-talent teams. We had to out-work them, out-think them, and yes, sometimes it wasn't pretty. But these girls believed."

The Cardinal's path to the title defied convention at every turn. Not a single Stanford player earned All-Pac-12 first team honors. Their leading scorer, senior guard Gabrielle Shipp (14.8 ppg), went 2-for-11 in the championship game. And yet, somehow, they're cutting down the nets.

"Coach kept telling us that defense travels," says senior center Giselle Gonzalez, who earned Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors after her 14-point, 7-rebound performance in the championship game. "When the shots aren't falling, when the crowd's against you, defense travels."

The Tar Heels, led by ACC Coach of the Year Autumn Delvecchio, entered as heavy favorites after dominating the ACC with an 18-2 conference record. Their dynamic duo of Autumn Motley and Lilly Sirois had overwhelmed opponents all season. But on this night, they met their match in Stanford's suffocating defense.

"Give them credit," says Delvecchio, whose team shot just 31% from the field. "They disrupted everything we wanted to do. Every shot was contested, every pass had pressure. That's championship-level defense."

For Stinson, the victory validates an unconventional journey. After six years as an assistant at Stanford under the previous regime, she took the head coaching job at Montana, leading them to the Big Sky title. When Stanford called last year, offering her the chance to return as head coach, she inherited a program that hadn't advanced past the second round in its history.

The championship game itself was a testament to persistence. Neither team led by more than six points. The Cardinal shot just 28% from the field but forced 18 turnovers and blocked seven shots. Freshman forward Margarida Ruiz, the only Cardinal player to earn conference honors (All-Freshman team), played beyond her years with seven crucial points.

"Sometimes the most beautiful games aren't the highest scoring," says Gonzalez. "Sometimes beauty is in the struggle, in the defense, in five players moving as one and refusing to give an inch."

As the confetti fell and Stanford celebrated its first national title, the scoreboard's low numbers seemed to tell only part of the story. In an age of offensive fireworks, the Cardinal proved that defense still wins championships. Even if it means making history with the lowest-scoring final ever played.

2008 OVERALL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SR C Sylvia Mears Wisconsin 21.3 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 1.5 APG 1.2 SPG, 2.4 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR C Stella Davidson Army 11.7 PPG, 14.0 RPG, 1.7 APG 0.5 SPG, 3.7 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Hailey Dennis Monmouth 26 - 8 (13 - 3)

All-league 1st Team:
C SR Sylvia Mears Wisconsin 21.3 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 2.4 BPG
PF SR Madelyn Mathis Purdue 13.7 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.5 SPG, 3.2 BPG
SF SR Madelyn Forte Utah Tech 20.0 PPG, 14.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SG SR Ayanna Crum Hartford 18.8 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PG JR Gabrielle Roberts Villanova 14.2 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 5.0 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR Allyson Quintanilla Arizona 19.1 PPG, 14.1 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.3 SPG, 1.8 BPG
PF SR Melanie Slaton Jacksonville 10.7 PPG, 16.5 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.1 BPG
SF SR Jaden Watterson FAU 21.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.2 APG, 2.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG
SG SO Ellie Holmes Oregon State 14.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG SR Azaria Donohue Ohio State 12.5 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-league 3rd Team:
C SR Alexandra Scott Mississippi State 18.5 PPG, 15.2 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG
PF SR Tessa Johnson UCLA 9.7 PPG, 13.3 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.6 SPG, 2.3 BPG
SF SR Isis Delarosa Mercer 14.6 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG
SG SR Zaria Llanes Florida A&M 21.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG JR Eva Prendergast Saint Mary's 14.7 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 6.7 APG, 2.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Stella Davidson Army 11.7 PPG, 14.0 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.5 SPG, 3.7 BPG
PF FR Sanaa Allen Virginia 11.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.9 BPG
SF FR Felicity Ortiz Penn State 7.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SG FR Eliza Haddock Oklahoma 17.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG FR Angeline Montes Murray State 17.1 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.0 BPG

NCAA Champs

Season Team Record Opponent Score
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2008 Stanford Cardinal 27-11 North Carolina Tar Heels 49-46
2007 Seton Hall Pirates 35-4 Virginia Cavaliers 64-56
2006 Tennessee Volunteers 30-8 Penn State Nittany Lions 65-51
2005 Duke Blue Devils 30-8 Fresno State Bulldogs 75-71
2004 North Carolina Tar Heels 29-10 Cincinnati Bearcats 90-78
2003 Virginia Cavaliers 32-6 Texas Tech Red Raiders 102-93
2002 Cincinnati Bearcats 33-6 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 69-50
2001 Penn State Nittany Lions 30-8 Providence Friars 72-68
2000 Baylor Bears 32-5 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 72-71
1999 Mississippi State Bulldogs 35-4 Jackson State Tigers 98-90
1998 St. Bonaventure Bonnies 35-2 BYU Cougars 71-63
1997 Mississippi State Bulldogs 37-2 San Diego State Aztecs 80-68
1996 North Carolina Tar Heels 39-0 Mississippi State Bulldogs 90-77
1995 Purdue Boilermakers 34-5 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 83-76
1994 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 36-2 Gonzaga Bulldogs 75-42
1993 Kansas State Wildcats 34-5 Oregon Ducks 71-64
1992 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 38-0 Virginia Cavaliers 85-53
1991 Michigan Wolverines 27-12 Villanova Wildcats 71-54
1990 Seton Hall Pirates 40-1 Gonzaga Bulldogs 69-53
1989 Green Bay Phoenix 36-2 Virginia Cavaliers 59-57
1988 Penn State Nittany Lions 29-10 Auburn Tigers 76-67
1987 Cincinnati Bearcats 33-7 Kansas Jayhawks 71-66
1986 Green Bay Phoenix 37-2 Tennessee Volunteers 93-77
1985 San Diego State Aztecs 36-3 St. Bonaventure Bonnies 87-79
1984 Syracuse Orange 31-8 Auburn Tigers 99-96
1983 Seton Hall Pirates 30-9 Saint Mary's Gaels 84-75
1982 Texas Longhorns 33-5 Penn State Nittany Lions 101-72
1981 Cincinnati Bearcats 29-8 Kansas Jayhawks 91-79
1980 Tennessee Volunteers 36-3 Purdue Boilermakers 90-86
1979 Villanova Wildcats 38-1 Clemson Tigers 84-70
1978 Kansas Jayhawks 34-4 Tennessee Volunteers 85-77
1977 Miami Hurricanes 33-5 Houston Cougars 84-75
1976 Florida State Seminoles 38-1 Marquette Golden Eagles 92-63
1975 Florida State Seminoles 38-1 Purdue Boilermakers 90-82
1974 Purdue Boilermakers 33-6 Michigan State Spartans 78-67
1973 Duke Blue Devils 29-8 USC Trojans 83-65
1972 Iowa Hawkeyes 31-8 North Carolina Tar Heels 83-70
1971 Oregon Ducks 26-11 Tennessee Volunteers 90-89
1970 Cincinnati Bearcats 29-9 Iowa Hawkeyes 85-73

Season Team Record Opponent Score
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1969 Boise State Broncos 30-7 Florida State Seminoles 83-74

Young Drachma

01-26-2025, 09:22 PM

New Dawn in Dakota: Packers Join Local Bid to Save Basketball's Prairie Dynasty

By Michael Richardson
The Athletic Journal, April 2006

In a twist that could only happen in the heartland, the Green Bay Packers have emerged as unlikely players in the fight to save professional basketball in South Dakota. The NFL's only publicly-owned team has joined a consortium of local investors preparing to purchase the Dakota Zeniths from the Northland Foods empire, the frozen foods giant whose late founder Bernard Northland moved the team from San Antonio in 1982.

The deal, valued at approximately $450 million according to sources familiar with the negotiations, comes at a crucial moment for the franchise. The NBA had recently identified a potential loophole in the infamous Professional Sports Preservation Act – the 1982 South Dakota law that requires any departing professional team to be replaced by one of equal caliber – and was exploring options to relocate the struggling franchise to a larger market.

"This investment represents our belief in the importance of small-market professional sports," said Packers CEO Mark Murphy. "We understand better than most what it means for a community to own its team." The Packers' involvement has raised eyebrows around the league, particularly in Milwaukee, where Violets ownership expressed frustration at being excluded from similar opportunities with their local team.

The Zeniths, once the crown jewel of the NBA under the ownership of the Northland family, have fallen on hard times. The team hasn't made the playoffs since 1992, though this season's 44-38 record under GM Kailyn Sawyer marks their best finish in 13 years. The new ownership group, operating under the name Prairie Sports Partners, includes prominent South Dakota business leaders and, uniquely, will offer a limited form of public ownership similar to the Packers' model.

"The Northland family were excellent stewards during the glory years," said Sarah Erickson, spokesperson for Prairie Sports Partners. "But it's time for a new approach. We're committed to providing fans throughout the plains with a brand they can be proud of."

The timing of the sale coincides with the NBA's dramatic salary cap increase of $50 million this offseason. The Zeniths, currently carrying the league's 12th-highest payroll at $94.8 million, will have substantial room to pursue free agents under the new ownership.

For many in Sioux Falls, the sale represents more than just a business transaction. The Zeniths' dynasty of the 1980s, led by Hall of Famers Molly Baltoski and Marianna Larson, remains a source of fierce local pride. The team won five championships in six years from 1983 to 1988, including the remarkable 1984 season when they went 76-6.

"The Northland family brought us basketball, but they also brought us excellence," said longtime season ticket holder James Petersen. "Those teams didn't just win – they changed how the game was played. That's the legacy these new owners have to live up to."

The Northland Foods connection began when Bernard Northland, whose company revolutionized frozen food distribution across the Upper Midwest, saw an opportunity to bring professional sports to South Dakota. His daughter, Catherine Northland-Peterson, who took control of both the company and team after his death in 1995, has been looking for the right buyers for several years.

"Dad always said that great things can grow in cold places," Northland-Peterson said in a statement. "We believe Prairie Sports Partners, with their community-based approach and the Packers' involvement, represents the best path forward for the franchise he loved."

The NBA Board of Governors is expected to approve the sale next month. The new ownership group has already committed to maintaining the team's current practice facility and has plans to renovate the Zenith Center.

For a franchise that has been frozen in place by both geography and legislation, the arrival of new ownership – backed by the NFL's most unique franchise – offers hope for a thaw. In a league increasingly dominated by coastal superteams, the Zeniths' new owners are betting that their community-based model can restore the glory days of basketball on the prairie.

Michael Richardson covers basketball and business for The Athletic Journal. He can be reached at [email protected]

Young Drachma

01-26-2025, 09:27 PM

Prairie Revolution: Zeniths Look Overseas to Rebuild Dynasty

By Michael Richardson
The Athletic Journal, May 2006

The Dakota Zeniths' new ownership group hasn't wasted any time putting their stamp on the franchise. Sources close to the team reveal that Prairie Sports Partners has already dispatched an extensive scouting contingent to Europe, with a particular focus on the Russian Basketball League (RBL), Turkish Basketball League (TBL), Greek Basketball League (GBL), and Five Nations League (FNL).

"We're thinking differently about talent acquisition," says Zeniths GM Kailyn Sawyer. "The conventional wisdom is that free agents won't come to South Dakota. But there are incredible players overseas who might see Sioux Falls differently – as an opportunity to make their mark on the NBA."

The Zeniths' international focus has already identified several potential targets. League sources indicate the team has strong interest in RBL MVP Katrin Scheicher, who averaged 19.4 points and 5.9 assists for Enisey this season. The Austrian point guard's combination of scoring and playmaking could provide an immediate boost to Dakota's backcourt.

But perhaps the most intriguing target is Turkish league sensation Abigail Scaife. The dynamic forward averaged an eye-popping 30.2 points per game for Banvit, earning TBL MVP honors. "Scaife's game would translate immediately to the NBA," says European basketball analyst Marco Rossi. "She's exactly the kind of scorer the Zeniths have been missing since Baltoski's departure."

The team is also reportedly high on Greek league rookie Kimberly Jennings, who averaged 15.5 points while shooting 41% from three-point range for Olympiacos. "Jennings has that combination of youth and polish that's rare in any league," says one Zeniths scout who requested anonymity because they're not authorized to discuss potential targets.

The strategy represents a return to the Zeniths' roots in some ways. During their 1980s dynasty, the team was among the first to extensively scout European talent, though the international player pool was much smaller then. "The Northland family was ahead of their time in looking beyond traditional recruiting grounds," says basketball historian Janet Chen. "This new approach feels like an evolution of that philosophy."

The Zeniths' 44-38 record this season – their best since 1992 – provides reason for optimism that the team is just a few pieces away from returning to playoff contention. With the NBA's recent $50 million salary cap increase and substantial room under the cap (the team's current $94.8 million payroll ranks 12th in the league), the Zeniths have the financial flexibility to be aggressive in pursuing multiple international targets.

"We're looking for players who want to be part of something special," says Sarah Erickson, Prairie Sports Partners spokesperson. "The Zeniths have always been about doing things differently. Building through international talent acquisition is just the latest example."

The team has already expanded its scouting department, hiring several European-based scouts with deep connections to various domestic leagues. They've also begun renovating a portion of their practice facility to include amenities common in European clubs, such as expanded family areas and dedicated spaces for visiting relatives – a significant consideration for international players considering the move to South Dakota.

One intriguing name being floated is FNL standout Stacy Kolesnyk, who earned MVP honors with the Harbor Masters while averaging 15.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. "Kolesnyk's versatility reminds me a bit of what Marianna Larson brought to those championship teams," says former Zeniths assistant coach Tom Martinez. "She can impact the game in so many ways."

The Zeniths' brain trust believes this international focus could help them overcome the traditional challenges of attracting talent to a small market. "Players overseas often have a different perspective," says Sawyer. "They're looking for the right basketball situation, not necessarily the brightest lights. We can offer them a chance to be part of rebuilding one of basketball's great franchises."

As the team heads into a crucial offseason, the message is clear: the new Zeniths will think globally in their quest to restore glory to the prairie.

Michael Richardson covers basketball and business for The Athletic Journal. He can be reached at [email protected]

Young Drachma

01-26-2025, 10:42 PM

Dakota Deals: New Ownership Makes Immediate Splash With Veteran-Heavy Moves

By Sarah Winters
Yahoo Sports Senior NBA Insider
June 2006

League sources tell Yahoo Sports that the Dakota Zeniths' new ownership group isn't waiting around to make their mark, executing a series of bold moves that signal an immediate win-now approach for the long-struggling franchise.

In a stunning 24-hour period that has reshaped their roster, the Zeniths have acquired three-time All-Defensive team selection Aaliyah Audley from Denver, emerging star Quanisha Watters from Philadelphia, and dynamic wing Briley King from Las Vegas in separate deals that league executives are already dubbing "The Dakota Doctrine."

"They're not just trying to be competitive – they're trying to be relevant again," one Eastern Conference executive told Yahoo Sports. "This is old-school, star-power basketball."

The centerpiece acquisition is the 37-year-old Audley, who averaged 17.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists for Denver last season. Multiple sources confirm Denver included their 2008 first-round pick to facilitate the deal, with the Zeniths sending back Lily Camarillo and their own 2008 first-rounder.

"Aaliyah gives them immediate credibility," a Western Conference GM told Yahoo Sports. "She's exactly the kind of veteran presence they've been missing since the glory days."

But it's the companion moves that have rival executives buzzing. The Zeniths managed to turn Charley Tolley and Gia Sandler into Watters (19.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG last season) and King (8.9 PPG in limited minutes), along with Las Vegas' 2007 first-round pick.

"[Prairie Sports Partners] promised to be aggressive, but this is next level," said one rival team executive. "They've basically acquired an entire new core without giving up future flexibility."

The moves represent a dramatic philosophical shift for a franchise that has missed the playoffs since 1992. Under previous ownership, the Zeniths had focused on draft picks and young talent. Now, with the NBA's $50 million salary cap increase providing unprecedented flexibility, Dakota is betting big on proven commodities.

League sources indicate the Zeniths aren't done dealing. With their unique market position – thanks to South Dakota's Professional Sports Preservation Act preventing relocation – the team feels emboldened to take risks that might give other small-market teams pause.

"This is just the beginning," a source close to the situation told Yahoo Sports. "They've got more moves planned. The mandate from ownership is clear: make Dakota basketball matter again."

For Denver and Philadelphia, the moves represent classic retooling trades. Both teams get younger while acquiring future assets. Las Vegas, meanwhile, adds another first-round pick to their growing collection of draft capital.

But the real story is in Dakota, where a franchise that once dominated the 1980s is showing signs of rekindling that aggressive, star-chasing philosophy. As one league executive put it: "The Prairie just got a lot more interesting."

Follow Sarah Winters on Twitter @SWintersNBA

Young Drachma

01-26-2025, 10:58 PM

Sources: Zeniths Continue Dealmaking, Ship 14th Pick to Memphis for Coakley

By Sarah Winters
Yahoo Sports Senior NBA Insider
June 2006

The Dakota Zeniths' front office isn't done wheeling and dealing, league sources tell Yahoo Sports, sending the 14th overall pick in next week's draft to Memphis in exchange for small forward Kimberly Coakley and a 2008 first-round pick.

For Memphis, the move gives them two first-round selections (14 and 28) in what scouts consider a deep draft. But it's the Zeniths' motivation that has league executives buzzing.

"They're going all-in on proven talent," one Western Conference executive told Yahoo Sports. "First the Audley deal, now this. It's a clear message about their timeline."

Coakley, 23, averaged 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 73 starts for Memphis last season. Her acquisition continues Dakota's pattern of targeting young veterans with playoff experience – Coakley appeared in all 18 of Memphis's playoff games last season.

"The interesting part isn't just who they're getting, it's how they're structuring these deals," another exec told Yahoo Sports. "They're actually adding future picks while getting better now."

Indeed, Dakota has now acquired two 2008 first-round picks this week while shipping out their 2006 first-rounder. Sources indicate the Zeniths believe they can better leverage future draft capital once they've reestablished themselves as a playoff contender.

The move also provides insurance for the Zeniths' wing rotation following their earlier trades. Coakley's versatility – she shot 47.3% on jumpers last season – should complement their other acquisitions.

"[Coakley] gives them another creator," said one Eastern Conference scout. "High basketball IQ, good size at 6'3", and she's still developing. This isn't just a win-now move."

For Memphis, the deal continues their strategy of accumulating draft assets. Sources say they had multiple offers for Coakley but preferred Dakota's package of picks.

The Zeniths are also finalizing contracts with three players from the Chinese Basketball Association, according to team sources. The aggressive roster overhaul is expected to continue through free agency.

"They're not just trying to make the playoffs," one rival GM said. "They're trying to skip a few steps in the rebuilding process. It's bold."

Follow Sarah Winters on Twitter @SWintersNBA

Dakota Zeniths 2006 Offseason Mega-Thread

LETS GOOOOOOO!!!! Finally some actual moves instead of "trust the process" for the 100th year! Audley might be old but she can still ball, and Watters is a straight bucket. League ain't ready for Dakota basketball! 🔥🔥🔥

Been a season ticket holder since '89. Haven't been this hyped since the Baltoski days. New ownership ain't playing around.

y'all really think a 37 year old Audley and some CBA players gonna save this franchise? 😂 seen this movie before

Here's what I don't get - everyone's focused on Audley, but Watters is the real get here. 19.8 PPG last season, only 26 years old. That's our new franchise player.

Don't care about any of this until they retire #33. Disrespectful that Baltoski's number is still out there.

Breaking down the moves:

INCOMING:
- Aaliyah Audley (17.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 5.2 APG)
- Quanisha Watters (19.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.4 APG)
- Briley King (8.9 PPG in limited minutes)
- Kim Coakley (13.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 5.3 APG)
- 2008 1st (DEN)
- 2008 1st (MEM)
- 3 CBA players incoming

OUTGOING:
- Charley Tolley
- Gia Sandler
- Lily Camarillo
- 2006 1st (#14)
- 2008 1st

Actually incredible asset management here.

The Preservation Act is finally paying off. We can take these swings because we're not worried about players forcing their way out to LA or NY. Smart thinking by the new owners.

My dad took me to my first Zeniths game in '84. Told me stories about those teams for years. Maybe my kids will finally get to see what playoff basketball in Sioux Falls looks like.

Everyone's missing the biggest factor - the $50M cap increase. That's why these moves are possible. We're not done either, got room for more.

Trading the 14th pick might come back to bite us but I don't even care. Tired of watching garbage basketball. At least we're trying something!

Mock rotation for next season:

Starters:
PG: Watters
SG: King
SF: Audley
PF: Coakley
C: Gentile

That's actually... pretty good?

The disrespect to Feller in this thread... She was COOKING in the CBA. That three-point shot is NBA-ready.

Season ticket renewals about to go crazy. Haven't seen the city this excited since '92.

Packers definitely pulled some strings with the league to make these trades happen. No way Memphis makes that deal otherwise.

Y'all new fans don't know what Dakota basketball really means. This is what we used to be - aggressive in the market, not afraid to take shots. About time we got back to our roots.

Fun fact: Dakota's new additions combined for more wins last season (127) than the Zeniths have had in the last three years combined (110). That's wild.

Remember when everyone laughed at the Packers for buying in? Who's laughing now? This is how you run a small market team.

EDIT: Winter just dropped another bomb about CBA signings coming. This offseason is insane.

Been watching this team since they moved from San Antonio. Seen all the ups and downs. This feels different. New ownership gets it.

RIP to the draft pick collection dream 2002-2006 never forget 😭

Watch us trade those 2008 picks for another star. New front office doesn't mess around with "potential."

Young Drachma

01-26-2025, 11:20 PM

2006 Free Agency: Champions Making Moves as League-Wide Spending Spree Begins

By Marcus Thompson
July 2006

The defending champion Miami Sirens aren't resting on their laurels after their impressive six-game Finals victory over the Memphis Soul. Fresh off a 65-win season that culminated in Finals MVP Nia Perry leading them to their first title since 1977, Miami has made an aggressive play to retain their core while adding new pieces.

Perry, who orchestrated the Sirens' high-powered offense to the tune of 65 wins and a championship, has agreed to a seven-year, $302 million deal to remain in Miami. The contract, one of several mega-deals handed out in the opening days of free agency, signals the Sirens' intent to build a dynasty around their championship core.

"Last year showed what we're capable of," Perry told The Athletic. "The goal now is to build something lasting."

The free agency period has seen unprecedented movement, powered by the league's $50 million salary cap increase. Webber, coming off another Defensive Player of the Year campaign with the Mystics (20.6 PPG, 5.4 APG, league-leading 4.3 SPG), secured a five-year, $289 million deal to stay in Washington. The Eclipse quickly matched with a four-year, $198 million contract for sharpshooter Sophie Bennett, who averaged 30.3 points last season.

But perhaps no team has been more active than the Dakota Zeniths. After their surprising 44-38 season under new GM Kailyn Sawyer, they've executed a series of moves that have reshaped their roster, acquiring veterans Aaliyah Audley and Quanisha Watters while also adding promising rookie Avah Burlingame (22.5 PPG, All-Rookie First Team).

The Soul, looking to bounce back from their Finals defeat, have focused on maintaining flexibility while adding complementary pieces around their core. Their key free agent target has been Chicago Sky forward Alyssa Allman, who earned All-League First Team honors while averaging 21.7 points and 11.3 rebounds.

"The salary cap increase has changed everything," one Eastern Conference executive said. "Teams aren't just thinking about next year - they're looking at five, six years down the road. These contracts reflect that long-term vision."

The spending spree has particularly benefited two-way wings and versatile bigs. Charlotte's Kylie Mateo (27.0 PPG) secured a seven-year, $302 million deal that reflects the premium on players who can score efficiently while defending multiple positions.

For the Sirens, the focus remains on building around Perry while maintaining the depth that helped them dominate the regular season. Their 65-17 record included a remarkable 37-4 mark at home, establishing them as the team to beat in an increasingly competitive league.

As free agency continues, the ripple effects of these early mega-deals will shape the competitive landscape for years to come. With the salary cap expected to rise further in coming years, this could be just the beginning of a new era of player movement and financial flexibility.

Young Drachma

01-27-2025, 12:23 AM

Coming Home: Baltoski Returns to Lead Dakota's Renaissance

By Dianna Waltshouse
The Athletic
July 2006

In a move that sent shockwaves through the basketball world, the Dakota Zeniths have hired franchise legend Molly Baltoski as their new head coach, marking a dramatic return for the Hall of Famer who led the team to five championships during their golden era.

Baltoski, who had been coaching at Watertown High School in Wisconsin while doing occasional television commentary, will take over a Zeniths team that showed signs of life last season with a 44-38 record. Sources say the contract is for five years at $8.5 million annually, making her one of the highest-paid coaches in the league.

"Sometimes the stars just align," Baltoski told The Athletic in an exclusive interview. "I wasn't looking to get back into the pro game, but Dakota... this place is special. When they called, I knew it was time to come home."

The hiring comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise. After an aggressive offseason that has already seen the acquisitions of veterans Aaliyah Audley and Quanisha Watters, the Zeniths are clearly pushing to end their 14-year playoff drought. In a separate move, the team also announced the signing of point guard Jackie Lieberman from the Challenge League's Columbus squad.

"Jackie's exactly the kind of player we want to develop," said Baltoski, who knows something about point guard play, having averaged 25.9 points and 7.2 assists over her storied career. "Our scouts see something special there. Sometimes you just need the right opportunity."

For many in Sioux Falls, Baltoski's return feels like destiny. Her number 33 still dots the stands at Zenith Center, where she orchestrated some of the most memorable moments in franchise history. From 1983 to 1992, she was the face of a dynasty that transformed basketball in the Upper Midwest.

"Molly understands what basketball means to this community," said GM Kailyn Sawyer. "She's not just a great basketball mind – she's Dakota basketball."

The parallels to her playing career are striking. When Baltoski arrived as a rookie in 1983, the Zeniths were struggling to establish themselves after relocating from San Antonio. Within a year, she had helped lead them to a championship. Now she returns to a franchise showing similar signs of renewal.

Notably, Baltoski becomes just the third former MVP to coach their former team.

"The game has changed," Baltoski acknowledged. "But the fundamentals of winning – hard work, teamwork, dedication to craft – those never change. That's what we built here in the '80s, and that's what we're going to build again."

The move has energized a fanbase that has endured more than a decade of struggles. Season ticket renewals have surged since the announcement, and local businesses report increased demand for vintage Baltoski jerseys.

For Prairie Sports Partners, the Zeniths' new ownership group, landing Baltoski represents another bold stroke in their effort to restore the franchise's former glory. Combined with their recent roster moves and the unique protection offered by South Dakota's Professional Sports Preservation Act, the pieces appear to be falling into place for a renaissance in Dakota basketball.

"This isn't just about nostalgia," said one rival executive. "Molly's brilliant basketball mind never left. She just needed the right opportunity to get back in. Dakota might have just hit a home run."

*Follow Sarah Chen on Twitter @SChenHoops*

Young Drachma

01-30-2025, 12:56 AM

Full Circle: Baltoski Returns to Dakota in Three-Team Deadline Deal

By Marcus Thompson
The Basketball Chronicle
February 8, 2007

Sometimes the best stories in sports write themselves. In a three-team deal completed just hours before the trade deadline, the Dakota Zeniths acquired point guard Minnie Baltoski from the Chicago Sky, bringing the former first overall pick back to the franchise where her aunt Molly built a Hall of Fame career and now serves as head coach.

The deal sends Baltoski to Dakota, while Ana Mbu heads to Boston, and Chicago receives Maura Johnson, Micah Barnwell, and Elsie Feller. The Zeniths also acquire forward Tori Barnes from Boston to bolster their frontcourt rotation.

"Coming home to Dakota – there's really no other way to describe it," Baltoski told The Basketball Chronicle. "When I was drafted here in '96, everyone assumed I'd follow in Aunt Molly's footsteps. Life took me in different directions, but now it feels like everything's come full circle."

The reunion has been quietly brewing since Molly Baltoski took over as head coach last summer. League sources indicate both teams had been in discussions since training camp, but Chicago's asking price remained high for their veteran point guard, who was averaging 13.4 points and 6.5 assists this season.

At 33, the younger Baltoski brings a wealth of experience to a Zeniths team currently sitting at 27-21 and pushing for their first playoff appearance since 1992. Despite making only one All-Star team (2003) and earning All-Defensive team honors three times, she's maintained a high level of play, particularly on the defensive end where she's averaging 2.0 steals per game this season.

"Minnie's basketball IQ is off the charts," said one Western Conference scout. "Playing for Molly, who revolutionized the point guard position – this could be really special for both of them."

The price wasn't insignificant. Johnson had found her role as a steady backup point guard, while Barnwell showed flashes of becoming a reliable rotation player. Mbu, meanwhile, heads to Boston after a solid stint with Dakota, where she averaged 11.7 points and 1.5 blocks this season.

But for a franchise looking to recapture its glory days, the symbolism of reuniting the Baltoskis might be worth more than raw statistics. The elder Baltoski led Dakota to five championships during her legendary career, and her number 33 hangs in the rafters at Zenith Center.

"There's something poetic about it," said Dakota GM Kailyn Sawyer. "But make no mistake – this isn't about nostalgia. Minnie makes us better today, and her leadership will be invaluable as we push for the playoffs."

For the younger Baltoski, who spent four years in Dakota before stints with Philadelphia and Chicago, the chance to play for her aunt represents unfinished business. She's yet to win a championship in her 10-year career, something that weighs heavily given her family's legacy.

"Everyone knows what Aunt Molly means to this franchise, to this community," Baltoski said. "But right now, we're focused on making the playoffs. One step at a time. That's how she built it here the first time, and that's how we'll do it again."

At 27-21, the Zeniths currently hold the second spot in the Northwest Division. With Barnes (13.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG) also joining the fold, Dakota appears to be all-in on ending their 14-year playoff drought.

Sometimes the best trades aren't just about numbers. As Minnie Baltoski prepares to don the same uniform her aunt made famous, the Zeniths are betting that family ties, combined with veteran leadership, might just be the missing piece in their basketball renaissance.

Marcus Thompson covers the NBA for The Basketball Chronicle. Follow him @MThompsonHoops