Well-rounded scoring helps WBB team start season perfect

Two wins at the GLIAC/GLVC Challenge Tournament will assist the women’s basketball team’s chances in the NCAA tournament. Their wins against the University of Wisconsin – Parkside and Lewis University gave Michigan Tech their first two wins of the year. The wins are non-conference but in region and will help to determine team placement in the NCAA tournament if the Huskies continue to have a successful season.

Improving to 2-0 overall, free throws were the name of the game for Michigan Tech Saturday evening against UW-Parkside. The Huskies shot 86 percent, making 25 of 29 attempts. With an advantage of only six points per half, Michigan Tech relied on their ability to deliver at the line. The Rangers actually out shot the Huskies in the field during the first half, with no opportunities at the free throw line. During the game, they matched Michigan Tech in assists at 12 and committed just one more turnover than the Huskies, who brought this number down by nine from their Nov. 6 game at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee for a total of 11.

“I think we’re getting more comfortable playing together; our defense went really well this weekend or better than Milwaukee,” said Katie Zimmerman of strong Husky play.

Katie Wysocky pulled in 13 rebounds while Zimmerman led the team with a 17 point high inclusive of draining five 3-pointers. Tara Ferris led team assists with five.

In their game against Lewis University, the Huskies outplayed the Flyers in every aspect of the game. Michigan Tech took a 69-30 win Sunday night with 23 assists and 51 percent shooting in the second half. The Flyers dished only five assists in an effort that included 15 turnovers and a dismal four field goals in the second half. Michigan Tech saw Danae Danen and Lindsey Lindstrom lead the points column with 18 and 14, respectively. Freshman Lindstrom filled the role of top re-bounder as well with eight to her credit. Sarah Stream led all players with five assists.

While Michigan Tech has reason to be proud, they will make no such mistake as underestimating an opponent. Always looking ahead and cognizant of the importance of keeping focus, head coach John Barnes will keep with his classic style of team play, continuous improvement and the analysis of all his options. Barnes was able to utilize all of his players on the court against Lewis Sunday. His starting team and go-to players are always different, and it constantly provides players with an incentive for hard work and dedication to the team’s goals.

“I think just sticking together as a team through the rough times. If we can stay together as a team, we’ll be a lot better than if we veer off,” explained Zimmerman. “We’ll have better chemistry.”

Both of these will be much needed as Michigan Tech prepares to face Minnesota Moorehead away this Saturday. While a non-conference game, it will again count towards regional rankings and a chance at the NCAA tournament.

Minnesota Moorehead has had a similar journey to the Huskies so far this season. With a loss to the Division I Gophers of the University of Minnesota to open the season, the Dragons have since redeemed themselves with two wins against Metro State and Regis University in Denver, Colo. Their last game against Regis was a 56-53 win. Last year, the Dragons had a 10-3 overall record against visiting opponents when hosting, and a 3-1 record against non-conference opponents who were hosted. They finished their 2007-08 season above .500 with an 18-11 overall record and were led by the talents of Jessica Fesenmaier and Jenny Theisen. Fesenmaier averaged 6.4 field goals per game with 15.5 points per game and Theisen 2.6 three pointers per game.

Allison Swenson also was a big part of the Dragon offense, with 14 points per game scored. Swenson took on rebounding responsibilities with 7.6 per game. Fesenmaier led in blocked shots with 2.1 per game and was right behind Swenson in rebounds with 6.4 per game. Theisen will return as a sophomore, but as the numbers show, the loss of Fesenmaier and Swenson has left a dent in category leaders for the Dragons. The team shares an advantage with the Huskies though in the sense that it is deep. There are several players who linger just below the 10 points per game average who could pose a considerable threat to a Husky success.

While the Huskies have not made any specific plans for play against Moorehead, Zimmerman said that they hope to “just keep [their] defense strong and in good position, so we can keep teams to 30 points like we did.”

If the Huskies can garner a win, they can also assist their preseason goals of being champion repeats of the GLIAC conference, hosting the regionals and going as far as possible in nationals. A win will certainly assist seeding and hosting possibilities.

Michigan Tech will travel to Moorehead for a 3 p.m. Saturday tip off.