2005-06 Season Preview
By Justin LongoriaFor Alma College Sport Marketing
2005-06 Schedule
2005-06 Roster
2004-05 Statistics
After a 2004-05 season in which the Scots finished 13-11 (7-9 MIAA), good for a fourth place finish in the conference, they look to challenge some of the top teams in the league – and for that matter, the country – when they take to the court later this month. The Scots look to build this season’s team with the help of senior leadership, good team chemistry and tough all-around defense.
“We have a fairly veteran team,” head Coach Charlie Goffnett said. “When you’re building a team you like to have guards who have been there before.”
The Scots will be led by senior guards Ashley Borcherding (Millington) and Katey Peacock (Gowen/Greenville) who will have a solid supporting cast of returners and newcomers.
“We expect big years out of those two (Peacock and Borcherding), they are quick players and both of them can score,” Ron Mott, assistant coach said. “For us to have a good year, it’s important they have a good year too.”
Included in the supporting cast is Erica Philp (Ubly), who was a second team All-MIAA center a year ago. Erica’s sister, Darcie Philp (Ubly), also returns after transferring from Ferris State midway through the 2004-05 season. With both sisters standing above the 6-0 mark, it gives each athlete a tough match-up in practice in preparation for the season.
Peacock was a first team All-MIAA selection last season and brings a variety of skills to the court. Last year she led the league in steals (2.43 per game) and was third in points averaging over 15 per game and is also the reigning MIAA scoring leader. Add a good three-point shooter and passer in Borcherding to the backcourt and you have one of the best duos in the conference.
With two veteran guards in the backcourt who both exude confidence in one another, fans of the women’s basketball team have a reason to be excited about this year’s squad.
The Scots plan to run an up-tempo offense and run the floor as much as possible by grabbing defensive rebounds to start the fast break.
Goffnett believes his team can make this game plan work as long as they control the glass. A high-low post game, combined with the post play of the Philp sisters will add to the mix.
However, when teams like to run the court, a deep bench can help and could pose a problem for Alma.
“Our question mark is our depth, we absolutely must find solid help off the bench,” said Goffnett.
This is due in large part to the loss of Michelle Dettling, Rondi Lounds and Mindy VanDamme to graduation. Dettling started all 23 games and was a solid scorer for the Scots, averaging 8.5 points per game. Lounds played in all games, starting 21 and controlling the floor at the guard position. Van Damme also saw action in all the Scots' games last season and played nearly 20 minutes per game. Replacing that trio of seniors will no doubt be a difficult task. As a result, two freshman guards will be vying for playing time and experience as the season progresses.
Abby Way (Fowlerville) is a sophomore who will be competing at point guard and will be vital to the team’s challenge when it comes to depth. She played in 21 games last season and averaged over 10 minutes of playing time as a freshman. Classmate Ashley Matuzak (Saginaw/Nouvel Catholic) returns, having played in all 23 games a year ago - starting eight. Matuzak shot .433 from the field and led the team in three-point field goal percentage, shooting .444 (16-of-36). This season, she will be one of the Scots' most well-rounded scoring assets. Another sophomore, Ashley Wojtas (Kent City) moves to the varsity after spending the 2004-05 season gaining valuable experience at the junior varsity level.
Alma also needs to find some depth at the post position and Goffnett looks to Emily Niemi (Skandia/Gwinn) and Kathy Hammerschmidt (Plymouth/Salem) with the season now just weeks away.
Another hindrance to the Scots is the busy lives of some of the players. Erica Philp plays volleyball, in which the season could last into late November. In addition, Peacock and Borcherding are education majors and completing their student-teaching requirements this semester.
The main obstacles standing in the way of the Scots as they compete for a conference championship are Calvin, Hope and Albion. Albion and Hope finished with identical 14-2 MIAA records last season and Calvin and Albion both advanced to the NCAA Tournament. The reason only one team advanced to the second round of sectionals was because the conference rivals faced in the first round sectional. Alma can compete with these teams for a conference championship this year by following its game plan and ensuring the schedule works to its advantage.
“It depends on how well we play on the road,” stated Goffnett. “We need to win at home and split the road games, and we will have a good season. Last year, we didn’t do a very good job of taking care of home.”
Another important aspect to having a good team is how well the defense plays and limiting opposing teams to one shot.
“We need good team defense, pressure on the ball, minimize second shots, block out, get rebounds and draw fouls,” Goffnett said.
Goffnett will be assisted by Ellen Curtis, a 1999 graduate of the College and a former All-American for the Scots. Also assisting is Ron Mott, in his second season with the Scots.
The team opens the season Nov. 19-20 at the Nan Nichols Tournament in Wooster, Ohio, and begin MIAA league play on Nov. 29 against Calvin at home. They continue tournament action at the Bethany Classic in Bethany, W. Va., and travel to Aquinas on Dec. 7 before returning home for the Alma Classic Dec. 16-17.
Posted: Thu, November 3rd, 2005 at 10:57AM
