Any sports enthusiast understand the value of winning on the road, and the level of confidence it can provide for a TEAM striving to improve daily. The Lumberjacks showed a level of toughness last night by defeating NJCAA D1 Dawson Community College in Glendive 89-78. Basketball is a game of simply making more baskets at times, and the Jacks did not seem to have difficulty scoring as they successfully completed 54% of their attempts. Also, on 26 of our made field goals WE had 17 assists meaning 65% of the scoring possessions we shared the ball with teammates. Probably the most significant statistic was our ability to attack the rim forcing Dawson to commit fouls as we connected on 27-31 FT attempts (87%).
Clearly a win is a win, but it did not come without areas of concern. Establishing a presence on the defensive glass continues to hurt our TEAM defense as it makes it nearly impossible to hold teams to a low total. Overall our defense did not do a poor job because we played faster, harder, and unselfish for the majority of the game but WE must develop a successful strategy to limit second possessions for the opposing team.
Individually there was a contribution from basically everyone who stepped on the floor, but our TEAM was also proud of those who remained great teammates by being supporting and demonstrating a level of maturity to understand they still had an important role. Jayden McMillin has simply been impressive up to this points by once again leading the team in scoring and rebouding with 29 points/8 rebounds. Freshman Billy Engel did a good job of returning to the starting lineup with an aggressive mentality by filling up the stat sheet in multiple categories - 21 points/8 rebounds/6 assists/ 13-14 FT. Our spark that lead us over the hill was sophomore Colby Boyes as he connected on three huge 3pt attempts, along with a few other baskets tallying 13 points. Freshman Kristoff Walker played a much better all-around style of play by delivering scoring passes, controlling the tempo of the game, and becoming a scoring threat at the right times by going 5/9 from the field for 12 points as well as dishing out 6 assists. From top to bottom the coaching staff felt this was our best TEAM EFFORT without a doubt up to this point.
It was a good win for the program, but with 1 game left in the first semester the Jacks must finish strong. WE play Minot Air Force Base on Saturday, Dec. 1st at 2 pm. Come help the Lumberjacks finish in correct fashion with a big win at "The Woodshed" before we take off for Christmas Break. This is the last opportunity to see us play at home until Jan. 21st so don't miss out!
SPREAD THE WORD
WE thank you for the support and look forward to seeing you on Saturday.
Let's Get Jacked Up,
Coach Fehringer
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Growing Pains Continue at Baymont Classic
There are a few TRUTHS in the game of college basketball in order to be successful. You have to be able to score the basketball, defend the basketball, rebound the basketball and take care of the basketball. It does not seem that complicated when you break it down into simplicity's. Over the weekend our TEAM did not have problems scoring the basketball as we completed 50% of our possessions successfully, but when you look at our ability to control the defensive boards as well as value the ball by not turning it over to the other team.... WE struggled.
The Lumberjack basketball TEAM dropped to 4-4 overall after losing back to back games at the Baymont Inn Classic in Wahpeton, ND as we competed against Trinity Bible (L 90-76) and Northeast CC out of Nebraska (L 90-80). There are two statistical categories we must show a sense of urgency to control as giving up offensive rebounds was clearly a major concern by allowing 40+ ORB in two games. Being a TEAM that lacks size it is not necessarily an effort issues as the coaching staff will be challenged to develop successful techniques, and strategies. TRUTH is we are not going to miraculously grow any taller as every team we play is going to have a size advantage. Turnovers also plagued our ability to have an opportunity to win as we literally gave the ball to the other team 50+ times in two games. This category is extremely frustrating because we do have power to value the ball by throwing strong passes, having fundamental footwork, and understanding how to make the right play.
FACT: It will be tough for us to beat any good team when we provide the opponent with 20 extra possessions during a game.
On a positive note, I believe both areas of emphasis are correctable. Nothing is broke. The fact that our TEAM had a chance to win both games while dealing with poor play in these two categories should be motivational for our guys. Allowing 90ppg is not a recipe for success, but limiting turnovers and improving our ability to control the defensive boards will cut down opponents points dramatically. We have 10 days before our next competition against Dawson CC in Glendive, and you can be certain our Jacks will be correcting these mistakes.
Continue to support our Lumberjacks as this process will be continually evolving as WE find our stride.
Next Home Game will be Dec. 1st as WE take on Minot AFB at 7pm.
The Lumberjack basketball TEAM dropped to 4-4 overall after losing back to back games at the Baymont Inn Classic in Wahpeton, ND as we competed against Trinity Bible (L 90-76) and Northeast CC out of Nebraska (L 90-80). There are two statistical categories we must show a sense of urgency to control as giving up offensive rebounds was clearly a major concern by allowing 40+ ORB in two games. Being a TEAM that lacks size it is not necessarily an effort issues as the coaching staff will be challenged to develop successful techniques, and strategies. TRUTH is we are not going to miraculously grow any taller as every team we play is going to have a size advantage. Turnovers also plagued our ability to have an opportunity to win as we literally gave the ball to the other team 50+ times in two games. This category is extremely frustrating because we do have power to value the ball by throwing strong passes, having fundamental footwork, and understanding how to make the right play.
FACT: It will be tough for us to beat any good team when we provide the opponent with 20 extra possessions during a game.
On a positive note, I believe both areas of emphasis are correctable. Nothing is broke. The fact that our TEAM had a chance to win both games while dealing with poor play in these two categories should be motivational for our guys. Allowing 90ppg is not a recipe for success, but limiting turnovers and improving our ability to control the defensive boards will cut down opponents points dramatically. We have 10 days before our next competition against Dawson CC in Glendive, and you can be certain our Jacks will be correcting these mistakes.
Continue to support our Lumberjacks as this process will be continually evolving as WE find our stride.
Next Home Game will be Dec. 1st as WE take on Minot AFB at 7pm.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Lumberjacks Comeback Falls Short vs. Dawson CC
"A day late, and a dollar short"
From the beginning our TEAM has continued to discuss the importance of understanding this season will be an evolving process. WE came up short as a collective group last night falling to Dawson CC 81-74. Initially the offense was clicking on all cylinders, which simply means the ball was going through the net. Defensively we struggled to identify primary shooters early on resulting in Dawson successfully completing 11-30 3FG attempts (37%). It would be easy to blame our guys for not executing strategies at times, but I needed to do a better job of changing our approach. Going into the week the coaching staff determined zone defense is our best TEAM philosophy because it forces our guys to constantly move, and creates a little chaos. Stubbornly WE stayed with zone defense too long at moments believing eventually WE would tie up loose ends. Needless to say the Head Coach Don Mast did an excellent job of attacking our zone with effective schemes.
There are a few statistical categories our TEAM understand we must win in order to have a chance at the end of the game: Rebounds, Free Throws, Turnovers, Def FG %. As a TEAM we were not successful in winning these areas of emphasis. On the glass we did not play physical enough against larger opponents. WE did not get to the FT line as often as we should because we settled for jump shot rather than rim attacks. As a TEAM we turned the ball over 16 times, which is not acceptable but will continue to improve as we learn to anticipate each others decisions during intense moments. Finally DEF FG%, we held DCC to 45% from the field. This statistic is completely misleading due to the fact we gave their offense too many second chance opportunities. If WE did a better job as a TEAM by gang rebounding the outcome may have likely been different.
Overall I was extremely happy with our TEAM battling back from an 18 point deficit to make it a 5 point game with less than 2 minutes to play. WE showed character during moments of adversity. Better decisions could've been made down the stretch from the coaching staff, and players but that is why we practice. It is tough to prepare as a player or a coach for every situation you will face this early in the year. Several game situations surfaced that have not been discussed and I thought our guys did a relatively good job of executing strategies out of time-outs. If we understand the room this group of student-athletes have to grow and the coaching staff cultivates confidence day by day, we have an opportunity to be a difficult match-up come February.
INDIVIDUAL STATS
Jayden McMillin - 26 points/10 reb/39 min. Did an excellent job of staying within our offense all night. Defensively was asked to guard bigger and stronger opponents. Continues to sacrifice for the betterment of the group.
Kristoff Walker - 22 points/ 2 reb./ 2 asst. Came out of the tip energizing the TEAM and the crowd with exceptional offensive plays. As a freshman he gets caught up in the moment at times. Will continue to mature as an offensive players, but can really get going when he defends with his athleticisim.
From the beginning our TEAM has continued to discuss the importance of understanding this season will be an evolving process. WE came up short as a collective group last night falling to Dawson CC 81-74. Initially the offense was clicking on all cylinders, which simply means the ball was going through the net. Defensively we struggled to identify primary shooters early on resulting in Dawson successfully completing 11-30 3FG attempts (37%). It would be easy to blame our guys for not executing strategies at times, but I needed to do a better job of changing our approach. Going into the week the coaching staff determined zone defense is our best TEAM philosophy because it forces our guys to constantly move, and creates a little chaos. Stubbornly WE stayed with zone defense too long at moments believing eventually WE would tie up loose ends. Needless to say the Head Coach Don Mast did an excellent job of attacking our zone with effective schemes.
There are a few statistical categories our TEAM understand we must win in order to have a chance at the end of the game: Rebounds, Free Throws, Turnovers, Def FG %. As a TEAM we were not successful in winning these areas of emphasis. On the glass we did not play physical enough against larger opponents. WE did not get to the FT line as often as we should because we settled for jump shot rather than rim attacks. As a TEAM we turned the ball over 16 times, which is not acceptable but will continue to improve as we learn to anticipate each others decisions during intense moments. Finally DEF FG%, we held DCC to 45% from the field. This statistic is completely misleading due to the fact we gave their offense too many second chance opportunities. If WE did a better job as a TEAM by gang rebounding the outcome may have likely been different.
Overall I was extremely happy with our TEAM battling back from an 18 point deficit to make it a 5 point game with less than 2 minutes to play. WE showed character during moments of adversity. Better decisions could've been made down the stretch from the coaching staff, and players but that is why we practice. It is tough to prepare as a player or a coach for every situation you will face this early in the year. Several game situations surfaced that have not been discussed and I thought our guys did a relatively good job of executing strategies out of time-outs. If we understand the room this group of student-athletes have to grow and the coaching staff cultivates confidence day by day, we have an opportunity to be a difficult match-up come February.
INDIVIDUAL STATS
Jayden McMillin - 26 points/10 reb/39 min. Did an excellent job of staying within our offense all night. Defensively was asked to guard bigger and stronger opponents. Continues to sacrifice for the betterment of the group.
Kristoff Walker - 22 points/ 2 reb./ 2 asst. Came out of the tip energizing the TEAM and the crowd with exceptional offensive plays. As a freshman he gets caught up in the moment at times. Will continue to mature as an offensive players, but can really get going when he defends with his athleticisim.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Lumberjacks Finish 2-1 at Lake Region Invitational
3 games in 3 days on the road... This is what college basketball is all about! Going into the trip our TEAM discussed how valuable and memorable road trips are when preparing body/mind for the common physiological/psychological strains of an intense season. With that being said, traveling in a van as a TEAM through poor weather and staying in the hotel together are all a part of an experience that creates life-long memories past student-athletes continue to discuss when their career has ended with teammates. WE relayed a message to embrace the moment, play in the present, and empty the tank as Nov 9-11 will never be returned to your or this TEAM.
WE began the invitational competing against Jamestown JV, which turned out to be a slug-fest with the Lumberjacks edging out the victory 80-72 in OT. Our TEAM was faced with a 15 point deficit midway through the second half and the coaching staff just was not sure how this young group of men would react. The guys pulled together and began to fight possession by possession with Jayden McMillin leading the charge finishing with 30 points. We played fast and we played hard with the final factor being are willingness to push the ball late in the game, and score easy baskets down the stretch. It was great to see our backs against the wall early in the year.
Game 2 brought about a whole new challenge because Miles City CC is considered a more "common" JUCO opponent. They have a variety of athletes on the perimeter balanced by several shooting threats with an interior play we had yet to see in our 1st three competitions. Although the score did not go our way (87-69) it was by far our best learning experience up to this point. When we did not execute defensive strategies Miles City took advantage. Offensively Miles City was able to force us into half-court execution, which has clearly been identified as an area of improvement for our TEAM. Following the game we came together and discussed how transfer learning is necessary if we would like to be successful against more talented opponents.
FINALLY... The last game of the invitational placed the Jacks against Lake Region Alumni. We have discussed playing faster and more aggressive on both ends of the floor. WE managed to put up 100 points (42 in transition), along with creating 20 turnovers through ball pressure and deflections resulting in fast break points. Defensively our guys moved on the flight of the ball more passionately as we began to see the benefits of dictating penetration to an area we can recover. Through our 5 games the coaching staff was pleased to see us play our best basketball thus far on the third day of competition. I guess that either means we are in decent shape OR we just didn't play as hard as we should the first two games. Either way, the TEAM seems like it began to connect what we work on with how we should compete.
Over the weekend several players had bright moments but Jayden McMillin was our anchor without a doubt averaging 27 points and 10 reb. Freshman Kristoff Walker once again had flashes of extremely good play by netting 20 plus points on two different occasions while dishing out 8 assists against Lake Region Alumni. Sophmore Tyler Storseth also began to find the speed of the game as he started to heat up going 8-12 from the arc the final two games. Probably the player who seems to understand how hard you have to play to be successful continues to be sophmore Ben Veith as he displays the intensity our TEAM expects on a nightly basis.
GET TO THE WOODSHED on Nov. 15th! We host Dawson Community College at 8pm with the Ladyjacks tipping off at 6pm. Let's provide a great atmosphere and protect our home court.
Get Jacked Up!
WE began the invitational competing against Jamestown JV, which turned out to be a slug-fest with the Lumberjacks edging out the victory 80-72 in OT. Our TEAM was faced with a 15 point deficit midway through the second half and the coaching staff just was not sure how this young group of men would react. The guys pulled together and began to fight possession by possession with Jayden McMillin leading the charge finishing with 30 points. We played fast and we played hard with the final factor being are willingness to push the ball late in the game, and score easy baskets down the stretch. It was great to see our backs against the wall early in the year.
Game 2 brought about a whole new challenge because Miles City CC is considered a more "common" JUCO opponent. They have a variety of athletes on the perimeter balanced by several shooting threats with an interior play we had yet to see in our 1st three competitions. Although the score did not go our way (87-69) it was by far our best learning experience up to this point. When we did not execute defensive strategies Miles City took advantage. Offensively Miles City was able to force us into half-court execution, which has clearly been identified as an area of improvement for our TEAM. Following the game we came together and discussed how transfer learning is necessary if we would like to be successful against more talented opponents.
FINALLY... The last game of the invitational placed the Jacks against Lake Region Alumni. We have discussed playing faster and more aggressive on both ends of the floor. WE managed to put up 100 points (42 in transition), along with creating 20 turnovers through ball pressure and deflections resulting in fast break points. Defensively our guys moved on the flight of the ball more passionately as we began to see the benefits of dictating penetration to an area we can recover. Through our 5 games the coaching staff was pleased to see us play our best basketball thus far on the third day of competition. I guess that either means we are in decent shape OR we just didn't play as hard as we should the first two games. Either way, the TEAM seems like it began to connect what we work on with how we should compete.
Over the weekend several players had bright moments but Jayden McMillin was our anchor without a doubt averaging 27 points and 10 reb. Freshman Kristoff Walker once again had flashes of extremely good play by netting 20 plus points on two different occasions while dishing out 8 assists against Lake Region Alumni. Sophmore Tyler Storseth also began to find the speed of the game as he started to heat up going 8-12 from the arc the final two games. Probably the player who seems to understand how hard you have to play to be successful continues to be sophmore Ben Veith as he displays the intensity our TEAM expects on a nightly basis.
GET TO THE WOODSHED on Nov. 15th! We host Dawson Community College at 8pm with the Ladyjacks tipping off at 6pm. Let's provide a great atmosphere and protect our home court.
Get Jacked Up!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Jacks Finish Thom Classic 2-0
First of all, I would like to thank the family's of student-athletes, community members, and of course our fellow students who came to support Men's and Women's basketball over the weekend. With both Ladyjacks and Lumberjacks going 2-0, it is safe to say the Thom Classic was once again a successful experience. This season competitions at "The Woodshed" are limited as we only play 10 games at home, meaning it is crucial WE protect home court and your support is vital to our success.
As far as our TEAM play over the weekend is concerned... WE definitely have work to do as our final product will be an evolving process through the month of February. With a new coaching staff and philosophy as well as a different group of student-athletes it is going to take time for all of us to be on the same page, but I do believe we are at least reading the same book. Out work your opponent, be disciplined on both ends, and be willing to sacrifice for the betterment of the group are 3 categories WE believe allow us to compete on a nightly basis. Execution was not as sharp as any coach would like it to be but game by game WE will develop a better understanding of X's and O's. Our philosophy is that we do not want to draw up better plays, but develop better basketball players.
Several categories stood out as major positives in two competitions. WE won the battle of the boards by being a combined +33 translating into a TEAM effort rebounding. WE shot 52 Free Throws over the weekend which tells me we are being aggressive by attacking the rim. WE forced 39 Turnovers as well as attempted to take 15 charges (6 we received), as a coaching staff these two statistics allow us to believe we are committing to TEAM defense. On the other hand our guys are aware we did not supply enough shot pressure, because both teams seemed to be open too often at the 3 point line. Unforced turnovers plagued our offense both games as we need to learn to simply pass and catch better. Finally, learning to play without the ball in our hand and make quicker decisions offensively. Too often we were caught standing and watching the action. The most important part of the weekend is the fact all errors are correctable as long as we can identify the problem, acknowledge our mistakes, and be humble enough to accept coaching. The coaching staff is excited to get into the gym on Monday and begin to "sharpen up".
A few player who stood out over the weekend:
Ben Veith
Came off the bench to bring energy that could not be matched. His work ethic was uncommon and refreshing. In 55 total min. Ben had 14 Reb. (9 offensive), 8/13 from the field, 3 steals, and defended within our TEAM concepts constantly.
Billy Engel
Freshman from Cooperstown recorded his 1st double-double against Canadian Mennonite University as he had 18 points and 11 reb along with 7 assists nearly completing at triple-double.
Jayden McMillin
Returning Sophmore. Had slow night the 1st game vs. Winnipeg, but bounced back with 34 points and 9 reb. against CMU as he was tremendous attacking the rim on the offensive end.
Kristoff Walker
Freshman from New Orleans. Began his college career with 22 points and 6 steals against Winnipeg as he was simply difficult to guard the entire game. Game 2 against CMU the ball did not fall as we would like but he still manage to gather 8 reb and 5 assists.
Several other players contributed in a big way as many guys had moments. For us to be successful we truly need contributions across the board as we start to understand and embrace our roles.
The Jacks are back in action this coming weekend in Lake Region during a 3-day classic. It will be a great test for us as the competition will be raised.
Get Jacked Up!
As far as our TEAM play over the weekend is concerned... WE definitely have work to do as our final product will be an evolving process through the month of February. With a new coaching staff and philosophy as well as a different group of student-athletes it is going to take time for all of us to be on the same page, but I do believe we are at least reading the same book. Out work your opponent, be disciplined on both ends, and be willing to sacrifice for the betterment of the group are 3 categories WE believe allow us to compete on a nightly basis. Execution was not as sharp as any coach would like it to be but game by game WE will develop a better understanding of X's and O's. Our philosophy is that we do not want to draw up better plays, but develop better basketball players.
Several categories stood out as major positives in two competitions. WE won the battle of the boards by being a combined +33 translating into a TEAM effort rebounding. WE shot 52 Free Throws over the weekend which tells me we are being aggressive by attacking the rim. WE forced 39 Turnovers as well as attempted to take 15 charges (6 we received), as a coaching staff these two statistics allow us to believe we are committing to TEAM defense. On the other hand our guys are aware we did not supply enough shot pressure, because both teams seemed to be open too often at the 3 point line. Unforced turnovers plagued our offense both games as we need to learn to simply pass and catch better. Finally, learning to play without the ball in our hand and make quicker decisions offensively. Too often we were caught standing and watching the action. The most important part of the weekend is the fact all errors are correctable as long as we can identify the problem, acknowledge our mistakes, and be humble enough to accept coaching. The coaching staff is excited to get into the gym on Monday and begin to "sharpen up".
A few player who stood out over the weekend:
Ben Veith
Came off the bench to bring energy that could not be matched. His work ethic was uncommon and refreshing. In 55 total min. Ben had 14 Reb. (9 offensive), 8/13 from the field, 3 steals, and defended within our TEAM concepts constantly.
Billy Engel
Freshman from Cooperstown recorded his 1st double-double against Canadian Mennonite University as he had 18 points and 11 reb along with 7 assists nearly completing at triple-double.
Jayden McMillin
Returning Sophmore. Had slow night the 1st game vs. Winnipeg, but bounced back with 34 points and 9 reb. against CMU as he was tremendous attacking the rim on the offensive end.
Kristoff Walker
Freshman from New Orleans. Began his college career with 22 points and 6 steals against Winnipeg as he was simply difficult to guard the entire game. Game 2 against CMU the ball did not fall as we would like but he still manage to gather 8 reb and 5 assists.
Several other players contributed in a big way as many guys had moments. For us to be successful we truly need contributions across the board as we start to understand and embrace our roles.
The Jacks are back in action this coming weekend in Lake Region during a 3-day classic. It will be a great test for us as the competition will be raised.
Get Jacked Up!
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