Who's Bret Vandergard and what's he done for us lately? [DDSCB3]

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NCAA Tournament--Round 1

 

UCLA (30-2)—79, Northern Colorado (16-16)—48 (End of the “Cinderella” experience for Northern Colorado. UCLA dominated from beginning to end in this game.)

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CIT Tournament Championship

Arkansas-68, Lipscomb-56

 

NIT Tournament Championship

Ball State-74, Delaware-65

 

NCAA Tournament Championship

Duke-100, Florida-74

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Awards

 

Big Sky Freshman Player of the Year—Danya Lawson

Big Sky 1st Team All-Conference—Danya Lawson

Big Sky Coach of the Year—Bret Vandergard

[PointGuard 70]

Jamal Smith, 1st Asst Coach

 

We went after an excellent JC center from the East Coast throughout the winter, but when we got a chance to do a home visit, he let us know that he didn’t want to play in Cheney, Washington. A promising high school senior SF who we had worked hard to corral also opted to go elsewhere. But our home visits got three players excited about playing for us. 

In April, we signed a high school PF and two JC players to go along with the HS senior we signed in the fall. 

SG Anthony Alston, 6-1 HS Sr, Tucson, AZ, 2.3 GPA (990 SAT). 19.9 ppg, 6.0 apg, 7.1 rpg, 2.7 spg, 3.3 bpg.
Anthony is an excellent scorer with great outside shooting skills. He’s an outstanding passer, a strong defender and rebounder, and has good athleticism. He was in the top 25 at the Las Vegas Revue. He’s ranked as the 40th best recruit in the nation and has an overall rating of A.

SF Tim Whitaker, 6-7 JC So, Portsmouth, OH, 2.3 GPA. 18.3 ppg, 3.7 apg, 4.3 rpg, 2.0 spg, 1.9 bpg.
Tim is an excellent scorer with extremely good inside shooting skills and strong outside shooting skills as well. He is a very good defender and has good athleticism. He has a tremendous work ethic and while not a leader, doesn’t cause problems. He is ranked as the 74th best recruit in the country and has an overall B rating.

PF Donte Robinson, 6-6 JC So, Cedartown, GA, 2.2 GPA. 14.0 ppg, 3.5 apg, 10.3 rpg, 2.5 spg, 2.7 bpg.
Donte is a very good scorer with excellent inside shooting skills. He’s a very good passer and rebounder. He is ranked as the 89th best recruit in the nation and has an overall rating of B.

PF Nate Dye, 6-8 HS Sr, Shiprock, NM, 2.5 GPA (980 SAT). 14.8 ppg, 3.1 apg, 8.6 rpg, 1.9 spg, 2.8 bpg.
Nate is a strong scorer with great inside shooting skills. He’s a very good scorer and shot blocker. He’s a hard worked and was in the top 25 at the Las Vegas Revue. He’s ranked as the 154th best recruit in the country and has an overall rating of B.

[PointGuard 70]

Torbern “Swede” Olaffson, Athletic Director

 

Jamal Smith applied for head coaching jobs. He got a job as head coach at Division II Delta State University in Mississippi. Jamal and his family are happy to be heading back south. We’re sure Jamal will be a very good head coach.

Assistant Coaches--Austin Nathaniel was promoted to 1st Assistant and Lawrence Montgomery was promoted to 2nd Assistant. We hired Delvon Washington as 3rd Assistant. Delvon will be the recruiting assistant. 

Our prestige increased to 19. I met with Bret Vandergard and set goals for next season of winning the conference tournament and winning more than 15 games.

Bret made a good case for improving our facilities. I was able to get the board to approve additions and upgrades which improve our rating from C- to B.

[PointGuard 70]

Delvon Washington, 3rd asst coach

 

Following a messy divorce a few months ago, it was a big pick-me-up to get hired by Eastern Washington. I know I’m going to have to work hard since expectations for recruiting are high after the success of the past couple years. New NCAA restrictions are going to make it more difficult for us to recruit high ranked recruits. Plus I have to get familiar with towns and cities, high schools, and coaches in the Pacific Northwest. No wonder the level of recruiting will be much harder this season.

We have 5 scholarships to fill this year, including replacing both of our PG’s and both of our C’s. With our budget that may be difficult. We can only afford to purchase the basic National Report and the basic Western Report and we’re only going to one camp, the Las Vegas Revue.

Then right as summer was starting we got the news about transfers….and it was like a popping a balloon. Not only did PF Byron Crawford decide to leave (this wasn’t completely unexpected according to the other coaches because he never meshed with his teammates or the coaching staff), but so did Danya Lawson, last year’s Big Sky Freshman of the year and 1st Team All-Conference. There were some sad faces around the athletic department, since the two were highly ranked recruits who played well as freshmen. But players on the team, while not being too vocal, didn’t seem upset that the two were leaving.

Having two players transfer changed our thinking. We decided to go after a couple transfer players to avoid having to fill 7 scholarships this season through recruiting. We focused our efforts on PG’s and C’s. We got a couple players interested and nailed down two transfer players quickly:

PG Matt Mitchell, 6-4 So, Cinnaminson, NJ, attended West Virginia, 2.6 GPA. Ranked #90 in the nation during recruiting as a HS senior. As a freshman at West Virginia, he scored 16.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.5 apg, and 1.0 spg. He was selected as Big-12 Freshman Player of the Year and Big-12 2nd Team All-Conference. An excellent outside shooter with very strong defensive skills.

C Thomas McTyer, 6-8 So, St. Charles, MO. Attended Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 3.8 GPA. Ranked #412 nationally as a HS senior recruit. As a freshman at Arkansas-Pine Bluff he averaged 17.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.4 apg, and 2.2 spg. Excellent shot from both inside and outside. Strong passing skills. Average rebounder. Strong defensively. As a freshman, he was selected as the SWAC Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Freshman Player of the Year, and 1st Team All-Conference.

Byron Crawford transferred to Duke and Danya Lawson transferred to Florida. So both players were picked up by some very strong programs. Coach Vandergard brought both players in and congratulated them and wished them well at their new schools.

Ervin Smith, who transferred last year to UCLA, becomes eligible to play as a sophomore this year. He’s likely to have trouble getting much court time since Mitch Caspers, who was ranked as the #17 recruit in the nation as a HS senior, started all games at SF for UCLA last season as a freshman and not only averaged 10.6 ppg, but was chosen for the Pac-12’s All-Conference 1st Team.

We had 2 vacant walk-on spots for our team. The new players will be: 

SF O. J. Mitchell, 6-7 Jr from Shoreline, WA. He’s a strong rebounder and excellent shot blocker. He has just a 2.2 GPA.

PF Greg Cleaves, 6-6 Sr from Washougal, WA. He’s a very good rebounder and shot blocker. He has a 2.3 GPA.

With the revisions on the team due to transfers and walk-ons, we will focus our recruiting efforts on trying to get 2 PG’s, 2 big men, and maybe on SG, but more likely the best player we can get irrespective of position.

As we find out information about the players on our recruiting list, we are surprised and excited when we find that the father of Leonard Fredrick, the #7 ranked player in the country and the #1 ranked player from the state of Washington, attended Eastern Washington. Unfortunately, his parents are divorced and neither exerts much influence over their son. But at least he’s showing some minimal interest in us. The fact remains though, that there will be a lot of high prestige colleges pursuing him and conference prestige is his #1 priority and school prestige isn’t far behind, so our chances of landing him are slim. Oh well, one can dream. When September rolled around, what was the outcome? He decided to attend Arizona.

We slogged our way through September and October. While we got close on some recruits, we were shut out by just as many and finished recruiting in the autumn with no verbal acceptances. Not too good of a start by me at EWU.

[PointGuard 70]

Torbern “Swede” Olaffson, Athletic Director

 

Bret Vandergard asked for a tough pre-conference schedule. I asked him, "Are you sure you want that since your top scorer from last season transferred?" His reply was "__ him! I'll stick by what I asked for." I'm not sure what his first word was, but I didn't ask him to repeat it. Anyway, here's what I set up. There are no powder puffs for any of these 11 games.

@ Baylor
@ Fresno State
BRADLEY
FLORIDA STATE
@ Auburn
@ USC
@ #17 Cincinnati
@ Charlotte
BALL STATE
KANSAS STATE
@ Memphis

Bret was happy with the opposition, but didn’t appreciate having to play most of the pre-conference games on the road for the 4th straight year. But the better programs just don’t want to play on our court.

[PointGuard 70]

Austin Nathaniel, 1st Asst Coach

 

With 2 of our 15 players ineligible this season due to transferring and our two freshman looking pretty strong, we decided not to redshirt anyone this year.
Practices went smoothly and there were few interpersonal issues that arose. 

Our scrimmages indicated we should have good depth this season.

To begin the season, here is our starting lineup:

PG—Tim Dove, 6-1 Sr, Odessa, WA—Tim’s experience and development should pay dividends for us this year; excellent passing skills and good ball handler, excellent outside shot, improved rebounder, very good shot blocker and ball-hawk. 

SG—Shawn Jackson, 6-4 Sr, Spokane, WA—Slow improvement each year but could be challenged for a starting role as the season unfolds; showing more confidence in his shot, but still not overly aggressive offensively, excellent free throw shooter, good ball thief.

SF—Tim Whitaker, 6-7 Jr, Portsmouth, OH—Oh my, we knew this guy would be good, but now think he’s even better than we expected; great ability to score from anywhere on the court, excellent confidence and unafraid to put up the shot, excellent passing skills, very strong rebounder, excellent defender, shot blocker and ball thief.

PF—Cory Davis, 6-9 Sr, Tonasket, WA—Proven on-court achiever who provides us with outstanding experience and leadership and who will also be used at the 5 as well as starting at the 4; good inside shot but has strong passing skills so finds open players, excellent rebounder, shot blocker and ball-hawk, could very well repeat as Big Sky 1st Team All-Conference player.

C—Colin Goode, 7-0 Sr, Thomasville, GA—Although he was injured for a portion of last season, when he was on the court, he made his presence known, particularly due to his scoring ability; strong inside player, height is intimidating making him a very good defender, his rebounding abilities have developed well from last season due to better positioning.

Reserves:

PG—Darryl Bailey, 6-1 Sr, Pe Ell, WA—He has shown strong improvement over last season and he is just a step behind Tim Dove at the 1 position; good shooter from outside and not afraid to put up shots, becoming a good rebounder, excellent passer and very good ball-handler, great ball-hawk.

SG—Will Davis, 6-1 Jr ®, Mabton, WA—He’s developed extremely well and is at a point where he may very well step into a starting role this season; excellent outside shot, becoming a much stronger rebounder, anticipates passes well making him a very good ball thief, good vision and passing skills, strong ball handler.

SG—Anthony Alston, 6-1 Fr, Tucson, AZ—We’re extremely excited by his potential and feel he will become a key player for us; excellent outside shot with a nose for the basket, very good defensively with quick hands and feet and a strong shot blocker.

SF—Derrick Reyes, 6-6 So, Ravena, NY—Sat out last year after transferring from Hofstra where he had a very strong performance as a freshman; takes his share of shots, very good at posting up, good rebounder, outstanding defender and ball thief, we expect he will be a good role player for us this season.

SF--O.J. Mitchell, 6-7 Jr, Shoreline, WA—A walk-on who could fill in as needed; good jump shooter, strong rebounder, good hands should create a lot of steals and blocks, outstanding personality who will help build good team chemistry.

PF—Donte Robinson, 6-6 Jr, Cedartown, GA—Very strong addition to our team who should get a lot of minutes at the 4 and maybe even some at the 5; strong scoring aptitude but also a good passer, very strong rebounder, strong defensively and should get his share of blocks and steals, knows how to draw fouls.

PF—Greg Cleaves, 6-6 Sr, Washougal, WA—Walk-on who could fill in well as needed inside; not a strong scorer but works the boards well because even though he isn’t a good leaper knows how to position well.

PF—Nate Dye, 6-8 Fr, Shiprock, NM—Great potential, but needs some work to develop his many skills; unafraid to take his share of shots but needs to work on his shooting skills, a good rebounder who may develop into an excellent one, good defender and shot blocker.

Ineligible due to transfer:

PG—Matt Mitchell, 6-4 So, Cinnaminson, NJ—Although he’s not yet highly rated, particularly for his passing and ball-handling skills, he performed so well as a freshman at West Virginia (scoring 16.2 ppg and getting the Big 12 Freshman of the Year award while being named as a Big 12 2nd Team All-Conference member) that it gives us the expectation that he will be a big time addition to our team next year. Since he didn’t integrate well with his teammates last season, we need to work with him on being a good team player.

C—Thomas McTyer, 6-8 So, St. Charles, MO—Performed extremely well for Arkansas-Pine Bluff as a freshman, scoring 17.4 ppg which earned him SWAC Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year awards plus being named SWAC Defender of the Year, and SWAC 1st Team All-Conference member; excellent inside scorer, good defensively.

Outlook:

Even though 2 very strong players from last season transferred, Coach Vandergard and the rest of the staff agree with me that we have a stronger team with much better depth this season. But we will need to keep our players healthy and avoid injuries, particularly our inside players.

[PointGuard 70]

Spokane Spokesman-Review sports column

 

Eagles poised to repeat as Big Sky Champions

The Big Sky media’s annual poll picked Eastern Washington as the favorite to come out on top of the Big Sky standings this season. With four starters returning and a strong JC transfer taking on the 5th starting position, the Eagles have the experience and skills that the media felt would propel them to win more games than any of their Big Sky opponents.

Montana State, with SG Wesley Akins (17.0 ppg) and SF Dwayne Vines (12.0 ppg) returning, was picked for 2nd place. Although Idaho will be starting 2 freshmen and has only one starter (SF Edem McCuthinson, 7.5 ppg) returning, the media was impressed enough by the caliber of the new players to pick them to finish 3rd. 

Coach Bret Vandergard downplayed the media poll, but said he was pleased how his team came together during pre-season practices. Vandergard said, “We’ve got a tough pre-conference schedule so I’m not sure how we will do with that, but it should prepare us well for conference play. The team’s goal this year is to make it to the NCAA Tournament. Three years ago we didn’t go to any tournament, two years ago we were invited to the CIT Tourny, and last year we made it to the NIT. So, hopefully we will continue our progression and have what it takes to win the Big Sky Conference Tournament that will make us part of March Madness.” 

When asked about Colin Goode, the 7-foot center who missed a third of last season’s games due to a broken arm, Vandergard said, “Colin’s injury is completely healed and we are looking forward to his dominant inside presence for every one of our games this season.” He added, “But all of our starters and several of our reserves have the ability to lead us on any given night.”

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Larry Montgomery, 2nd asst coach

 

Game #1, Nov. 14, 2016: Eastern Washington Eagles (0-0) at Baylor Bears (0-0)

Baylor had a 20-11 record last season and made it to the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament. My scouting of their team focused on the 3 players who started for them last season: SG Chris Wooley is back and scored 17.6 ppg last year; PF Mike Reeves will start for his 3rd straight season and while he hasn’t been a dominant scorer, he has been a strong rebounder; and Eric Lynch also has started for 2 years and last year averaged 9.8 ppg and 5.5 rpg. 

Chris Goode was called for 2 fouls in the first 49 seconds of play. Baylor’s C Eric Lynch scored 6 points in the first 3 minutes as Baylor took an 8-2 lead. SF Tim Whitaker followed him to the bench with 2 fouls at the 13:36 mark and Tim Dove then picked up his 2nd foul with 11:54 left in the half. At that point the refs has called 8 fouls against us while only whistling the Bears twice and we trailed 16-4. Reserve SF Derrick Reyes scored 11 quick points to cut the Bears’ lead to 20-19 with 7 minutes left. Then Will Davis was fouled on a 14 foot jumper that went through the hoop. He made the free throw to give us our first lead of the game at 22-20. We then took the vocal Bears’ crowd out of the game and went on to pull away to a 37-26 advantage at the break as our defense sparkled (holding Baylor’s shooting to 33% and forcing 10 turnovers). Derrick Reyes 11 points led our scoring while Baylor’s Ervin Lynch had 10 points. Five of our players (including 4 of our starters) had 2 fouls against them.

Early in the 2nd half, Goode and Whitaker picked up their 3rd fouls. Midway through the 2nd half, we had pulled away to a 59-41 lead. We extended our lead to as much as 25 points before Baylor hit some late 3’s to narrow the final difference.

We hit 54% of our shots compared to just 43% for Baylor. We held a 30-25 rebounding advantage and a 17-10 turnover advantage. We got contributions from every player on our bench. After a slow start our team played a helluva game, both defensively and offensively. A great opening win for us on the road against a good team.

Final Score: Eastern Washington (1-0)—78, Baylor—61.

Leading players for Eastern Washington: SF Derrick Reyes-13 pts, 2 assists, 2 reb, 1 steal; PG Will Davis-12 pts, 2 reb; PF Donte Robinson-8 pts, 2 assists, 6 reb, 2 steal, 2 blocks; SG Shawn Jackson-9 pts, 1 assist, 1 reb, 1 steal; PG Darryl Bailey-8 pts, 5 assists, 2 reb, 3 steals. 

Player of the Game: SF Derrick Reyes-13 pts, 2 assists, 2 reb, 1 steal.

For Baylor: SF Julius Younger-15 pts, 2 assists, 5 reb, 1 steal; C Ervin Lynch-13 pts, 3 assists, 5 reb, 2 steals.

[PointGuard 70]

Ryan Vaughan and Jerry Broadstone, KSPK play-by-play excerpts

 

Game #2, Nov. 17, 2016: Eastern Washington Eagles (1-0) at Fresno State Bulldogs (1-0)

Welcome, Eagles fans to KSPK’s broadcast of EWU’s game against Fresno State. In their home opener Fresno State whipped Central Michigan 61-46. Center Ashley Sanchez has been the rock in the middle of their lineup the past 3 years. This year it appears the Bulldogs pulled off a steal when they recruited lowly-rated PG Rodney Yeagle, who has shown outstanding skills since arriving at Fresno and should be a dynamic outside presence for the Bulldogs with the ability to run their offense effectively.
*****
The Save Mart Center crowd started out rockin’ tonight, but Eastern Washington has quieted them by taking a 7-2 lead. 
*****
Colin Goode picks up his 2nd foul and we’ve played less than 3 minutes of the game. For the second straight game he heads to bench very early.
*****
Cory Davis steals the pass and makes a quick outlet pass to Will Davis who flies downcourt for an easy layup and the Eagles take a 24-13 lead with just over 8 minutes left in the first half. 
*****
The Bulldogs hit another shot. They’ve scored 13 consecutive points and have taken their first lead of the game at 28-26 with 3 minutes to go until the halftime break.
*****
That’s the 3rd straight steal and driving score by the Eagles. They’ve scored 8 points in 47 seconds and lead 34-28.
*****
The buzzer sounds and Eastern Washington leaves the court with a 38-32 lead. Both teams shot well but the Eagles controlled the boards 12-9 and had 2 fewer turnovers, scoring 14 points on fast breaks. SF Tim Whitaker was EWU’s leading scorer with 11 points.
*****
Whitaker drives toward the key, pulls up and puts up a shot. The shot didn’t fall but he was fouled and will go to the line for 2 free throws. He calmly drops in both shots and expands Eastern Washington’s lead to 51-35 with 15-1/2 minutes left to play. That’s 17 points for Tim Whitaker!
*****
Colin Goode has just been called for his 5th personal while playing just 7 minutes in the game!
*****
Tim Whitaker hits another jumper, his 21st point of the night, to make it 71-46 with 3 minutes to go.
*****
That’s it folk. Chalk up another win for Eastern Washington. A strong offensive effort throughout the game and defensive dominance in the 2nd half. Not only that but EWU controlled the boards to the tune of 26-19 and forced 21 turnovers by the Bulldogs while making just 12 themselves.
*****
Post-game interview by Jerry Broadstone as Coach Bret Vandergard is leaving the court:
JB: Coach, your impressions of the game?
BV: Jerry, other than a short period in the middle stages of the 1st half, I was extremely pleased by how the guys played tonight, particularly our defense.
JB: Yes, forcing 21 turnovers was quite impressive.
BV: Not only that, but we converted many of those turnovers into points. We also shut down their shooting in the 2nd half.
JB: Some good individual performances as well, right?
BV: Yes, 3 of our starters, Tim Whitaker, Shawn Jackson, and Cory Davis has particularly strong games and I liked what Donte Robinson, Greg Cleaves and Will Davis did coming in off the bench.
JB: What about Colin Goode, Coach? He’s continuing to get into quick foul trouble.
BV: It’s bothersome. But he was guarding Ashley Sanchez and Sanchez is very good at drawing fouls. I thought a couple of the calls were questionable, but Colin was out of position too much and fouled trying to recover. We’re going to work on that. We need Colin on the court.
JB: Congratulations on the win, Coach.
BV: Thanks, Jerry. It’s always nice to pick up two straight wins on the road.
*****
Final Score: Eastern Washington (2-0)—77, Fresno State-54.

Leading Players for Eastern Washington: SF Tim Whitaker-21 pts, 3 assists, 3 reb; SG Shawn Jackson-13 pts, 2 assists, 3 reb, 5 steals; C Cory Davis-12 pts, 3 assists, 3 reb, 2 steals, 1 block; PF Donte Robinson-7 pts, 2 assists, 6 reb, 2 steals, 2 blocks; PF Greg Cleaves-7 pts, 1 assist, 3 steals, 1 steal.

Player of the Game: SF Tim Whitaker-21 pts, 3 assists, 3 reb.

[PointGuard 70]

Bud Springfield, Eagles’ Wings Fan Club President, owns Springfield Ford dealership

 

Game #3, Nov. 21, 2016: Bradley Braves (1-0) at Eastern Washington Eagles (2-0)

Following two solid wins on the road, fan interest in the Eagles has risen. There’s a very good crowd at tonight’s game, including a very nice turnout by members of the Eagles’ Fan Club.

After falling behind in the first few minutes of the game, the Eagles took charge. By the 11:49 mark, EWU was head 17-7. The Eagles’ offense clicked throughout the first half and they led 44-30 at the half. Colin Goode scored 10 and Cory Davis added 9. PG Shomari Reed hit for 11 for Bradley.
With 10-1/2 minutes left in the game, Donte Robinson scored on a short jumper to open a 59-39 lead. The Eagles were never challenged and won their 3rd straight game to open their season.

EWU hit 52% of their FG attempts compared to Bradley’s shooting of 38%, they out-rebounded the Braves 36-29, and turned the ball over just 11 times compared to Bradley’s 13 turnovers. The Eagles scored 40 points in the paint.

The team looked good and members of the Eagles' Wings Fan Club are excited about this season.

Final Score: Eastern Washington (3-0)—78, Bradley-58.

Leading players for Eastern Washington: C Colin Goode-14 pts, 1 assist, 7 reb, 2 steals; PF Cory Davis-11 pts, 1 assist, 9 reb, 2 steals, 1 block; SG Will Davis-10 pts, 2 assists, 3 reb, 2 steals; SF Tim Whitaker-8 pts, 2 assists, 5 reb, 1 steal, 1 block; PF Donte Robinson-8 pts, 2 reb.

Player of the Game: C Colin Goode-14 pts, 1 assist, 7 reb, 2 steals.

For Bradley: PG Shomari Reed-17 pts, 3 assists, 3 reb.

[PointGuard 70]

Somewhere in Spokane

 

She doesn't remember how she got here. She's not even sure where here is. There's a nasty looking knife in her hand. She doesn't know where that came from either and drops it in the gutter. A policeman sees her stumbling around in the rain, and pulls over to ask if she is all right. She doesn't know what to say, and is unable to answer him when he asks him her name. When he suggests that she could come with him, she doesn't argue. The officer notices the knife lying in the gutter and places it in an evidence bag. At the precinct HQ she is unable to answer any of their confusing questions, and eventually they decide she should be taken to the hospital for psychiatric evaluation.

 

[Copied from post by CoachC in Wolverine Studios Forums]

[PointGuard 70]

Meaghan Kriley, KSPK TV investigative reporter

 

Game #4, Nov. 26, 2016: Florida State Seminoles (1-1) at Eastern Washington Eagles (3-0) 

I’ve been uncomfortable coming over to Cheney and the Eastern Washington campus, but Bret seemed to really want me to come to tonight’s home game since after this game, the team goes on the road for 4 straight games. But with Nancy Parker, the Athletic Department secretary, and Tommy, Bret’s young nephew still missing and me just continually running into dead ends as I try to get to the bottom of this, I don’t like showing up with no new information. At least Annika, Tommy’s mother, and Swede Olaffson, Nancy’s boss, aren’t here tonight, so I won’t have to explain that I’ve got nothing new for them.

Bret says Florida State could present his team with some problems since they employ a good 2-3 zone.

The Eagles held a small lead throughout most of the first half, but Florida State hung close. The Seminoles then scored the final 10 points of the half so that EWU trailed 42-35 at halftime. Florida State held a 20-11 rebounding advantage and outshot the Eagles 56% to 41%. Anthony Alston came off the bench to lead the Eagles’ scoring with 8 points.

After falling behind by 11 points, the Eagles tightened their defense and made a gradual comeback to take a one point lead with 7-1/2 minutes to play. With 1-1/2 minutes to play the game was tied 63-63. Florida State hit a 3 with 1:10 to go. EWU missed a 3 and then fouled with 24 seconds on the clock. The Seminoles dropped in both shots to take a 68-63 lead. EWU couldn’t get off a 3 point shot. Florida State then fouled, but Tim Whitaker missed both shots.

Bret will be upset that his team could only manage to connect on 37% of their shots plus was out-rebounded 38-32. Throughout the 2nd half he was riding the refs who sent the Seminoles to the line 11 more times where they scored 9 more points than the Eagles, which was more than enough to be the difference in the game. Bret was jawing at the refs even as they left the court after the game. i hope he doesn't get a fine or other censure for that.

Right after the game, the TV station notifies me that the police have an unusual situation going on after picking up an unidentified woman. I immediately leave Reese Court to check on it.

Final Score: Florida State—68, Eastern Washington (3-1)—63.

Leading players for Eastern Washington: PG Tim Dove-11 pts, 4 assists; SF Tim Whitaker-10 pts, 3 assists, 7 reb, 1 steal; SF Derrick Reyes-10 pts, 1 assist, 3 reb, 2 steals; SF Anthony Alston-8 pts, 1 reb; SG Shawn Jackson-8 pts, 1 steal; C Colin Goode-7 pts, 5 assists, 3 reb, 4 steals.

Player of the Game: Florida State’s C Josh Ray-14 pts, 1 assist, 7 reb, 1 steal, 2 blocks.

[PointGuard 70]

Potato-Pickin’-Paul, “Eagle Flight” blog

 

November 27, 2016 blog entry:

The Eagles looked to be high flying in their first 3 games this season, but their wings were clipped against Florida State…and at home no less! They were unable to successfully break the Seminoles’ 2-3 zone defense. And now they begin a 4-game road stretch that will take them to Alabama, California, Ohio, and North Carolina in the next two weeks. This definitely will test whether the Eagles are ready to soar this season. Will they be road warriors or road kill?

For the Eagles: After 3 sub-par games in a row, PG Tim Dove finally broke out of his slump against Florida State. Shawn Jackson, Will Davis and freshman Anthony Alston have played well at the 2 position. Tim Whitaker has produced at the 3 and Derrick Reyes has come off the bench to provide some instant offense. Cory Davis has started at the 4 but also has played significant minutes at the 5. Donte Robinson has played extensively at the 4, scoring adequately and rebounded strongly. After playing a total of 15 minutes (and scoring just 6 points and grabbing just 3 rebounds) in the first two games this season due to foul trouble, Colin Goode has played 54 minutes in the two most recent games, scoring 21 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. Freshman Nate Dye has filled in adequately at the 5 when Goode has been on the bench and Cory Davis has not moved to the 5.

November 28, 2016 blog entry:

Game #5, Nov. 28, 2016: Eastern Washington Eagles (3-1) at Auburn Tigers (4-0)

Auburn will be the Eagles first test during their 4-game road test and is unbeaten, but the Tigers haven’t played a tough schedule thus far. The Tigers have 3 players scoring in double figures, though, so defensing them will be a big challenge. Freshman SG Trent Jackson was the 44th highest rated recruit last year with high skill levels across the board. While he has yet to break loose for a big game, he definitely has the talent to do so. 
Even though EWU played strongly in their first 2 road games this season, Auburn is a big step up on the level of competition.

After trailing 4-0, the Eagles Colin Goode and Cory Davis scored 7 unanswered points. The Tigers scored the next 6 points, and then Tim Dove scored 5 straight points to put EWU on top 12-10 with 14 minutes to play in the first half. There were 13 lead changes and 5 ties in the first half. The score at halftime was Auburn-31, EWU-30. The Eagles’ scoring was led by Tim Dove’s 9 points. Reserve SG Dee Thelmon poured in 11 points for Auburn.

Auburn came out on fire in the 2nd half and took a 39-32 lead with 17 minutes left in the game. The Eagles kept chipping away at the lead, continually cutting it to 2-3 points only to see it balloon back up repeatedly to 5-8 points. 

With 2:16 remaining, EWU trailed 65-59. On Auburn’s next two possessions, the Eagles stole the ball and scored on breakaway dunks, cutting the lead to 2 points with 1-1/2 minutes to go. Auburn used the clock up and hit a jumper with a minute to go to go back on top by 4. 

The Eagles missed 3 shots on their next possession before Colin Goode put back up a rebound to cut the Tigers lead to 67-65 with 32 seconds left. EWU fouled the Tigers center, Starzee Broadnax with 21 seconds to go, but that was the 5th foul on Colin Goode. A poor foul shooter, Broadnax spanked the Eagles by dropping in both shots. Coach Vandergard called a time out to set up a 3 point shot. But Tim Dove was hounded outside, so drove in and was fouled on his 6 foot jumper than rimmed out. Both of Dove’s foul shots dropped cleanly through the net to again get the Eagles within 2 with just 13 seconds remaining. 

Shawn Jackson fouled immediately after the inbounds pass sending Trent Jackson to the line with 11 seconds to go. Jackson missed the first free throw but hit the 2nd. Another time out was taken to set up a final 3 point attempt to tie the game. Tim Dove got free for a 25 footer but the shot hit the back of the rim and Auburn rebounded.

EWU controlled the boards 30-24 and hit 49% of their shots compared to 45% by Auburn. But the difference again came down to free throws. Auburn got 13 more chances at the line and made 10 more points than the Eagles.

Final Score: Auburn-70, Eastern Washington (3-2)—67.

Leading players for Eastern Washington: PG Tim Dove-15 pts, 4 assists, 4 reb, 1 steal, 1 block; SF Tim Whitaker-14 pts, 2 assists, 2 reb; PF Cory Davis-12 pts, 1 assist, 8 reb, 1 steal, 1 block; C Colin Goode-11 pts, 1 assist, 6 reb, 1 steal, 1 block.

Player of the Game: Auburn’s C Starzee Broadnax-9 pts, 5 assists, 7 reb, 4 steals.

[PointGuard 70]

Austin Nathaniel, 1st Asst Coach

 

Whoa! Coach V is usually on such an even keel. But following tonight’s game we coaches got together and he railed on and on about the refs, foul calls, and how we are getting jobbed by the refs. Both of our losses have come at the hands of the zebras as they put our opponents on the line so much more than us. We’ve scored more points from the field in both losses only to be (as Coach V so subtlely phrased it) “screwed by the f(_)’ng officials”.

As the fouls continued to pile up during tonight’s game, Coach V got more and more incensed and rode the refs harder and harder. He must have known just how far he could go, though, since they didn’t call a T on him. We DID have to step between him and the refs a few times.

But the bottom line, I guess, is that we are going to have to work with the players in practice on how to defend and rebound as aggressively as we’re asking them to do but avoid the unnecessary touches that seem to be getting the attention of the refs.

[PointGuard 70]

The criteria needed to officiate a basketball game at any level, anywhere in the world:

Potential referees are given both an I. Q. test and a vision test. If they fail both, they get to be refs.

 

[Copied from post by Wayne23 in the Wolverine Studios forum]

[PointGuard 70]

The criteria needed to officiate a basketball game at any level, anywhere in the world:

 

Potential referees are given both an I. Q. test and a vision test. If they fail both, they get to be refs.

 

[Copied from post by Wayne23 in the Wolverine Studios forum]

 

LoL  

[PointGuard 70]

Spokane Police Precinct 12

 

Meaghan learns that the young woman the police brought in was totally confused and unable to answer any questions. She also had no ID and was not a match for any missing person reports they had received recently. She was eventually take to the emergency room of Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.

 

[Copied from post by CoachC in Wolverine Studios forum]

[PointGuard 70]

Sacred Heart Medical Center, Spokane Washington

 

Admittance Desk in the ER:

MK: I'd like to ask about a Jane Doe brought here earlier by the Spokane PD
Nurse: I see. Are you a relative?
MK: She had no identity and know idea who she was! How could anyone claim to be a relative?
Nurse: I see. So you are a friend then. Sign in here.
MK: Dammmit, I'm a reporter. I'm just here to inquire about the Jane Doe brought in by Spokane PD a few hours ago.
Nurse: I see. Patient's name?
MK: Um....Jane Doe?
Nurse: I see no Jane Doe being registered here. Perhaps you should check with County General.
MK: NO! I was specifically told that she was brought HERE!
Nurse: I see. Patient's name, please.
MK: Jane Doe!
Nurse: I have no Jane Doe shown as being admitted. Perhaps you have the name wrong. I do see a Doe Jane admitted several hours ago.
MK: That's her!!
Nurse: I see. Are you a relative?
MK: Yeah sure! I"m her sister. Can I see her now?
Nurse: No.
MK: Why the hell not?
Nurse: She is no longer here.
MK: You let here walk out of here AMA????????
Nurse: Of course not. We adhere to the highest level of integrity.
MK: So where is she?
Nurse: Are you a relative?
MK: Yes, I'm her mother!
Nurse: She was transferred to another facility
MK: Which one?

 

[Copied from post by CoachC in Wolverine Studios forum]
Nurse: I can only give that information to the next of kin.

[PointGuard 70]

Eastern State Hospital, Medical Lake, WA

 

Despite her frustratrion, Meaghan quickly realizes that there is only one place the woman could have been transferred to. The state hospital, just 5 miles nw of Cheney.

She manages to get as far as the common area in front of the registration desk when she is rendered speechless.

Dawes Johnson is prancing around in his underwear singing songs from "My Fair Lady"

 

[Copied from post by CoachC in Wolverine Studios forum]

[PointGuard 70]

Eastern State Hospital, Medical Lake, WA (continued)

 

As Meaghan Kriley recovers from her initial shock, she harkens back to her high school days when she performed in all the school musicals...and she realizes this may be a golden opportunity. 

Thus far Dawes Johnson has provided no information to Alec Johannsen, police, the district attorney, or the media. This might be a situation of “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”. She smiles at Dawes, and joins with him in the singing of “Get Me to the Church in Time”, “I Could Have Danced All Night”, “I’ve Grown Accustomed to His Face”, “On the Street Where You Live”, “The Rain in Spain”, “Why Can’t the English?”, “With a Little Bit of Luck”, and “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly”. As they sing duet after duet, Dawes smiles and becomes more animated and seems to think of her as a friend, a compadre, a comrade in arms.

While singing with Dawes, she thinks to herself “with a little bit of luck, wouldn’t it be loverly if Dawes Johnson opens up to me about what he’s done, who he’s done it for, and what all he knows about what’s gone on in Cheney.”

[PointGuard 70]

Eastern State Hospital, Medical Lake, WA

 

DJ: *clapping* I'm so very proud of you, Eliza! You've come a long long way!
MK: Um...thank you Professor!
DJ: Please, my dear, call me Rex!
MK: Um, ok, Rex. I used to be so secretly shy, you have taught me well.
DJ: Tut tut, my dear, we all have secrets. Would you like to hear one of mine?
MK: Oh, yes, I would be honored!
DJ: *leans close and whispers" We are being watched. The guy in the corner in the white coat.
MK: "says nothing than steals a glance toward the corner"
DJ: *quicly grabs Meaghan's face and turns it back towards him" Repeat after me, Eliza, "The rain in Spain goes mainly down the drain"
MK: (repeats)
DJ: (hugs her close and whispers in her ear) 
I know who you are. I didn't do it."
DJ: (pushing her away) That's enough practice for the day. I'm exhausted. Plus you smell funny! (Prances to the exit going to the living quarters)

Meaghan isn't sure what to make of things, but just in case manages to take a quick photo of the orderly in the corner. She's pretty sure no one sees her.

 

[Copied from post by CoachC in the Wolverine Studios forums

[PointGuard 70]

Delvon Washington, 3rd asst coach

 

Eastern Washington University has never gone after international players before, but earlier this week Coach V had me check out the remaining international players who have not yet committed to other programs. It’s a big list, but we narrowed our focus to 3 players, a PG from Slovenia and 2 PF’s, one from England and the other from Germany. 

We probably aren’t going to spend much money on this other than a few international phone calls and spending a few bucks on coming up with some game films at this point. But if any of them show interest and we have money this coming spring we will more actively recruit them.

[PointGuard 70]

Austin Nathaniel, 1st Asst Coach

 

Game #6, Dec. 1, 2016: Eastern Washington Eagles (3-2) at USC Trojans (1-3)

Following two straight losses, Coach Vandergard decided to shake things up a little. Tonight Derrick Reyes will start at the 3 instead of Tim Whitaker. Even though Whitaker is our leading scorer (11.6 ppg), his shooting percentage is low. Reyes has subbed and hit a high percentage while giving us some quick scoring punch.

On our first possession, Derrick Reyes canned a 3 pointer. With 12-1/2 minutes to go in the first half we led 18-7 as we unleashed a withering defense. But at that point our defense broke down and the Trojans got back into the game. We left the court at the half trailing 39-38. Tim Whitaker responded to being benched, but coming in to score 13 points in the half.

USC opened a 7 point lead early in the 2nd half, but we stormed back to tie the game then take a 12 point lead with a 5 minutes left in the game. Our defense during the final 15 minutes simply shut down the Trojans and cut their shooting from 55% in the first half to 25% in the 2nd half (39% for the entire game).

Final Score: Eastern Washington (4-2)—71, USC—55.

Leading players for Eastern Washington: SF Tim Whitaker-20 pts, 1 assist, 3 reb; C Colin Goode-13 pts, 3 reb; SG Shawn Jackson-10 pts, 1 assist, 3 reb, 1 steal; SF Derrick Reyes-10 pts, 2 reb, 1 steal; PG Darryl Bailey-9 pts, 6 assists, 2 reb.

Player of the Game: SF Tim Whitaker-20 pts, 1 assist, 3 reb.

For USC: C O.J. Forrest-13 pts, 1 assist, 7 reb, 1 steal.