Last night our Lumberjacks suffered a tough loss at home against a big, and strong UTTC team. The final score was 75-56, but I'm telling you the score does not indicate how close the game actually was throughout the contest. You may not even believe me when I tell you WE had the lead at halftime 34-32. Kristoff Walker had a sensational 1st half by scoring 21 points while going 10-12 from the field. Tyler Storseth drilled a corner 3 as time expired to give us an emotional lift and 2-point lead. Probably the worst thing that could've happened was the energy being halted by the halftime buzzer.
In the second half we lost the lead and the momentum due to the fact UTTC is exceptional in the half-court, and forces teams to play a methodical style of basketball. WE fell right into the trap. Eventually we would be put in a position to gamble by extended pressure to full-court, and allowed UTTC either easy lay-ups because they handled the pressure or fouls. Either way our main issue was not necessarily our defense or rebounding, but simply the fact the ball wouldn't go in the basket. Once again we shot 20% from the 3fg and less then 40% for the game. The right guys are taking the shots, and we are getting good looks. Knocking down shots is not always easy, but tough players are able to put the ball in the basket during tough moments.
With that being said, our TEAM showed signs of improving in areas which have been a concern for majority of the year. Guards valued the ball throughout the game allowing 12 turnovers, and made good decisions leading to 17 assists. Our assist to turnover ration has not been on the positive side for awhile, especially if you take into account several missed baskets as well. Giving up offensive rebounds has been just brutal, and last night we gave up 11 to a very BIG team but once again it was better than we did previously. Right now all we can be focused on is how do we improve each day. WE must stop discussing what the problem is and do a better job of emphasizing what is our solution.
Player Stats:
Kristoff Walker - 25 points and 4 assists
Billy Engel - 9 assists and 5 rebounds
Marquis Thomas - 10 points and 4 rebounds
Two goals this TEAM must strive to meet:
1. Be a greater TEAM today than WE were yesterday
2. Be a greater TEAMMATE today than I was yesterday
Our attitude and effort is all that we can control right now.
Thanks to those who came out and supported our TEAM.
"Without pain there is no pleasure. Without valleys there are no mountaintops. Without struggle there is no achievement."
Let's get JACKED UP,
Coach Fehringer
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Lumberjacks Split in Canada: Finding Our Way
At Dakota College we have an opportunity to compete in Canada a couple of times during the basketball season. Crossing the border and competing against new opponents provides a new experience for our players, and one which they may never duplicate the rest of their basketball career. The court is still 94-feet, hoops are still 10-feet high, and each team can only play 5 guys at a time... BUT there are several areas of the international game that differ from our typical college game.
International Rules:
-24 second shot clock
-Timeouts must be requested at scorer's table
-4 quarters of play
-Ball can be played off of the cylinder
-Substitution policy
These are just a few of the adjustments our TEAM needed to make as we traveled to Winnipeg to take on Canadian Mennonite University back-to-back days. As I mentioned earlier, this was a great experience for coaches and players, but midway through a college season for freshman and sophomores it can also create some difficulties. What WE really liked about the situation was the fact our TEAM had to learn on the fly, and make game time adjustments according the differences of international style of play.
Both games seemed to have a similar feel as Game 1 was determined by 3 points with the Lumberjacks falling 57-60, and Game 2 decided by 1 point in a win for the Jacks 68-67. In both competitions we did a good job of taking early leads and sustaining control for majority of the game. CMU did a better job of managing the 24 second shot-clock, shot the ball from a higher percentage at the 3-pt line, and took care of the ball limiting their turnovers. On the other hand, for us the shot-clock became an issue forcing difficult shots, we have not been shooting the ball very well from deep, and valuing the ball continues to be an major concern.
Without Jayden McMillin on the floor the last 3 games scoring has been an uphill battle, but this weekend I think we started to figure out how to be a more balanced TEAM. Players needed to increase roles on the offensive end by being more aggressive, and defensively had to play much harder because we lack size/athleticism around the rim. Roybell Baez was huge in Game 2 scoring 21 points to go with 6 rebounds. He also nailed the game winning bucket with under a minute to play. Billy Engel came up with 17 points/5 assists to aid in the victory. During Game 1 it was Tyler Storseth who kept us in the game by scoring 17 points and grabbing rebounds.
The next game is always the most important game, and for us this couldn't be more true tonight. UTTC comes into "The Woodshed" with tip-off set for 8p following the Ladyjacks game. WE must continue to take strides forward as this is the time of the year teams either find or lose their identity.
Come Support Your Jacks. WE need your help.
Let's Get JACKED UP!
Coach Fehringer
International Rules:
-24 second shot clock
-Timeouts must be requested at scorer's table
-4 quarters of play
-Ball can be played off of the cylinder
-Substitution policy
These are just a few of the adjustments our TEAM needed to make as we traveled to Winnipeg to take on Canadian Mennonite University back-to-back days. As I mentioned earlier, this was a great experience for coaches and players, but midway through a college season for freshman and sophomores it can also create some difficulties. What WE really liked about the situation was the fact our TEAM had to learn on the fly, and make game time adjustments according the differences of international style of play.
Both games seemed to have a similar feel as Game 1 was determined by 3 points with the Lumberjacks falling 57-60, and Game 2 decided by 1 point in a win for the Jacks 68-67. In both competitions we did a good job of taking early leads and sustaining control for majority of the game. CMU did a better job of managing the 24 second shot-clock, shot the ball from a higher percentage at the 3-pt line, and took care of the ball limiting their turnovers. On the other hand, for us the shot-clock became an issue forcing difficult shots, we have not been shooting the ball very well from deep, and valuing the ball continues to be an major concern.
Without Jayden McMillin on the floor the last 3 games scoring has been an uphill battle, but this weekend I think we started to figure out how to be a more balanced TEAM. Players needed to increase roles on the offensive end by being more aggressive, and defensively had to play much harder because we lack size/athleticism around the rim. Roybell Baez was huge in Game 2 scoring 21 points to go with 6 rebounds. He also nailed the game winning bucket with under a minute to play. Billy Engel came up with 17 points/5 assists to aid in the victory. During Game 1 it was Tyler Storseth who kept us in the game by scoring 17 points and grabbing rebounds.
The next game is always the most important game, and for us this couldn't be more true tonight. UTTC comes into "The Woodshed" with tip-off set for 8p following the Ladyjacks game. WE must continue to take strides forward as this is the time of the year teams either find or lose their identity.
Come Support Your Jacks. WE need your help.
Let's Get JACKED UP!
Coach Fehringer
Friday, January 25, 2013
Jacks Looking to Bounce Back in Canada
The Lumberjacks have encountered some recent struggles during a tough stretch of games. Monday night the difficulties continued in Belcourt as the Jacks dropped to 8-10 overall with a 74-60 loss to Turtle Mountain CC. Road wins are always hard to come by, but successful teams beat opponents you are supposed to beat. Turtle Mountain did a tremendous job of jumping out to an early lead in the 1st half and making key shots to extend the lead whenever we made a run. When it was all said and done our TEAM had to face the facts.
FREE THROW's - 16/28
ORB for TMCC- 18
TURNOVERS - 22
Regardless of how poorly we shot from the field (32%) these statistics show a lack of passion from our TEAM. Each of these categories are a caring, focus, and effort statistic which we failed to provide on Monday night. No scheme, strategy, or philosophy will substitute for hard work, discipline, and enthusiasm to be the best TEAM/individual every play of the game. OUR goal is to find the child-like enthusiasm to enjoy what we do on a daily basis. WE have the opportunity to play a kid's game every day WE are in college, and as a whole WE must value this experience as each day our window is closing as a TEAM.
Over the next two days the Lumberjacks will be traveling to Winnipeg, CAN to compete against Canadian Mennonite University (CMU). Once again we are coming off of a 1-day rest and will have a quick turnaround to play on Saturday as well. I believe this TEAM will regain it's confidence and desire to compete. WE are not happy with our past performance but it is important to remember these are college student-athletes who sometimes loose sight of how lucky we are to represent Dakota College.
Just to inform our Lumberjack followers. Jayden McMillin has been sidelined until further notice with a knee injury. He did not play against Turtle Mountain. WE can view this as a major issue or WE can choose to take this hurdle as an opportunity for others to play. In athletics, players are always an injury or bad decision away from getting on the court.
Resiliency - ability to return to original state after being deformed.
OUR TEAM must be resilient during these times of struggle. During our darkest moments is when true chemistry is found and solidified. Please continue to support our guys!
Let's Get JACKED UP,
Coach Fehringer
FREE THROW's - 16/28
ORB for TMCC- 18
TURNOVERS - 22
Regardless of how poorly we shot from the field (32%) these statistics show a lack of passion from our TEAM. Each of these categories are a caring, focus, and effort statistic which we failed to provide on Monday night. No scheme, strategy, or philosophy will substitute for hard work, discipline, and enthusiasm to be the best TEAM/individual every play of the game. OUR goal is to find the child-like enthusiasm to enjoy what we do on a daily basis. WE have the opportunity to play a kid's game every day WE are in college, and as a whole WE must value this experience as each day our window is closing as a TEAM.
Over the next two days the Lumberjacks will be traveling to Winnipeg, CAN to compete against Canadian Mennonite University (CMU). Once again we are coming off of a 1-day rest and will have a quick turnaround to play on Saturday as well. I believe this TEAM will regain it's confidence and desire to compete. WE are not happy with our past performance but it is important to remember these are college student-athletes who sometimes loose sight of how lucky we are to represent Dakota College.
Just to inform our Lumberjack followers. Jayden McMillin has been sidelined until further notice with a knee injury. He did not play against Turtle Mountain. WE can view this as a major issue or WE can choose to take this hurdle as an opportunity for others to play. In athletics, players are always an injury or bad decision away from getting on the court.
Resiliency - ability to return to original state after being deformed.
OUR TEAM must be resilient during these times of struggle. During our darkest moments is when true chemistry is found and solidified. Please continue to support our guys!
Let's Get JACKED UP,
Coach Fehringer
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Jacks Face Tough Schedule in January
Easy vs. Hard
Winning is HARD, winning road games is hard, and winning three straight games on the road would be almost impossible in college basketball. You may not believe me when I say the fact that our TEAM went 1-2 during a three game road trip in three days is a positive step. In fact our TEAM played 4 games in 5 days and WE are about to play our 5th game in 7 days. It would be EASY to make excuses, be upset with the schedule, or begin to fall apart because we are facing adversity but I believe this stretch is going to make us a better TEAM.
We began by playing at Bismarck State in an exciting game. Our Jacks led the majority of the game and with 2 minutes left to play, WE were up by 5 points. Bismarck State has a couple of sophomores who came up clutch with big shots and WE made a few mistakes that cost us the game in a 92-87 loss. Shot selection, rebounding, and staying focused on the task were all areas we need to improve when the game is on the line. Needless to say I thought we took a step in the right direction by controlling the tempo for the most part, competing against a very dynamic Bismarck team, and having an opportunity to win at the end of the day.
Next up was Trinity Bible who has an advantage due to the fact they are a four year institution. Whenever you play an older and more mature team they are going to cause problems for underclassmen. It was a back and forth game but with 22 seconds to play our TEAM was down 5 points, and it appeared we were going to drop another close game. Colby Boyes and Kristoff Walker came to the rescue as Boyes drained a corner 3 with 14 ticks left. After our guys executed a trap off of the in-bounds Walker stole the pass and made a lay-up to force an extra session. Eventually we would pull off a 85-82 comeback, but it would be a quick turn around the next day.
The final stretch. Our most difficult opponent Dakota County took it to us by simply out playing US, and out coach US in every way 70-40. Again, I could blame the fact we only had 14 hours in between games but WE are a better group than what we showed. 16 minutes into the game we had a 1 point lead, and our discipline was out the window. After watching the film our effort/energy/focus was not present.
On Monday night we played against NDSCS who is now 17-3 during the season. They were big, strong, and executed a game plan. Once again for a good portion of the game our TEAM competed against a more talented opponent but could not hold our ground as the Wildcats pulled away for a 77-60 win. Our achilles heel and will continue to be our ability to defensive rebound, because of our lack in size. We gave up too many second chances and eventually that statistic will wear a team out. Rebounding is not a talent statistic, but a caring and effort statistic. Guards must do a better job of making physical contact, bench must be more productive, and our teamwork must improve as far as passing, screening, and cutting is concerned.
I apologize for taking this much time to update our blog, but WE have been busy. Keeping a positive perspective is most important as this year is not going to get any easier. WE constantly play D1 opponents who are having a high level of success, but we must strive to for daily improvement. When it is all said and done NDSCS, Williston State, Lake Region, and Bismarck State is not what is most important but focusing on what WE do.
Please continue to support OUR TEAM this year, as I can tell you WE will keep working to make Dakota College proud of our effort and resilience.
"Adversity Does Not Build Character, it Reveals Character" - WE must embrace the HARD.
Coach Fehringer
Winning is HARD, winning road games is hard, and winning three straight games on the road would be almost impossible in college basketball. You may not believe me when I say the fact that our TEAM went 1-2 during a three game road trip in three days is a positive step. In fact our TEAM played 4 games in 5 days and WE are about to play our 5th game in 7 days. It would be EASY to make excuses, be upset with the schedule, or begin to fall apart because we are facing adversity but I believe this stretch is going to make us a better TEAM.
We began by playing at Bismarck State in an exciting game. Our Jacks led the majority of the game and with 2 minutes left to play, WE were up by 5 points. Bismarck State has a couple of sophomores who came up clutch with big shots and WE made a few mistakes that cost us the game in a 92-87 loss. Shot selection, rebounding, and staying focused on the task were all areas we need to improve when the game is on the line. Needless to say I thought we took a step in the right direction by controlling the tempo for the most part, competing against a very dynamic Bismarck team, and having an opportunity to win at the end of the day.
Next up was Trinity Bible who has an advantage due to the fact they are a four year institution. Whenever you play an older and more mature team they are going to cause problems for underclassmen. It was a back and forth game but with 22 seconds to play our TEAM was down 5 points, and it appeared we were going to drop another close game. Colby Boyes and Kristoff Walker came to the rescue as Boyes drained a corner 3 with 14 ticks left. After our guys executed a trap off of the in-bounds Walker stole the pass and made a lay-up to force an extra session. Eventually we would pull off a 85-82 comeback, but it would be a quick turn around the next day.
The final stretch. Our most difficult opponent Dakota County took it to us by simply out playing US, and out coach US in every way 70-40. Again, I could blame the fact we only had 14 hours in between games but WE are a better group than what we showed. 16 minutes into the game we had a 1 point lead, and our discipline was out the window. After watching the film our effort/energy/focus was not present.
On Monday night we played against NDSCS who is now 17-3 during the season. They were big, strong, and executed a game plan. Once again for a good portion of the game our TEAM competed against a more talented opponent but could not hold our ground as the Wildcats pulled away for a 77-60 win. Our achilles heel and will continue to be our ability to defensive rebound, because of our lack in size. We gave up too many second chances and eventually that statistic will wear a team out. Rebounding is not a talent statistic, but a caring and effort statistic. Guards must do a better job of making physical contact, bench must be more productive, and our teamwork must improve as far as passing, screening, and cutting is concerned.
I apologize for taking this much time to update our blog, but WE have been busy. Keeping a positive perspective is most important as this year is not going to get any easier. WE constantly play D1 opponents who are having a high level of success, but we must strive to for daily improvement. When it is all said and done NDSCS, Williston State, Lake Region, and Bismarck State is not what is most important but focusing on what WE do.
Please continue to support OUR TEAM this year, as I can tell you WE will keep working to make Dakota College proud of our effort and resilience.
"Adversity Does Not Build Character, it Reveals Character" - WE must embrace the HARD.
Coach Fehringer
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Lumberjacks Drop Home Game vs. Dakota County
The Lumberjacks ran into a very talented and athletic team in Dakota County out of Minneapolis by a score of 97-75. We knew going into the game it was going to be a difficult match-up as the Blue Knights of Dakota County have commonly been ranked top 10 nationally this year, along with the fact it was our 1st meeting with a Region XIII opponent. Despite the score our TEAM came ready to play initiating 11 lead changes throughout the first half. In short, as a TEAM we did not take care of the ball (22 turnovers) or convert on FT opportunities (12-25). These two statistics alone created an uphill battle we could not overcome as Dakota County took advantage of our mistakes.
Resiliency: returning to the original form or position after being bent, compressed or stretched.
On a brighter note, WE felt this game provided us an opportunity to reflect on where we are at 13 games into the season (7-6) and where we need to go as the road to an extended post-season will more than likely run through Dakota County. The Blue Knights did a good job of mixing up zone defensive approaches after man-man seemed to not be effective against us. From the coaching staff doing a better job of teaching our TEAM how to attack a variety of zone looks, to our players staying aggressive and understanding what weaknesses can be exposed in a zone became extremely clear. It is easy after a loss to say we could've done this and should've done that, but honestly there is a simple way to resolve some issues raised during the game. Our TEAM must learn how to SUSTAIN three areas of winning pedigrees - Energy/Effort/Focus. Good teams play hard majority of the game but great teams play hard from beginning to end regardless of score, or who is on the floor.
Can our TEAM show signs of being resilient when faced with adversity?
Jayden McMillin - 19 points, 7 rebounds, 8-14 from the field and 3-3 from the arc
Billey Engel - 14 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds
Kristoff Walker - 11 points, 6 assists
Roybell Baez - Led TEAM with 9 rebounds in only 17 min
It is difficult to lose any home games, but the fact remains WE must bounce back as we play 3 away games in a row over the weekend beginning against Bismarck State on Thursday. WE must develop short-term memory, learn from our mistakes, and apply strategies discussed to be better prepared. College basketball is a marathon not a sprint, and we would be foolish to believe one game in January has any indication of what the Lumberjacks are capable of accomplishing.
Continue to support the Jacks as WE will continue to work. Thanks to those who made the trip to "The Woodshed" even though the weather was not most ideal.
Let's Get Jacked UP,
Coach Fehringer
Monday, January 7, 2013
Jacks Shake Christmas Rust at Northland Classic
Although majority of students and families are excited when Christmas break hits, I can assure you basketball coaching staffs around the country are filled with anxiety. The Lumberjacks had 34 days in between games and 14 days of being off campus before we returned to play in a weekend classic at Northland College. With the credit going to our guys we were able to grab two big wins on the road to start the second half of our season. The emphasis was clear, do not allow either opponent to match our competitive spirit. We knew execution was going to be average at best for both teams due to the layoff, but which ever team decided to "grind out" each possession until the clock struck zero would be successful.
Game 1 vs. Rainy River - W 80-69
Game 2 vs. Northland College - W 83-62
Our basketball team received a pleasant Christmas gift as sophomore Roybell Baez returned to the team after sitting out the first semester. He brings a passion for the game as well as an enthusiasm to compete that is hard to find in many common players. On the weekend he averaged 10 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds, which was a much needed contribution. Marquis Thomas was also more than instrumental in the two wins averaging 17 points and 13 rebounds. If he can continue to be a relentless rebounder/defender and finish around the rim it allows Jayden McMillin a little more freedom throughout the game. McMillin was not quiet either as he produced 26 points/12 reb in game one, followed by a 17 point/9 reb showing in game two after only playing 19 min due to foul trouble.
Billy Engel and Kristoff Walker combined for 21 assists in the two games, controlled the tempo of the game, and delivered key baskets when necessary. If those two players will continue to develop into complete guards this team has an opportunity to compete every night because of their ability to drive, pass, score, and defend. Tyler Storseth allowed us to separate in game two by hitting back-to-back 3's in the second half.
Coming back from break we discussed the value of discipline over athleticism. We will not typically be the most athletic team when facing Mon-Dak opponents, but if we continue to improve our discipline when it comes to quality of our shots versus the quality of the opponents we have a chance to be successful. For us, it is not about making a great play but making the right play. Our toughness will be tested over the next 19 days as we will play 10 games. Learning the game on the go will be crucial as mistakes must be limited and not repeated.
This Friday, January 11th at 6pm the Jacks are back in action at "The Woodshed" against a very difficult opponent in Dakota County Technical College. Your support is needed as this is going to be a great measuring stick for our TEAM.
REMINDER- Women will play at 8pm against Minot Air Force Base. Times have been switched to accommodate the traveling team.
Lets' Get Jacked UP on January 11th for both Men and Women programs!
Coach Fehringer
Game 1 vs. Rainy River - W 80-69
Game 2 vs. Northland College - W 83-62
Our basketball team received a pleasant Christmas gift as sophomore Roybell Baez returned to the team after sitting out the first semester. He brings a passion for the game as well as an enthusiasm to compete that is hard to find in many common players. On the weekend he averaged 10 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds, which was a much needed contribution. Marquis Thomas was also more than instrumental in the two wins averaging 17 points and 13 rebounds. If he can continue to be a relentless rebounder/defender and finish around the rim it allows Jayden McMillin a little more freedom throughout the game. McMillin was not quiet either as he produced 26 points/12 reb in game one, followed by a 17 point/9 reb showing in game two after only playing 19 min due to foul trouble.
Billy Engel and Kristoff Walker combined for 21 assists in the two games, controlled the tempo of the game, and delivered key baskets when necessary. If those two players will continue to develop into complete guards this team has an opportunity to compete every night because of their ability to drive, pass, score, and defend. Tyler Storseth allowed us to separate in game two by hitting back-to-back 3's in the second half.
Coming back from break we discussed the value of discipline over athleticism. We will not typically be the most athletic team when facing Mon-Dak opponents, but if we continue to improve our discipline when it comes to quality of our shots versus the quality of the opponents we have a chance to be successful. For us, it is not about making a great play but making the right play. Our toughness will be tested over the next 19 days as we will play 10 games. Learning the game on the go will be crucial as mistakes must be limited and not repeated.
This Friday, January 11th at 6pm the Jacks are back in action at "The Woodshed" against a very difficult opponent in Dakota County Technical College. Your support is needed as this is going to be a great measuring stick for our TEAM.
REMINDER- Women will play at 8pm against Minot Air Force Base. Times have been switched to accommodate the traveling team.
Lets' Get Jacked UP on January 11th for both Men and Women programs!
Coach Fehringer
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