Did anybody else go? Whattaya think?

It's hard to say with such a small sample of observation. They all looked very athletic especially in defensive drills. Scott is as advertised, good ball handler, distributor & shooter. She should fill Jadas shoes at PG real well. Maybe even better. Was also impressed with Pemberton. In scrimmage she looked like a starter to me. At 6' 1" she should take Sarahs place and give the team a far better defensive presence with her height. I thought Nelms showed far more maturity than last year. Just seemed more comfortable and was shooting well. Deng had a off day. I don't think she hit a single shot from any distance (maybe I missed one) and she missed at least her first four layups. I am sure she is way better than that. The frosh Johnson seemed to have very good skills. I still say the key will be in replacing Vonleh. Will Abraham step up and play like a 4th year post should. We saw a few times last year when she showed us a few things. Her and the transfer Johnson definitely need to step up to fill the vacant shoes. They looked fine yesterday, but as I said in the opening, too little action to actually make any definite decisions.

geewago said:

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It's hard to say with such a small sample of observation. They all looked very athletic especially in defensive drills.

I thought Nelms showed far more maturity than last year. Just seemed more comfortable and was shooting well.

Deng had a off day. I don't think she hit a single shot from distance.

I still say the key will be in replacing Vonleh. Will Abraham step up and play like a 4th year post should. We saw a few times last year when she showed us a few things. Her and the transfer Johnson definitely need to step up to fill the vacant shoes. They looked fine yesterday, but as I said in the opening, too little action to actually make any definite decisions.

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Agree with your observations except for Deng and outside shots. She definitely hit several throughout the drills. Easily five or six. But at one point CNC got on her about not wanting to drive to the basket. She told Deng that she (Coach) thought she (Deng) looked pretty good driving to basket. Then followed with something like "do it more."

My biggest concern echoes yours…who is our lane protector? Who has the girth and strength to shut down AudieCrooks? We are athletic and long, but slight and lithe outside of Bella and Kayla.

Also, a little worried about Keira's shot getting blocked. She sort of brings it down to shoulder level to "cock" it before starting the shooting motion. She's accurate and gets it off quickly, but a long, tall defender may give her problems.

Overall, deep athleticism and we may run some teams into the ground. I'd say a different team and probably a different offensive approach than last year.

Really nice thing to have seen, JVG going hard and not favoring her injured knee. Inez out there running, too. Minutes may have been limited, as they didn't participate in every drill, but they were cutting and changing directions just fine.

Team was in great shape for first official practice.

Biggest challenge I saw will be getting everyone up to speed and on same page since so many new people. Jana and Buggs were def helping the newbies during drills etc by giving further explanation.

Thank you for practice summary. I agree that lane protection is a concern. I think Kayla is only person on team with the size and strength to handle an Audi Crooks type of player. Hopefully Kayla will make a big sophomore jump. She does look much more comfortable this year.