Kalamazoo Valley Women's Basketball

December 1, 2007    KVCC (68) vs. Sinclair C. C.(77) at Livonia, MI (Schoolcraft College)

Coach's comments:

     "As Yogi Berra would say, this one was like deja-vu  all over again." said a tongue-in-cheek Coach Welch. "Great first half.  Couldn't finish the deal.  I know that these kids are gaining experience every time out and learning what it takes to be successful on a consistent basis, but it's discouraging for them  and for the coaching staff to see glimpses of excellence then not be able to sustain it.  Their character is being tested, but I have all the confidence in the world that they'll come thru this inconsistency and be better for it.  The only question is how soon." 

     Maybe they can gain some sort of understanding by observing what the seven sophomores on Sinclair's team did to them in the second half.  "Coach Dillon's team really responded in the second half.  They picked up their intensity on defense, took care of the basketball and made veteran plays down the stretch. Their pre-season All American, Danielle Roe, regained her shooting touch (she did not score against Schoolcraft on Friday) and went off for 24 points.  Their guard play was tremendous in the 2nd half and that's what keyed their win." Said Welch. "We're going thru some pretty typical growing pains when you are counting on the number of freshmen that we are, but I'm happy with the way we're competing. We certainly can't be accused of scheduling a bunch of 'cupcakes' in the pre-league season. We've played some excellent teams and had a couple quality wins and had leads in every game we've played.  They're learning - I just want it to be sooner than later - probably unrealistic on my part, but they're coming."

     In what has become a bit of a trend, Shannon Dumond and Jeannie Closson again led the Cougars in the scoring department with 18 points each. Sophomore Jessica Sanders added 5 assists, but the Cougar bench was uncharacteristically quiet on this day.  The 6'2" Closson also had 9 rebounds and 3 blocks  in one of her strongest showings of her young career.  

                                                                  
                      
                                                     Sophomore Jessica Sanders - 5'8" Guard/Forward

    The Cougars begin league play on Wednesday in Jackson against the newest member of the Western Conference, the Jackson Jets. The first year Jets are off to a great start with a spectacular 6-0 record and will be a challenge for the Cougars, but one that is certainly not insurmountable.  The Jets are led by former Michigan Center stars Barb Clayborn(17 ppg), Samantha Budd (14.8 ppg) and Courtney Lusk (12.2 ppg).  Grand Rapids native, Shalika Fort is also averaging 12 ppg. Game time is 5:30 on December 5th.
     The balance of the schedule for  can be found on the Schedule Page of the KVCC women's basketball site.  Click on the link below for more info.

Schedule Page