The following instant messaging was copied from a conversation last week on the Dakota State University campus.  The statements and display pictures are true, only the names have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the senders.
 

"Lil T" says:
Hey, what’s going on? 
 

Noah says:
Not much.  Just thinking about the Lady T’s basketball team. 

"Lil T" says:
What are you hearing about them this year?

Trot - the Horse Guy says:
I hear they are young.  One senior – point guard named Amber Malvin.  She’s from Alexandria, MN.   Good ballhandler, can shoot the 3 or take it to the hole.  Got game.

"Lil T" says:
Really.  What else?
 

 
Trot - the Horse Guy says:
Got a junior post returning and a JUCO transfer at the shooting guard spot.  Sara Nelson is a 6-2 post that runs, jumps, got good quicks.  Been a frequent starter since her freshman year.  The new girl is Angie Gottsleben.  Transferred from Iowa Lakes CC.  Played high school ball at Brandon, SD.  Can shoot the three, plays hard.  Will compete for some PT.

 "Lil T" says:
So where’s the kids?  You said they’ve got some diaper dandies? 
 

Noah says:
  The sophomore class got a lot of playing time last year and did a pretty good job.  The leading scorer last year was Angela Carr, the point guard.  She’s got some serious range and can take it to the hole.  The other guard is Jill Hansen.  She was injured early in the season but came on strong at the end and helped them make a run in the playoffs.  She’s a shooter but can also put it on the floor.  The wing player is Jess VanLoy.  She was rolling last year until she tore her ACL.  Led the team in assists and steals.  Made things happen on the fast break. 

Trot - the Horse Guy says:
Hey, don't forget the trees.  Maria Gengler started off real strong and was the leading scorer for the first two-thirds of the season until a virus knocked her out for about a month.  She also led the league in shot-blocking.  Her and Laura Tewes got arms about 18’ long.  Tewes is a 6-1 forward that is an athlete.  Can jump, run, got quicks.  Total package.  The last post is Stacy Dunklau.  She’s about 6-2 and can play with power.  Great rebounder.  Plays volleyball in the fall but made an impact on the boards and at the defensive end once she got in back to roundball full-time.   

Noah says:
All of these sophs started games last year so they got plenty of experience.   Plus, backing these ladies up was Steph Kaup at point guard.  Real quick, great first step.  She plays hard and gets after it.  Another versatile guard for them is Laken Nedved from Wagner, SD.  She can play either the point or shooting guard position and has some serious range. 

 "Lil T" says:
Did they sign any freshmen? 

 


Noah says:
Yea, they got seven.  At the guards, they signed Tricia Boldt from Arlington.  She is a power player that runs hard and is tough in the open court.  On the wing, they added Ashley Herman from Wheatland, WY.  She had knee surgery last spring but can hit the 15’ J.  Lindsey Wingen will join the team in December.  She’s a great athlete that can run and jump.  Will help their fastbreak. 

Trot - the Horse Guy says:
In the post, they signed Casey Simpson from Madison and Heidi Walkling from Crookston, NE.  Casey is a slippery scorer that can put it on the floor and score with either hand.  Heidi is a shooter.  She can hit the 16’ jumper anywhere, anytime.  In the post, they picked up 6-2 Michelle Pollman from Bridgewater.  Long arms, shot blocker.  She’ll learn from some very good posts and has potential to help them defensively.  Ashley Van Sambeek from Elkton is redshirting this season but will give them some power in the post next year.

 "Lil T" says:
So, can this team win the Dakota Athletic Conference?

Trot - the Horse Guy says:
It will be a challenge.  Jamestown has everyone back plus one of the best players in the conference.  Minot added some size to their young backcourt.  Black Hills had a young team last year that finished third.  And, most of the other teams in the league are tough to beat at home.  The leagues got talent and some coaches that flat out can coach.  May be the most balanced league in awhile.

"Lil T" says:
But, can this team put up another championship banner?

 Noah says:
Yes, but they’ll have to stay healthy.  Last year they were 7-3 in the league (2^nd place at the time) when they had some injuries and illnesses.  They will also have to mature as a team.  They are still pretty young but if they continue to grow together and stay committed to improving, they have a shot at it all. 

"Lil T" says:
Thanks for the info.  I might have to come and watch them play.

Trot - the Horse Guy says:
It’ll be worth the time.  They’ve got a shot at making it back to the National Tournament for the fourth time in seven years.  Plus, they’ve always been strong at tournament time – got within five points of making it to the "Big Dance" last year.  And, the rest of the league is loaded with talent so all the games will be great to watch.

 "Lil T" says:
Thanks.  Catch you in the “Blue Crew” section.

Trot - the Horse Guy and Noah says:
We’re already members.  See you in the Fieldhouse.

  "Lil T" says:
 Later  
                    

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