Knox Women Observations

Familiar picture?- Knox women lined up ready to go in.

Streaks lined up last year, ready to go in.

It is interesting to me to be able to watch another team as they begin to learn to play an uptempo version of "the system." On Friday night they struggled to a lose. I am sure they were all asking the usual first year questions- "Was a good idea to go to the system?" and "How would we have done with traditional style?" It was obvious to see in all involved a real sense of discouragement.

I wondered what would happen with back to back games, playing on Saturday. Would it be an advantage to the opponent because Knox would be exhausted in game 2? Would it be an advantage to Knox for the other team having to play uptempo for their game?



Knox came out a different team on Saturday. They had much better ball pressure on Carroll. As a result they not only created more turnovers but got Carroll out of whack offensively.

Offensively it is obvious Knox is getting more comfortable playing uptempo. I could not find the box score but it is becoming obvious they have more players comfortable and capable of making threes. GHS grad, Kelly Ricketts has become effective from 3 point range- if only her high school coach would have let her have that chance.

So the question- did the depth of the 13-15 players wear down Carroll? From my perspective the answer is no. I think the ENTHUSIASM of 13-15 players wore Carroll out. It may seem like the same thing but I think there is a subtle difference. Knox players didn't just walk onto the floor, each new group bounced out. That had to get old for Carroll. Even though there were only five on the floor, the energy, enthusiasm, and noise from the bench had to make Carroll feel that Knox had gotten at least 2-3 more onto the floor.

Obviously developing the skills and technique of the system is a process. I am sure like all teams, Knox women will have ups and downs ahead. By while they are working on the skills and techniques, for one afternoon they mastered the enthusiasm needed in the system.

Good job- Knox!!