Saturday Cardinal Couple -- Walz receives two year contract extension

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SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE


-UofL WBB head coach Jeff Walz receives two year contract extension.


-Olympic Opening Ceremonies. What did you think?


- ANGEL OFF BENCH LEADS USA TO WIN


Tom Jurich realizes the importance of good coaches. 

University of Louisville women's basketball coach Jeff Walz received an additional two years on his existing five year contract with UofL. The add-on extends his contract to coach the Lady Cards through the 2018-19
season. Financial terms weren't made available.


Details are as follows. Coach Walz is under a rollover type of contract. This type of agreement means that the five year term automatically is renewed each year. 


Jurich offered this to Coach Walz after the 2008-09 season, a season where Louisville was the national runners-up. 

Walz's new contract adds a few perks. A retention bonus for staying at least four years and an additional bonus if he fulfills the entire length of the contract. 


What it means for the University of Louisville women's basketball program is stability and security under the tutelage of one of the finest coaches in the nation.


He also stresses the academic excellence he expects out of each player who suits up for him. 


It also, hopefully, puts an end to the rumors circulated last year that other universities might be in the hunt for Walz's services.  


Walz is 119-56 in five years as the Cardinal women's basketball head coach. 

Here at CARDINAL COUPLE, we're very excited to hear this news and it strengthens the concept that we believe Coach Walz is out to make a reality...to make Louisville women's basketball a contender on the national level year-in and year-out. 


The man is tireless and relentless in his dedication and efforts to bring the best talent in high school to the University. He's got more frequent flyer miles than a lot of major corporations. His staff is stellar and, as a tribute to his teachings...two of his original assistant coaches here at Louisville are now head coaches of their own programs.


LINK:


 Walz presser after DePaul win


You don't waste good. You don't let good get away. You encourage good to keep getting better and you reward good. 

Jeff Walz is good. The man wants to build a top-flight program here at Louisville. 


Tom Jurich has signified that he's "all in" when it comes to that. 


And, that...basketball fans...is fantastic news. In an era where coaches jump around like transient fleas in a kennel, Jeff Walz has indicated he is staying put.


And, why shouldn't he? Look at the athletic director he gets to work for. Look at the facility his team plays in.
Look at the fan base that flocks to University of Louisville women's basketball games. 


Louisville women's basketball is good. Very good. It's poised to become great. Reaching the status of a UConn, a Tennessee, in terms of national championships is possible...to borrow the words of legendary football coach Howard Schnellenberger:


"The only variable is time."


Jeff Walz has time to build his dream. 


Charlie Strong and his coaches advise Cardinal football fans to "get on the train". We advise Louisville women's basketball fans to "get in the Yum, great things are going to come." 


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Did you watch the opening Olympic ceremonies last night? WE were with a few friends and members of 80 Under 80 last night and saw portions of it. The storms that rolled through Louisville Friday evening had the Dish TV signal down for periods of time. 


What we did see was typically British odd and strange. 


Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson) was...at least...pretty funny. LINK BELOW.


Bean in the Orchestra


A parachuting Queen, though?


Right...


Tons of pre-Industrial Revolution laborers walking on a big clump of dirt? 


Yep.


At least Paul McCartney didn't disappoint. If you made it that far. 


Bring on the games. And spare us the hype. 


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The USA women's basketball team was having more trouble than expected with the Croatian squad in the first game of pool play. Croats up by three? Surely you jest! 


Geno finally used his noggin and sat the UConn starters. Enter (guess who?) #35. 

The talented Ms. McCoughtry scored 13 points, had three steals and two blocks (at least) in a reserve role as the USA team pulled away under her guidance and won 81-56.


Yeah, I know. Basketball is a team game. No one player does it all on their own. McCoughtry's spark, enthusiasm and play...along with the other subs who entered the game with her...quellled and quieted the inspired Croats, though and USA is now 1-0 in pool play. 


WE like Augustus, Big Syl, Angel, Harding and Maya Moore on the court together, Geno. They just may have saved your bacon today, pal. 


Angel. Yeah, she's a Cardinal. Any other questions? 


USA, USA, (not UConn) USA! 
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Final set for NCAA WBB...Bears vs. Irish

MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE


-UofL Softball falls to DePaul 3-0


-Notre Dame, Baylor to play Tuesday night for title


-CARDINAL COUPLE Pick 'Em Contest has a couple of scenarios left. 


-Chunky Monkey and other assorted Lady Cards cinema


The University of Louisville softball team finished their three game series against the DePaul Blue Demons with a 3-0 loss Sunday afternoon in Chicago. Kirsten Verdun was the only pitcher to beat Louisville (29-2) this year and she duplicated the feat again Sunday...limiting the Cards to just two hits. 

This one was decided early. By Verdun. After two DePaul players reached on a walk and error in the bottom of the first inning, Verdun cleared the bases with a bomber over the left field fence. 3-0 DePaul. 


Louisville would put their two hits together in top of the sixth when Whitney Arion and Maggie Ruckenbrod started the inning with singles. Verdun, though, retired the next three Cardinal batter to eliminate the threat. 

The Cards return home and will host the Kentucky Wildcats on Wednesday. Tickets are $5 and available at the UofL Ticket office. CARDINAL COUPLE will be there to cover the game and even offer to take a turn at the plate and see if they can help shore up the absent offense of late.


Louisville managed just one run against the Wildcats last week and scored just six runs in three games vs. DePaul. It's obvious to us that the competition level Louisville has been facing has taken a step up...as has the pitching.


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The NCAA Womens' Basketball Championship Game will take place Tuesday night in the Pepsi Center in Denver and the participants will be Baylor and Notre Dame. 

The Irish survived a frenetic final minute against UConn last night to stagger into overtime. Notre Dame broke open a 70-70 tie in the extra session, though, with some timely threes from Brittany Mallory and Natalie Novosel to send the Connecticut Huskies home 83-75.


Have to wonder...if Step Dolson hadn't been saddled with four fouls most of the second half...could the Huskies have continued the dish and paint play that led them to a three point half-time lead? 

Notre Dame returns to the final game to take care of some unfinished business. They were there last year and lost to another BIG 12 school in Texas A&M. They get the Baylor Bears (39-0) Tuesday. 


Baylor took control midway in the first half in their game against Stanford last night and despite the double and triple teaming of Brittany Griner by the Cardinal defense...Odyssey Sims and teammates were able to step up and win 59-47. 


Tuesday night will be a re-match against two schools who met earlier in the season. Baylor won that one 94-81 in Waco. 


We'd also like to extend our congratulations to the KENTUCKY WILDCATS for their Saturday win over UofL and wish them the best of luck tonight against the Kansas Jayhawks this evening in he NCAA Men's Final game.

Act like you've been there before, Wildcat fans, regardless of the outcome. 


Burning couches and automobiles are bush league. Celebrations are meant to be such that, not random acts of violence and destruction. Moderation is the key.

Our second nominee for the "What was I thinking?" award goes to former UofL and current Arkansas head football coach Bobby Petrino, who dumped his motorized hog in the streets of the Razorback State Sunday. Petrino was hospitalized but is not in serious condition. 


WE say...seriously? Especially to the governing board of Razorback sports. You're paying HOW MUCH? a year to this guy to guide your football team and there's no codicil in his contract that prevents him from being Easy Rider? 


And, to you, Mr. Bob...pretty silly behavior for someone in your position, sir. Or...is this your next job-jumping career move...leaving college coaching to become the next Evil Knievel? Cue up the Steppenwolf golden oldie Born to be Wild.  


Whatever...


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Speaking of final match-ups and destructive behavior...we get a report from Commish Mark on the CARDINAL COUPLE NCAA Womens' Basketball Pick 'Em Tournament. 


Going into the final game the top five are:


Paul's Experimental Bracket (which does not count) 148 
stark61 142
PDX Phil 131
Marks on Walz 127
LouavulFan 126


Lady Cards bracket (Commish Mark) is 12th with 112 points BUT CAN STILL WIN. 


SOME NOTES, SCENARIOS and OBSERVATIONS

-Looks like the P.E.B. (Paul's Experimental Bracket) "WINS" regardless of how anyone else or how the Baylor vs. Notre Dame game ends up. This bracket, which came out of the highly secretive CARDINAL COUPLE Think Tank and Sandwich Delivery Division deep in the secret lair of CARDINAL COUPLE far below the Parrish House facilities, was constructed by some of the world's most brilliant and "out of the box" (more like out of the "Ha-Ha" hotel) thinkers, dreamers and dissidents. 


-In reality, it was just taking the better seed in each of the 63 games. Some food for thought for next year. Paul thought he had a second entry and his picks entered as well in the contest. We've been able to determine that special Scandinavian scanner and hacking technology was used to enter the CARDINAL COUPLE Bracket Picks and remove this apocryphal entry. We'll get you next time, my pretties...


-stark61 is your winner if Baylor wins Tuesday and this entry would have a total of 174 points.


-Lady Cards is your winner if Notre Dame wins. This would give Commish Mark 144 points...narrowly defeating stark61

Paul has a statement prepared for media outlets at the conclusion of the CARDINAL COUPLE NCAA WOMENS BRACKET PICK 'EM CHALLENGE and CRAWFISH BOIL. Here's an exclusive peek at it: 


"I offer my sincere congratulations to _______________, the winner of the second annual CARDINAL COUPLE WOMEN'S NCAA TOURNAMENT BRACKET PICK 'EM CHALLENGE. You are the fortunate winner of the Panera Gift Card and you have earned the respect, admiration and acknowledgment of participants worldwide with your superior skills in bracket selections. As competitors on the field of honor, we all are winners today...regardless of how our brackets did. At CARDINAL COUPLE, we pride ourselves and are in gratitude for our readers' philosophy that sportsmanship, competition and hard work are the real winning features of contests...not just the final score. 


The great philosopher and iconic spokesman George Carlin once commented that there are seven words you can't say on the air, and I'd like to incorporate all those in congratulating you....but I'm late for darts...so, way to go________________and here's to you! (Extends hand and gives one-finger salute). 


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Mark also sends these video clips of Lady Cards Asia Taylor, Nita Slaughter and Bria Smith. Ah, for the fun and carefree days of college again...


Chunky Monkey


Singing It

(The second one is best viewed if standing on one's head)


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Senior Day, Becky Burke

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FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

-Lady Cards, Becky Burke in final home game

The Cardinals take to the court at The KFC YUM! Center for the last time this season on Saturday, February 25 vs. DePaul with a 12:00 p.m. tip time. This is also Senior Day. Becky Burke is the only healthy senior on the squad and will play in front of her home court fans for the last time.

Before we wish Becky farewell, perhaps we should take a small trip down memory lane to remember how she found her way to Louisville. Did you know that Becky was originally recruited by Coach Susan Walvius and signed to play with South Carolina? With a coaching change prior to her arrival to South Carolina, Becky re-opened her recruitment and found her way to the University of Louisville.

Upon her arrival at Louisville Becky was quoted as stating that she “brings energy, toughness and shooting” to the team. When asked what her Sport Center Highlight would be Becky stated, “knocking down a 3 pointer at the buzzer to win the National Championship”.(Louisville Women's Basketball Media Guide, 2008-09) While that is not exactly the highlight reel to date, she came eerily close in her freshman year.

In her freshman season Becky was known as a stand still shooter on the wing. Her job was to stand beyond the 3-point line, wait for Angel to kick the ball out and shoot her shot. She saw action in 38 games. Becky led her team at the foul line shooting 88.4%. Late in her freshman season she hit the proverbial freshman wall. She had a tough February, which garnered her a heart-to-heart talk with Coach Walz, and later Coach Norman. It was that talk with Coach Norman, Becky stated, that set the stage for Becky’s post -season play. Becky went on to have great post-season play, guarding some of the best players at the time in Kristi Toliver (of Maryland) and Whitney Hand (of Oklahoma). Becky hit some clutch 3 pointers in the game vs. Oklahoma and was on the only team in Louisville Women’s Basketball history to make it to the Championship game. While the Cards went on to lose that game against UCONN in St. Louis, it was an incredible run and the freshman who was supposed to be at South Carolina found herself on the national stage with the rest of her team celebrating an outstanding post-season run.

(Photo by Charlie Springer - Card Game)

Her sophomore season Becky started all 32 games. This was a rebuilding year for the Cards. Becky led the team in assists averaging 2.9 per game and ranked second on the team from the foul line at 80.4%.

As Becky’s junior season rolled around and came to an end she had amassed staggering numbers as the 3 point baskets continued to drop and she shot a razor sharp 91% from the charity stripe.

As Becky’s senior season quickly arrived, and has rapidly come close to the end of her career, she is just a shadow of the player that arrived on campus and to the Louisville community 4 years ago. Gone is the stand and shoot player on the wing, and instead a more mature, confident player who moves about the court. Over the years the ball handling has grown, defense has improved,the precision from beyond the arc has continued to grow, and Becky has learned to dribble penetrate and has continued razor sharp precision from the charity stripe. As the lone senior on this team, since the knee injury to Monique Reid, Becky has led by example stepping up to fill the gaps of injured teammates and transferred players.

Becky surpassed the 1000 career point mark early this season against Murray State. In a very recent match up against Syracuse Becky further established her nickname as “Big Shot Becky” knocking down 8 3 pointers tying four other players for the most 3 point baskets in a game. Becky is 12^th on the all time scoring list with 1213 points and 3^rd in career 3pt. goals at 235, 25 away from tying the second place holder, Sara Nord.

While these are all very impressive numbers and Becky will long be remembered by Cardinal Fans as having a great 3 point shot and hitting big shots, when it counts, I will remember a few other things, too.

Jenny O'Bryan (left) is a
contributing writer for
Cardinal Couple and a
big fan of UofL women's
sports.

As a fan, I do not know Becky personally. The above information was gathered from news articles over the course of the last 4 years. I did not interview Becky for this piece. I have met Becky over the course of the last 4 years on 4-5 different occasions. On every occasion, and a very recent occasion in the lobby of the YUM! Center after a volleyball game, Becky has been an approachable, gracious and appropriate face of the University. She has always been genuine in her small talk and went out of her way to meet my stepdaughter at the volleyball game when my stepdaughter not so subtly pointed across the lobby and at the top of her voice stated “that’s Becky Burke!” The star-like status she has acquired over the years at Louisville has not dampened her approachability. I truly appreciate that, Becky. I appreciate that you took the time to go out of your way to introduce yourself and meet my kiddo. My guess is Becky has done that thousands of times over the course of her career. It makes an impression, and a difference, to young female athletes (my kiddo included). Thank you!

Way back in her freshman year, at that heart to heart talk Becky had with Coach Norman, Coach Norman apparently asked Becky to come up with 5 positive attributes about herself. The news article went on to say that Becky had a hard time doing so, as she was in the middle of a bad stretch of her freshman year and was terribly down on herself. Coach Walz was quoted at this same time as stating, “when you actually invest in this, you’re going to be a good player”.("Burke leap of faith pays off", ESPN, 2009)

I think as Becky’s senior season comes to a close Coach Walz would say that Becky did invest, and she has become a good player. I also imagine Becky could easily come up with 5 things she likes about herself. If not, I have a few that come to mind:

Character.

Heart.

Courage.

Passion.

Toughness.

Phenomenally.

(We wish Becky and the rest of the Lady Cards the best of luck and a win against

DePaul tomorrow and a big thanks to our Jenny for a revealing, heartfelt and great tribute to one of the most popular and talented players to ever don the Cardinal colors.)

Finally, check out this link from April of 2009, quoted above. Great read on Becky's contribution in the post-season run in 2009:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncw/ncaatourney09/columns/story?columnist=hays_graham&id=4047517




THE LINK BELOW:


Click here


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Sonja with UofL
Softball team.

Happy Birthday to CARDINAL COUPLE Co-Owner and Managing Editor Sonja today! CARDINAL COUPLE might not be in existence if it wasn't for her. She was writing for Charlie Springer at Card Game and several other places and told me she wanted to start a blog exclusively about women's sports at UofL.

Now, over two years later...CARDINAL COUPLE receives over 2000 hits a day. Sonja doesn't write much anymore - preferring to handle the managerial and editing aspects of the blog - but is still a essential part of the site. 


Happy birthday, little "deer" Love ya mucho!

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Louisville loves their basketball

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MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE




-Lady Cards fans support WBB in record numbers


-Breaking down the Irish


Hey Cardinal Fans!

ESPNW has been posting articles all season about their “Sweet 16” teams, coining the project “Hoops Across America”. They have been visiting the traditional powerhouse programs, small up and coming programs and teams on the verge of “breaking through”. This week’s installment is all about Louisville Women’s Basketball.

The KFC YUM!Center will
be rocking Monday
afternoon!

I don’t have to tell you, readers, about my love for this program. As a hometown girl myself, like current Cardinals Monique Reid and Tia Gibbs, it is only natural as a fan of the game to rally around my local team.

If you allow yourself to show up at a game this season (there are only two opportunities left to do so this season) you will get a first hand showing as to the excitement this program brings to the city of Louisville. The program has done a fabulous job of marketing to fans and allowing the players to be accessible. After every game the team can be found on the sidelines or in the lobby signing autographs and visiting with fans.


The joy I see in young girls and boys eyes connecting with these players, getting their pictures taken, getting autographs is priceless. More than worth the season ticket price of admission.

It is no doubt that Louisville loves their Cardinals. It is equally no doubt that these young women are humble and gracious for all the fan adoration. It is a two way street in downtown Louisville and these young women give back both on and off the court.

Your next chance to come out and support Cardinal basketball is today, Monday, for a 2:00 p.m. tip against 4^th ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This ESPN covered event is a “Big Monday” matchup. This is national exposure for a program that is second in attendance in the nation and has been ranked in the top 25 all season, even with significant injuries and transfers out of the program.

Let’s show up, Louisville, and show the nation just how much we love our Cardinals! Once you do, I assure you it won’t take long to get hooked on this team. Come on out, I dare you!

http://espn.go.com/espnw/mobile/touch/womens-college-basketball/7577821/confluence-events-makes-louisville-hoops-heaven-hoops-america

(CARDINAL COUPLE WILL HAVE A FULL GAME REPORT AFTER THE GAME TOMORROW. THANKS TO JENNY, DAVID AND SANDY FOR THEIR REPORTING!)

Here is a interview Walz did on ESPN 680 Radio Sunday morning:

http://www.straitpinkie.com/featured/sunday-morning-hangover-021912

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"Gimme enough bullets and I'll blast
them Irish back to South Bend!"

We know all about Skylar Diggins, Natalie Novosel and Devereaux Peters, the three leaders of Muffet McGraw's Norte Dame women's basketball team. They've been the main catalysts in the Irish's #4 ranking and 26-2 overall record and 12-1 Big East start. Others that can hurt opponents include Brittany Mallory, Natalie Achonwa and Kayla McBride.

Notre Dame leads the nation in scoring offense (81.9 ppg) and is second in scoring margin (+30.9 a game) and field goal percentage (.484). They rank third in assists (19.2) and steals (13.9). Their offensive assault can be devertasting and withering at times and although Diggins may be the leader...any of seven Irish are capable of 20+ points a night.

What exactly is Geno doing to
Muffet here?

They've defeated eight top 25 opponents this season and five of those wins were by 20+ points. Rutgers lost by 30 and Tennessee by 28. Of their 26 wins, 19 have come by 20+ points or more.

In the series, Notre Dame holds a 7-4 advantage. The last time out, the Irish knocked Louisville out of the BIG EAST tournament with a 63-53 win on March 6th., 2011 in the quarterfinals. Devereaux Peters had 19 points and nine rebounds in the victory. Louisville had climbed within 26-24 with two minutes remaining in the first half...but the Irish put a 22-5 run together over the final two minues and first six minutes of the second half.

So, how does Louisville stop the Muffet McGraw squad? Walz has stated that they need to shut down everyone but Diggins and see if she can beat them by herself. It was a tactic West Virginia used in the Notre Dame loss to them. She had 33 but WVU did a good job in containing the rest of the Irish.

Louisville must do all the things they sometimes have trouble with to precise perfection Monday afternoon. Offensive rebounding, second chance points, limit the turnovers and shoot well from outside.

The crowd can only bolster the Cardinal chances. A rowdy, packed KFC YUM! Center will aid in sparking the home team and, hopefully, give the visiting Irish fits.

SONJA SEES IT:

"I think the Lady Cards will battle head-to-head with McGraw's crew to the wire and just narrowly lose. Louisville matches up well with Notre Dame and if the Cards can keep the Irish out of going on their patented runs, they have a chance at the upset. Walz may try to make it a physical, low-scoring contest like he did against UConn."

PAUL PREDICTS:

"It's not the strength of weapons they have in their arsenal...it's the number of them. Notre Dame's first seven may be the strongest in the nation. Walz has had a long time to prepare for this one, though, and he usually fares pretty well when given the extra couple of days to get ready for an opponent. I'm sure he has a great game plan, let's hope the girls follow it and it works. The Cards lose but not in 120-44 fashion. They keep it with 15."
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THIS AND THAT -- The Walz CN2 interview

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SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

-10 minute Walz interview with CN2's Chip Cosby

-Saturday in the BIG EAST WBB

-Softball goes to 9-0

Ran across this recent interview Louisville women's basketball coach Jeff Walz did with CN2's Chip Cosby.

Revealling, informative and a good watch:

DAVID WATSON

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded%20ed&v=ZVbGGwzOMYw

FROM THE BIG EAST SATURDAY:

UConn falls to St. John's 57-56. Sandy to follow with a look at this one. In other Saturday games:

# 15 Georgetown with a 66-39 win over Providence. Tia Magee had 17 for Georgetown.

#21 Rutgers defeats Villanova 61-52. April Sykes led Rutgers with 20 points.

#24 DePaul knocks off West Virginia 77-63. Brittany Hrynko scoring 21 and Anna Martin 19 for the Blue Demons.

USF downs Pitt 62-50. Andrell Smith getting 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Bulls and Jasmine Wynn leading with 14.

Syracuse handling Marquette 79-63

Cincy bests Seton Hall 54-48

All hail the softball Cards! A sweep Saturday. 9-0 on the season.

(I have to apologize. I may have inadvertantly erased the earlier CARDINAL COUPLE entries that Sandy and I did earlier today. See what happens when Paul and Sonja are gone? )

' CRUNCH TIME! We are at that point in the season where every game counts more than ever. Saturday evening I had written “Huge games this week will determine the seeding for the upcoming Big East Tournament.” I knew not to what extent I meant what I was saying. One of those huge games turned out to be St. Johns 57 at Connecticut 56. For the first time in years someone besides Connecticut has a true opportunity to win the Big East regular season. It’s too early to work out the number of possibilities but with a current 1st place (by one game) Notre Dame still to play the current 2nd place Connecticut at UConn, a new regular season champion is a greater possibility than in more years than I remember so absolutely, every game counts. To get the job done Notre Dame will have to do a much better job running a true offense instead of the two player street ball offense which was displayed in the West Virginia loss. The February 27 game will be the last played regular season game for both teams. ESPN2 is the lucky station to be airing the game. After Monday’s home Notre Dame game Louisville has back to back contests beginning Saturday 25th with DePaul for their last home game of the year which is quickly followed by their last regular season game only 2 days later on Monday the 27th at Seton Hall 0-13 / 7-20 in South Orange, NJ. The Cards can defeat DePaul but their fast paced game will require a lot of energy from a team who will have a short turn around time. Combined with travel, the Seton Hall game could be a particularly dangerous game with a team that has nothing to loose with pride at stake at a time when the final season rankings and tournament placements are at risk. BIG EAST Overall Notre Dame 12 - 1 25 - 2 Connecticut 11 - 2 24 - 3 St. John's 9 - 3 18 - 8 Georgetown 10 - 4 21 – 6 West Virginia 10 - 3 20 - 6 DePaul 8 - 5 20 - 7 Louisville 8 - 5 19 - 7 Rutgers 7 - 6 18 - 8 USF 7 - 7 15 - 13 Syracuse 5 - 8 16 - 11 Cincinnati 5 - 8 14 - 12 Villanova 5 - 9 15 - 12 Providence 5 - 9 13 - 14 Marquette 4 - 9 13 - 13 Pittsburgh 0 - 13 8 - 18 Seton Hall 0 - 13 7 - 20 As of Friday night Louisville currently is sharing the 6th & 7th places in the conference with DePaul (DePaul has one additional out of conference win) but less than 1 win separates their current position from USF’s current 9th place standing. Louisville has the opportunity to help itself by defeating DePaul at home on the 25th, which is actually a home weekend game. This is where the Louisville fan base needs to do their part by showing up and cheering to such an extent that we become a 6th player for the team. Mark your calendars. The remaining Women’s Big East Basketball Schedule can be found at the Big East Website: http://www.bigeast.org/Schedules/ScheduleData.aspx?sportid=7&season=2011 The first round of the Big East Tournament begins 3 days later on Friday March 2 at Hartford, Conn. Teams who finish 9th or lower in the regular conference game standings will begin play on that date. 5th through 8th place finishers are rewarded with a first round bye and will begin play on Saturday March 3 while those who finish the regular season in 1st through 4th place are rewarded with byes in the first 2 rounds and will not begin play until Sunday March 4. There are no days off as the Semi-final is set for Monday with the Championship game on Tuesday. For those of you who follow bracket placements, later this week I will post the Big East Championship Tie Breaker Rules. THIS AND THAT Cardinals in the news In case anyone missed the Jude and Shoni article by Graham Hays – you can find it in the February 17 ESPN.com archives at womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/7584730/jude-schimmel-perfectly-comfortable-role-little-sis-louisville-cardinals Positive national exposure is always a good thing. BASKETBALL RECRUITING NEWS The unfortunate word is that Mercedes Russell and more than likely also Stephanie Mavunga will not be able to attend Monday’s Notre Dame game as planned due to Mercedes commitment to her high school team to play in a rescheduled bad weather game. Bummer as the YUM center experience can’t be reproduced by television or video recordings. Perhaps they can make it to the DePaul game. We are getting into the time of year where I am constantly chasing online and written TV guides for postings of women’s basketball. I’ve found a few postings and sites which are reprinted below. NCAAW Basketball Today on ESPN3 Tennessee vs. Ole Miss, 2 p.m. C. Michigan vs. Ball St., 2 p.m. SIU vs. Missouri State, 3 p.m. Duke vs. Maryland, 3 p.m. S. Carolina vs. Alabama, 3 p.m. FSU vs. Miami, 3:30 p.m. Georgia vs. Florida, 3:30 p.m. Purdue vs. Michigan St., 5:00 p.m. U Of L Softball The Big East Pre-Season Poll found the U of L Softball Team picked to finish 4th in the conference behind DePaul, Syracuse and Notre Dame. This weekend the 5-0 U of L team has traveled to Greenville, N.C. to play in the East Carolina Pirate Clash being held a the ECU Softball Stadium. They come into the tournament ranked 21/23 in the nation. Friday found U of L defeating Virginia 4-2 and then defeating East Carolina 5-0. Saturday’s schedule began at 9 a.m. with a defeat of Hofstra by a score of 7-6 and was followed by an 11:00 UNC-Greensboro clash where Louisville continued their winning streak with a 5-4 win. Today the 7-0 Cardinals will play Fordham at 9 a.m. BIG EAST WOMEN BASKETBALL standings in the RPI NCAAW RPI Rankings as of Jan. 30, 2012 are posted at http://www.bigeast.org/portals/5/fls/19400/pdfs/womens_basketball/2011-12/polls.pdf School RPI Rank Connecticut 3 Notre Dame 5 Rutgers 10 Villanova 15 Louisville 16 DePaul 21 Georgetown 24 St. John’s 41 West Virginia 72 Providence 74 Marquette 81 USF 83 Cincinnati 96 Syracuse 124 Pittsburgh 151 Seton Hall 152 Locating games which can be viewed can be difficult. In case you are looking, check out the remaining ESPN associated televised NCAAW Regular Season Womens’s basketball games. Let us know in the comments area of other sites which are posting additional game viewing web addresses or televised stations and I will add them to the site. http://espn.go.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/7117985/espn-televise-100-women-basketball-games shows the remaining regular season ESPN associated NCAAW basketball games. They are reported as follows: Sun., Feb. 19 NC State at North Carolina ESPNU 1:30 p.m. Duke at Maryland ESPN2 / ESPN3 3:00 p.m. Georgia at Florida ESPNU 3:30 p.m. Purdue at Michigan State ESPN2 / ESPN3 5:00 p.m. Mon., Feb. 20 Notre Dame at Louisville ESPN / ESPN3 2 p.m. Ohio State at Penn State ESPN2 / ESPN3 7 p.m. Elon at College of Charleston ESPN3* 7 p.m. Vanderbilt at Kentucky ESPN2 / ESPN3 9 p.m. Thur., Feb. 23 Iona at Marist ESPN3* 6 p.m. Hofstra at James Madison ESPN3* 7 p.m. Fri., Feb. 24 Miami at Duke ESPN3* 7 p.m. Sat., Feb. 25 Robert Morris at Quinnipiac ESPN3* 1:30 p.m. Sun., Feb. 26 Fairfield at Rider ESPN3* 1 p.m. Kentucky at Mississippi State ESPNU 1:30 p.m. Duke at North Carolina ESPN2 / ESPN3 3 p.m. Florida at Tennessee ESPNU 3:30 p.m. LSU at Georgia ESPN2 / ESPN3 5 p.m. Mon., Feb. 27 Baylor at Texas A&MBig Mon. ESPN2 / ESPN3 7 p.m. Appalachian State at Chattanooga ESPN3* 7 p.m. Notre Dame at Connecticut ESPN2 / ESPN3 9 p.m. Sandy Walker

Epps and Goodin-Rogers impress in the LIT

I found myself at Bellarmine University this past weekend to check out the girls LIT. I had yet to see our young Marion County High School recruits (2013) in action and thought it would be a great way to spend the evening. Turns out I was not the only fan of Louisville Women’s Basketball who had that idea. I saw a handful of the team there to check out their future teammates as well as Coach Walz.

I won’t bore you with the minutia of all the games I watched as I watched a lot of basketball over the course of last weekend! I saw Marion Co. match up twice. Friday night they were in the quarterfinals matched up against Christian Academy of Louisville (CAL). Upon winning that game, rather handily, their next matchup was against Mercy Academy the following morning, prior to the Louisville vs. Villanova game. I opted to skip that game, and focus my afternoon energies on the Lady Cards. Turns out the Lady Cards needed my support, and that of about 10, 679 others, to bring home the win. Of those 10,000 + fans, you could also find the Marion County team there, after their win against Mercy Academy. I digress. Having beaten Mercy, Marion County was on to the LIT Championship game against none other than Manual High School.

You may remember several weeks ago I mentioned the two teams were the topped ranked teams in the state. Manual was to travel to Marion County for an in-state match up that went down to the wire but Marion County came out on top by two.

The LIT finale was never really that close. Having watched the team on the previous night, I could tell at the start of Manual game, the Marion County kids were in trouble. They looked fatigued. What looked like a well-oiled machine the night before, clunked along, with the team hanging close to Manual most of the way, yet not able to pull ahead. Gone were the crisp passes and spot on shooting. It was not the same team from the night before. Marion County ended up losing 47-40.

I was successful in watching our two future Cardinals and getting a look at what they offer their current team, and what we might have to look forward to in the near future. I was not disappointed.

Let’s start with Kyvin Goodin-Rogers. She is listed as a 6’1” forward. She has a lean, long frame, with broad shoulders. Watching her, I found myself thinking a lot about one of my favorite Lady Cards of past, Candyce Bingham. Her shot seemed to be off on Friday night. That being said, she scored 13 on Friday, 12 Saturday morning, and 2 Saturday night. She totaled 27 points in 3 matches. But that is not what impressed me. Goodin-Rogers was all over the floor. She was at the high post assisting baskets on the perimeter and down low, screening the shooters, interrupting passes in the lane, pulling down rebounds and finding her way to the free throw line. She took long ball shots, but for the most part, they did not seem to be falling this weekend. She also had a couple of really nice moves under and around the basket. She found ways to score. More importantly, she ran the court and kept her head in the game even when her shots were not falling, contributing in a multitude of other ways on the defensive end. The athleticism and speed are apparent. Honing those moves in and around the basket will make her a threat inside and out. She was a lot of fun to watch.

Makayla Epps is listed as a 5’10” guard. She mostly ran the point, but moved in and out of the shooting guard position. First and foremost this kid can tickle the net. She can flat out shoot. Anywhere on the court, she has the confidence to put up the shot, and it often goes in. Over the course of the 3 games she scored a total of 63 points (23, 20, 20). Did I mention the kid can shoot? She has a strong, sturdy frame and was deceptively fast in the open court. What struck me most was her solid passing. On Friday night, as I mentioned above, Marion County looked like a well-oiled machine. It started with the passing. Epps’ passing was crisp and on target. There was not much time wasted on dribbling. Her ball handling was purposeful and deliberate. She moved the ball up the court and got the offense moving with perimeter, cross-court and inside passing. She can penetrate off the dribble and driving down the lane you can see the athleticism as she makes her way to the bucket. On the court, she was always talking and directing traffic. In huddles during pre and post game, Epps was always in the center squatting, with her teammates arm-in-arm in circle surrounding her. From what I could tell, she seemed to be a vocal leader, and her team appeared to look to her for that.

It was a fun couple of games to watch. I look forward to catching a few games perhaps this summer, or again next year, to look for the growth these two players make. My guess is these two will be making noise come state tournament time. I look forward to following these youngsters and their team as the season begins to slowly wind down.

While I have spent my time talking about just two of the players, there was plenty of talent all over the court throughout the weekend. I mean no disrespect to the talent of countless players that was on display throughout the weekend. My goal was to watch the future Lady Cards.

Georgetown in-game report

Pogo said "we have met the enemy and he is us". The comic strip character did not say this in reference to Louisville's 19 turnovers with 7:56 left in the game but he could have.

They are a major reason in the difference between a win or a loss at Rutgers and a close game today with Georgetown vs a blow out for Louisville.

St. John's Post Mortem

On Thursday Paul called out through his and Sonja's website and wondered of my whereabouts. Actually I had sort of mentally hibernated because I just really did not know what to make of last Tuesday's Marquette game. Yes, we had won but the mechanics and game basics I needed to see just were not there. I saw lots of dribbling, particularly in the 1st 1/2 of the game. Actually I saw lots and lots of dribbling all around the top and passes to others who were also standing around the top who then dribbled a lot more while apparently hoping that someone on defense would fall down so we could pass to their non-defended position.

Years ago there was a commercial where the senior citizen actress became famous for asking, Where's the Beef? Well after dozing on and off through parts of today's game against St. Johns I am asking, Where's the Heart? because I did not see heart or hustle where the players on the floor looked or acted like they really wanted the ball. As a result, today we no longer were able to slip by with a win.

What Louisville does not have are front court players who are a threat to score either off the pass or rebound. Mo is gone, for at least this year. Today's those starters contributed a total of 0 points and 2 rebounds. Without a front court threat, future opponents will continue to overload on Shoni and the fans will continue to watch lots of guards dribble the ball with no picks, screens or give and goes because there is no place for them to go except to continue to dribble and pass to each other around the perimeter. The season could become extremely long unless somoene steps up to the task of if not dominating, at least holding their own in the front court. My vote, which holds no value, is to start Sarah and Cierra. Let them play until they foul out for enough games that they finally gain enough game time experience to be able to mature into the powerful and dominating players they will eventually become.

Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin - Auld Lang Syne

( HAPPY NEW YEAR!  SEE YOU MONDAY WHEN WE'LL PREVIEW
THE LADY CARDS WBB NEXT OPPONENT...MARQUETTE)
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