Gotnext Women's Basketball Boards

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1049 Location: Phoenix AZ

Let's put all ASU posts here so we're not so scattered all over the board?

When the Sun Devil women’s basketball team returns to the court this Wednesday night to open their 2004-2005 campaign, they’ll be bringing something to the table that they have not had in three years: experience.

Returning all five starters to her squad and 11 letter winners in all, head coach Charli Turner Thorne knows that her two years of rebuilding are over and is looking for the Devils to return to the promise land of the NCAA Tournament. While this Devils team currently holds the school record with consecutive post-season trips with five, ASU has not been selected to the field of 64 since 2002, when it made back-to-back trips, winning the Pac-10 title in 2001 and the Pac-10 Tournament in 2002. And with the Sweet 16 to be held at Wells Fargo Arena this March, the Sun Devils have extra incentive this year.

“Because of the injuries we've had over the last couple of years, we've had young players who have played in a lot of games and been in pressure situations that many players don't face until they are upperclassmen. I've always said that is going to be for the betterment of our players' careers and Arizona State women's basketball, and I think we are going to see the fruits of that this year,” said Turner Thorne. “We have a core group of four seniors that is going to lead us through a challenging but very exciting season. All of our veterans know what it takes to win at the highest level. It's going to be fun to have that kind of experience on the floor this year.”

For the Sun Devils, who had one senior on the roster in the past two seasons, veteran leadership is a welcome addition. In the frontcourt, the Sun Devils have three juniors returning that have benefited tremendously from their playing time the last three seasons. Kristin Kovesdy, Amy Denson, and Jenny Thigpin provide a three-pronged post threat for opposing defenses to counter.

At 6-3, Kovesdy provides a stunning combination of strength and size, helping her to earn All-Pac-10 honorable mention in both of her first two years at Arizona State. Last year, Kovesdy finished second in the league in shooting percentage, sinking her baskets at a 55.7 percent clip.

Denson returns as the team’s leading rebounder, averaging 4.7 per game last year en route to earning Charli Turner Thorne’s Coach’s Award last season. With 49 starts to her credit, Denson provides Thorne with a perfect compliment to Kovesdy.

Showing her capabilities with an 18-point performance during ASU’s upset of seventh-ranked Stanford last year, Jenny Thigpin provides a menacing presence in the middle for the Sun Devils. Named the Most Improved Player from last year’s squad, Thigpin led the team in scoring on three occasions and has a career shooting percentage above 50 percent.

In the backcourt, the Devils have three players whose contributions this year will be invaluable to the success of the club. Kylan Loney and Betsy Boardman comprise the senior starters at the guard position for the Sun Devils.

Loney, who has started all 93 games of her career as a Sun Devil, was named to the All-Pac-10 first team last season after leading the team in three offensive categories. The team’s floor general at the point guard position, Loney ranks in the top 10 for career assists at Arizona State and is looking to move up that list with another solid year.

Boardman, who returned to the court last year after missing the entire 2002 season with a knee injury, led the team in scoring with 10.6 points last year, leaving her just 14 points shy of the 1,000-point plateau for her career. Already ranked in the top ten of four different career offensive categories at ASU, Boardman, who earned her bachelor’s degree in communications last year, returns not only a three-point threat, but solid leadership for the Sun Devils, serving her second term as a team captain.

"At Arizona State, we are certainly excited to be a veteran team again. After going through back-to-back young and injury-affected years, it's going to be great to have a veteran, mature team with more than one senior," added Thorne. “I feel like we've grown in a lot of ways and are certainly ready to be one of the best teams in the Pac-10 Conference and therefore the nation."

mranderso

I have two extra tickets to the Wed Nov 3 ASU Women Basketball
game. Third row behind visitor bench. Claim them and they're yours
for free.

mra@abac.com

mb · Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 12:58 pm Post subject:

p.o.t.d. and mr anderso,

Please phone me so we can arrange ticket distribution (I have your season tkts and work until 5:30).

mranderso · Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 5:57 pm Post subject:

All of Arizona State's games will be broadcast on NBC 1190 AM with 28-year Valley broadcaster Jeff Munn (play-by-play) and Phoenix Mercury general manager Seth Sulka (color) calling the action.

mranderso · Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 4:32 pm Post subject:

Arizona State (7-1), which has lost only to LSU, made the Top 25 for the first time since the 2001-02 season. The Sun Devils were ranked for three weeks that season, the last time on Jan. 14.

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1049 Location: Phoenix AZ

mra - thanks for watching out for us! :D
if ASU keeps it up (& I see no reason why not!) we're going to watch them at regionals in Tempe come March!

BBallFan729 · Joined: 15 Apr 2004 Posts: 461 Location: Manchester, CT

A win against UConn would look very impressive to the selection committee. Beating Georgia @ Georgia was pretty darn impressive by itself.

BlznTr33s · Joined: 05 May 2004 Posts: 128 Location: Phoenix, AZ

Now I'm really looking forward to catching the game on Tuesday. I'm hoping to get to see all of you again there :D

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1049 Location: Phoenix AZ

Brigade and other friends will be at the ASU vs UConn game
looking forward to seeing you too BlznTr33s :D

mranderso · Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2004 3:33 pm Post subject:

45 Arizona State
61 New Mexico
Final :(

mb · Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2004 9:38 am Post subject:

The Lady Devils ran into a team that played defense and were not hitting their shots. Loney went 0-7, Westerberg 2-10, and Kovesdy 4-13; the team shooting 29.5 perecnt.

ASU forced NM into 24 turnovers, yet missed 22 shots in the paint.

Hope the big crowd Tuesday sees a different ASU team.

mranderso, please e-mail or phone mb.

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1049 Location: Phoenix AZ

I bet Charlie tore into those girls real good - or should I say bad? :evil:
Everyone has an off game on occasion, but all shooters at the same time?
Seems no one stepped it up. Methinks they were due for a loss. Probably went into it too confident & underestimated NM. Too bad it was a non ranked team. Took ASU right out of the top 25. I for one am glad it's over with. Now they'll get back to business & play hard for the UConn game tomorrow.

UConn game is probably sold out. Some may want to carpool & hope for decent parking w/o ending up in the toolies.

I've read that several of the Nike High School Tournament teams plan to attend.

Diana was the keynote speaker for their big dinner last night.

Mercurymaniac · Joined: 04 Aug 2002 Posts: 1197 Location: Scottsdale

It should be a good game, the Devils are coming off a loss and UConn is coming off a win, which by the way Geno responded after the game was like a loss. Seems he was so pissed by their play that there will be no more charter flights and all of the little extras have been cut out.

I can't wait to see it.

Keegan · Joined: 13 Jun 2002 Posts: 977

ASU wins! ASU wins! (61-50)

Go Pac-10! Grrr at Zolman's clutch shot.

BlznTr33s · Joined: 05 May 2004 Posts: 128 Location: Phoenix, AZ

That was a GREAT GAME!!! Westerberg had some really impressive moves in the paint, and it seemed like they just took UConn out of their game last night. My entire party, Vinny included, had a blast.

MB, mranderso, and others... It was really good to see you again. I hope to catch you all more often. Carol... I'm sorry I missed you during your Nicotine break :( (I'll see you soon I hope)... Janet, you look GREAT BTW, it looks like the surgery was a successful one! And Barry... all those long, tedious hours... You need to break out sometimes. : :wink: Caune, where were you??

And though this is off-topic and early, in case I don't get the chance, Merry Christmas everyone!!! I'm lagging on my baking and wrapping, so I'll have to go hide in a hole for a bit to make sure I'm done in time.

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1049 Location: Phoenix AZ

http://thesundevils.collegesports.com/sports/w-baskbl/recaps/122804aaa.html
Dec. 27, 2004
Final Stats

ASU Women Win Pac-10 Opener at Washington State 67-39

PULLMAN, Wash. - Three Sun Devils scored 11 points apiece as the 21st-ranked Arizona State women's basketball team downed Washington State 67-39 Monday night at WSU's Friel Court in the Pac-10 Conference opener for both teams.

With the win, Arizona State won for the eighth time in nine games and improved to 9-2 on the year, while Washington State (4-5) lost its third straight game. ASU also won its Pac-10 opener for the second straight season and just the fourth time in its 19 years in the league.

The Sun Devils made their return to the national rankings prior to the game on Monday, checking in at 21st in the Associated Press poll. ASU had climbed into the national rankings at No. 23 on Dec. 13 but fell out after a loss at New Mexico.

The Sun Devils made their return to the national rankings prior to the game on Monday, checking in at 21st in the Associated Press poll. ASU had climbed into the national rankings at No. 23 on Dec. 13 but fell out after a loss at New Mexico.

Arizona State took control of the game early, getting five points from junior Kristen Kovesdy to build an 11-4 lead with 13:34 to play. After a bucket by the Cougars, sophomore Emily Westerberg scored the first five points in a 9-0 ASU run, including a three-pointer, to make it 20-6. The Sun Devils went up 30-12 with 3:00 to play and led 32-15 at the half. Westerberg had all 11 of her points on 5-of-6 shooting in the first half for the Sun Devils.

In the second half, junior Amy Denson knocked down a three-pointer to put the Sun Devils up by 20, but Washington State went on a 13-0 run to cut the ASU lead to seven points, 35-28 with 11:58 to play. Senior Kylan Loney, who was battling a bout of the flu, knocked down a jumper and a three-pointer as the Sun Devils scored the next seven points to regain the double-digit lead and go up 42-28 with 10:38 to play. Washington State never got closer than 11 points, and ASU made 10-of-12 free throws down the stretch en route to the 67-39 victory.

Westerberg, Denson and Kovesdy each had 11 points to lead the Sun Devils, while sophomore Alisha Godette added season highs with nine points and seven rebounds. Sophomore Aubree Johnson and Betsy Boardman each pulled down four rebounds, and freshman Reagan Pariseau turned in eight points and a career-best four steals.

For Washington State, junior Ariana Scales scored 10 points to lead the team, while sophomore Kate Benz had eight points and 13 rebounds.

The Sun Devils outshot the Cougars 41.7 to 29.4 percent in the game, including 0-for-10 from three-point land, and forced 22 WSU turnovers.

Arizona State returns to action Wednesday night, traveling to Seattle to take on the Washington Huskies (4-7) at 7 p.m. Pacific (8 p.m. Mountain) at Bank of America Arena. UW fell to Arizona 67-63 in its Pac-10 opener on Monday night.

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1049 Location: Phoenix AZ

Try to catch ASU @ Washington Wed 12/29/04 7 p.m. PT
televised on FSN AZ & NW

All of ASU's games can be heard locally on NBC 1190 AM
Also on the internet www.thesundevils.com
Jeff Munn calls the action while Seth Sulka adds the color.

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1049 Location: Phoenix AZ

ASU ranked 21 on top 25 :D

mranderso · Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2005 11:15 pm Post subject:

Women's Hoops to Hold Diaper Drive to Benefit Homeward Bound Friday Night

Fans bringing diapers, baby wipes and formula to donate will receive free admission to the game vs. Stanford.

Jan. 5, 2005

TEMPE, Ariz. - The Arizona State women's basketball team will hold a Baby Diaper Drive to benefit Homeward Bound during its game against eighth-ranked Stanford Friday night at Wells Fargo Arena.

Fans who bring diapers, baby wipes or formula to donate will receive free admission to the game that night. Collection bins will be available on the concourse level at the entrances of Wells Fargo Arena.

Items donated will be given to Homeward Bound, a program which helps homeless and domestic violence families with children throughout Maricopa County. ASU's collection is part of the sixth annual Baby Diaper Drive. This year's goal is to collect 50,000 diapers and $50,000.

Many of the families served by Homeward Bound earn low wages and struggle to cover the essentials of diapers, wipes and baby formula. The Baby Diaper Drive fills the gap by collecting months of supplies for those families.

Homeward Bound is a 12- to 24-month program that provides comprehensive services to assist families achieve economic independence, secure long-term safe, decent, affordable housing and break multi-generational cycles of homelessness, welfare dependence and domestic violence. For families completing the program, there is a 95 percent success rate.

Winners of their last 10 home games and 23 of their last 25, the Sun Devils take on the No. 8 Stanford Cardinal at 6:30 p.m. Friday night and wrap up a \ three-game homestand at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon against the California Golden Bears.

For more information, call the women's basketball office at 480-965-6086 or visit www.babydrive.org.

mranderso · Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2005 11:17 pm Post subject:

Marathon to Affect Women's Basketball Parking This Weekend

Sun Devils take on No. 8 Stanford Friday and Cal Sunday.

Jan. 4, 2005

TEMPE, Ariz. - With the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon scheduled to end near Wells Fargo Arena on Sunday, some road closures and parking restrictions will be in place for fans attending the Arizona State women's basketball games this weekend.

For Friday night's game against No. 8 Stanford at 6:30 p.m., fans should plan on parking in Structure 7, which is located on the east side of the arena at the corner of 6th Street and Packard Drive. Disabled parking will available in Lot 58, located on the east side of Wells Fargo Arena. Fans will need to access both parking locations from 6th Street and Rural Road.

For Sunday's 2 p.m. game against California, parking will be available in Lot 55, which is located at the corner of College Avenue and Veteran's Way (southwest corner of Sun Devil Stadium). Fans are encouraged to arrive after 1 p.m. to avoid race traffic and should access the parking lot from University Drive and College Avenue.

For further information on the marathon road closures, please visit www.rnraz.com.

Keegan · Joined: 13 Jun 2002 Posts: 977

Eagerly awaiting the ASU/Stanford reports aka"The Candice Wiggins Show"? :)

Mercurymaniac · Joined: 04 Aug 2002 Posts: 1197 Location: Scottsdale

It was a great show. She is so quick and has great court sense. At times a little of the freshman showed in her, she uses her off hand really well to create space and doesn't get called for the push offs. She has a sweet pull up jumper. She wasn't hitting the 3 which was a good thing as she had 31 points. What a joy to watch. She made our girls look really slow.

If the Devils get consistant on offense we would have had a good chance, but with Charlies' line changes, the team doesn't get to gel on offense. Its great for the D, but not so much for the O

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1049 Location: Phoenix AZ

Quote: Sun Devils' Home Win Streak Snapped At Ten
Women's hoops falls to Stanford, 68-57.
Jan. 7, 2005

Stanford freshman Candice Wiggins had a season-high 31 points, leading the eighth-ranked Cardinal to a 68-57 victory over Arizona State on Friday night. Brooke Smith added 10 points for Stanford (12-2, 4-1 Pac-10) and T'Nae Thiel had nine points and nine rebounds.

Emily Westerberg had a career-high 22 points for the Sun Devils (10-4,
2-2), and Kylan Loney added 14.

Arizona State, who have upset Georgia and Connecticut this season, came in with a 10-game winning streak at home but Stanford never trailed after seizing the lead late in the first half. Wiggins had 18 points before the break to help the Cardinal take a 38-31 halftime lead.

In the second half, the Cardinal used a 8-2 run to open up a 13-point lead. Smith made a hook shot early on, Wiggins scored twice on layups and Thiel made a putback for a 46-33 lead.

The Cardinal then went more than 6 minutes without a field goal, allowing Arizona State to close within 49-45 on Kristen Kovesdy's hook shot with 10:27 left.

Wiggins helped Stanford regain some breathing room when she pulled up for a 14-foot jumper with 9:41 left, and the Sun Devils got no closer than five points after that.

Wiggins had six points in 58 seconds during a pivotal first-half run. The two teams traded the lead seven times in 4{ minutes, with neither team leading by more than a point before Wiggins broke a 21-all tie with a driving layup with 7:36 to play. She followed that with two midcourt steals for layups and the Cardinal led 27-21 with 6:38 to go.

The Sun Devils got within 30-28 on Westerberg's 10-footer with 3:12 remaining, but the Cardinal finished the half with an 8-3 spurt that included four more points by Wiggins.

Wiggins was amazing and only a freshman! She's on my list for 2008 draft. The refs already ignore her fouls. caune was yelling to the refs "You can call her fouls...she's (Wiggins) not Michael Jordan YET" At the post game interview in response to question about the refs, Coach Turner-Thorn said "I can't talk about that. I don't want to get in trouble! :evil:

I taped the ASU/Stanford game for you Aussies and plan to tape Sunday's California game. The Golden Bears are 8-6 overall and 2-3 in the Pac-10. Not the toughest competition, but one never knows.... Or I may just wait for UCLA TV game. They're ranked 2nd PAC10 & 22nd AP25

mb · Posted: Sat Jan 08, 2005 12:44 pm Post subject:

Just 17 years old, Wiggins was a joy to watch. Great court sense...obviously coached well in her young career.

Six steals for lay-ups, as I recall. Jump shot and free throws looked solid.

At some point, ASU Coach Charli Turner-Thorne must pick her horses and run with them. She must think we miss hockey, with all the line changes. While good for defensive intensity, it may disrupt the offense...even a motion offense benefits from players with familiarity.

Carrie Buckner plays intense defense and is steady at the end of games, yet I think she is overrated. A shooting guard that can't shoot. Her points come from lay-ups off steals, as she is not consistent with a jumper or even a free throw.

The perimeter players must drive and dish more, yet take the open look when it appears. Reagan or someone else must be an outside threat along with Loney. Otherwise, teams will collapse on Kovedsy (as they did last night). They will also start to collapse on Westerberg, who is the MVP so far, in my book.

Denson has really improved her game...it seems Johnson and Rosenthal have suffered from lack of consistent minutes. It wouls be nice to see Stagg get some of Buckner's minutes, as I envision the assist total increasing. Johnson and Westerberg work well together on the court.
Goodette, who has major hops and a Ferdinand-esque jumper, is not back to form post injury.

The return of Jill Noe next season will be highly anticipated.

The officiating was poor last evening...Wiggins and Suminski pushed off with their off arm all evening. Quite a few calls did not go our way, yet were not the sole cause of the loss. Some fans complain on each and every call against us. While many calls are bad, not every call against us is incorrect. The incessant whining grows painfully annoying.

Expect a solid win over Cal on Sunday afternoon.

Mercurymaniac · Joined: 04 Aug 2002 Posts: 1197 Location: Scottsdale

Quote: Some fans complain on each and every call against us. While many calls are bad, not every call against us is incorrect. The incessant whining grows painfully annoying.

I pray for the days when everyone doesn't show up, so I won't be stuck in my seat and can sit next to knowledgable fans. :)

mb · Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 8:19 am Post subject:

Must give props to Carrie Buckner, who responded to my criticism with a very nice game. She made her free throws and even had a nice pull up jumper to go with her usual rebounding and intense defense.

Kylan Loney had two sweet pull up jumpers. We need to be aggressive on offense.

The female official was horrendous...her calls were so bad they were embarrassing for women's basketball. On a whistle blown simultaneously, the younger of the two male officials (who called a nice game), said to her "I got this," for fear she would botch the call.

A viewer of the Stanford vs Arizona game informs me that Candace Wiggins was getting called fo pushing off, and wracked up quick fouls. May have made a difference in our game against them.

Mercurymaniac · Joined: 04 Aug 2002 Posts: 1197 Location: Scottsdale

Quote: The female official was horrendous...her calls were so bad they were embarrassing for women's basketball.

Nona and I felt she didn't want to call the obvious fouls, just the ones only she could see :shock: .

Why call the ones everyone can see, we all know it happened so what would be the point? :roll: Just call the ones no one expects. I think that was her philosophy. :twisted:

Charlie had a good post game interview, she said they won but didn't perform as expected and had to work on some things. (like maybe getting rid of the line changes) The upside is they didn't have their "A" game and still got the W.

Keegan · Joined: 13 Jun 2002 Posts: 977

Big win @ UCLA 44-42. No more unbeaten teams in Pac-10 conference play.

Keegan · Joined: 13 Jun 2002 Posts: 977

How did the Aussies look in the ASU/Oregon game?

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1049 Location: Phoenix AZ

ASU had a hard fought win over UCLA today 73 - 71
Our girls need lots of rest before tomorrow
Thank Heaven the 1st round is behind us

ASU takes on Oregon in Pac-10 Tournament Semis Sunday 3/6
The game is on TV at 1:30pm MT Fox Sports Net channel

Sunday marks the second time that ASU and Oregon have met in the semifinals of the Pac-10 Tournament. In 2002, the Sun Devils turned in a 64-58 win over the Ducks on March 3 at McArthur Court en route to capturing the inaugural Pac-10 Tournament title.

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1049 Location: Phoenix AZ

:roll: ugly game :?
ASU dragged it over Oregon 54-47 to go for the championship against either USC or Stanford TBD

I'll hope for USC - bet $$ on Stanford

Sun Devil Mercury Fan · Joined: 13 Jul 2002 Posts: 154 Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Stanford it is! Game is on tomorrow night (3-7) @ 8:30pm on FSN. USC battled Stanford pretty hard... looking forward to another Lady Devil victory tomorrow night!

GO DEVILS!

SDMF

ps... anyone know what happened to Alisha Godette? She hasn't been with the team in a few weeks...

Keegan · Joined: 13 Jun 2002 Posts: 977

Go Card! I'm expecting (and hoping) for another tough game. All the Pac-10 teams need a good hitout before the Big Dance.

mb · Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2005 6:47 am Post subject:

A Tribune article the other day mentioned "medical reasons" for Goodette's absence.

CamrnCrz1974 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 1689 Location: Central Phoenix

Normally, if a player is out for medical reasons, the university SID will issue a press release indicating the player is out for medical reasons. If the player gives permission, the SID can explain what the medical issue is (e.g., injured knee, sprain, etc.).

However, no press release was issued by ASU (at least none that I could find). I hope it isn't the Jia Perkins medical issue.

Sun Devil Mercury Fan · Joined: 13 Jul 2002 Posts: 154 Location: Phoenix, Arizona

CamrnCrz1974 wrote: Normally, if a player is out for medical reasons, the university SID will issue a press release indicating the player is out for medical reasons. If the player gives permission, the SID can explain what the medical issue is (e.g., injured knee, sprain, etc.).

However, no press release was issued by ASU (at least none that I could find). I hope it isn't the Jia Perkins medical issue.

And she isn't traveling with the team, either. Very strange.

Uhhh... I hate to sound ignorant, but.... what is the Jia Perkins medical issue... (althought I can probably guess...)

Thanks Sweetie Darlings!

SDMF

CamrnCrz1974 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 1689 Location: Central Phoenix

Jia Perkins was out with an "undisclosed medical condition." As it turns out, she was pregnant.

Keegan · Joined: 13 Jun 2002 Posts: 977

Sun Devil Mercury Fan wrote: [Uhhh... I hate to sound ignorant, but.... what is the Jia Perkins medical issue... (althought I can probably guess...)

Pregnancy.

mranderso · Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2005 6:07 pm Post subject:

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=37029

Quote: February 26, 2005

Sophomore guard Alisha Godette missed Thursday’s game against Washington because of illness, but no ASU player is currently injured, and the team has had only one real injury this year, a stress fracture for guard Jacquelyn Johnson in November.

Wouldn't it be slightly more likely that she has the flu, or some
other common contagious illness, and thus isn't traveling with team.

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1049 Location: Phoenix AZ

Quote: No. 1 Stanford Beats ASU for PAC-10 Title 56-42

But the Pac-10's top two defensive teams played a ugly game worthy of its billing. Stanford was held to its lowest point total of the season by the excited Sun Devils (22-9) - but Arizona State made 18 turnovers and just 31 percent of its shots in its lowest-scoring game of the year.

The Sun Devils still will get an NCAA bid, but missed the chance for their second title-game upset of Stanford in four seasons.
The 64-team bracket for the 2005 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship will be announced at 3 p.m. Mountain on March 13 with the selection show being televised by ESPN.

Good luck Sun Devils - we'll be watching :D