Wednesday, February 27, 2013

1st Round of Region Tournament

Lumberjack supporters. I apologize for taking time to catch up on our blog. WE have been extremely busy with recruiting, scouting/preparing for upcoming games, as well as handling a difficult situation with an injured player who is a long ways away from home.

All year long as a TEAM each game was valued as the most important game of the year. WE understood the only game we had control over was the one in front of us. It is time to throw all cliche's out the window because the most exciting time of the year in college basketball is upon us.
WIN or GO HOME.

Tonight we will tip-off against UTTC for the third time this season. The game will be play at UTTC in Bismarck beginning at 7pm.

For those supporters who follow our program closely, we are on a 3-game skid with losses to UTTC, Lake Region State College, and finished the year against Williston State College. Obviously this is not the type of run any team would like to have, but I am confident our TEAM will continue to compete as it has all year long. As many sports fanatics know anything can happen when it becomes a one game season.

There is no doubt a team must have talent, chemistry, and a desire to win in order to be successful in a tournament setting. With that being said, probably the most underrated aspect of post-season play is a teams overall health. At this point the Lumberjacks are struggling in this department as Jayden McMillin continues to battle back and the latest loss of Kristoff Walker.

Kristoff Walker suffered a severe leg fracture of his tibia and fibula. He is recovering in Grand Forks at this moment but will be returning home to New Orleans in the near future. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. In moments like this WE begin to learn how precious our time can be, and what is truly important. Being great teammates, valuing the opportunity to play, and embracing the moment for good and bad are all aspects of college athletics which have gained a new perspective for our young men.

This TEAM has stuck together through ups and downs throughout the year. I have no doubt in my mind we will play as hard as we have ever played tonight. Regardless of the outcome I believe our student-athletes strive to be the best basketball players they can be, as well as the best teammates a coach could ask for.

Embrace the Moment.

Let's Get JACKED UP.

Coach Fehringer

Sunday, February 17, 2013

TEAM Battles Back From 16 Down: Defeat Concordia

How Will We Finish?

This is a question without an answer at this point, but if today was any indication of how we will respond to adversity then I'd say WE REFUSE to give up. Coming out of half-time against Concordia JV, OUR TEAM surrendered a 10-0 run to put us 14 down. Eventually the lead would even slip to 16 points in the second half until WE finally stopped playing gimmicks and just said "full court man to man" with 10 minutes to go. WE rotated guards in to sustain pressure, as a TEAM we rebounded the ball aggressively, and guy after guy came up with big plays. When it was all said and done, OUR JACKS won the game with a final score of 85-81 against a very sound Concordia team.

Yesterday's loss was a tough pill to swallow because earlier in the year we had defeated Jamestown JV. Today did not look like the outcome was going to be positive midway through the second half, and to be honest I was not sure what our guys had left. Third game in four days with a conference game tomorrow as well. The mood was just right to roll over and allow Concordia JV to finish what they had started in the second half... Then it happened... Tyler Storseth began to knock down deep 3's giving our TEAM excitement, Marquis Thomas grabbed rebound put backs, Billy Engel nailed key jump shots, Kristoff Walker penetrated and distributed the ball to Roybell Baez, Ben Veith, and DaShamone McCarty.

With :50 seconds to play the defense came up with a big stop as the game was tied 81-81, from there WE would call timeout and decide what way to go with a crucial possession. The ball was given to Walker, Thomas set a great screen, and Walker delivered with a game winning lay-up as he was fouled along the way give US a 3-point lead. Although Walker sealed the deal this was a collaborative effort as once again all players clocked in 10 plus minutes, and nobody played 30 or more minutes.  Credit goes out to our guys desire to not allow a bad situation to dictate their attitudes and efforts.

Statistical Highlights:

Kristoff Walker - 24 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, game-winning basket
"Did a good job of being aggressive on both ends, distributed the ball on key plays, and kept the pressure up on ball handlers".

Tyler Storseth - 17 points, 4/4 from 3FG
"Truly changed the game with clutch shooting. Whenever Tyler plays well we seem to play with more energy and enthusiasm".

Billy Engel - 11 points, 3 assists
"Has been faced with a tough stretch recently, but Billy is a competitor. He has played the most minutes this year and it was good to see Billy gain confidence again today".

Just as today was our biggest game of the year. Tomorrow is another big test because UTTC will be our 1st opponent to open up regional play. We tip at 8pm in Bismarck.

Let's Get Jacked UP,

Coach Fehringer


Saturday, February 16, 2013

Final Stretch: How Will WE Respond?

When the month of February is upon a college basketball TEAM and the supporters who follow, it is difficult to recall what happened over the course of the year. Whether a TEAM has early success or struggled to run an offense. In college hoops it's what you do in February and March that ultimately determines the level of your success or failure. The NCAA tournament will have multiple 20+ win teams fall in the 1st/2nd round, and the common phrase will be "upset". Other teams may squeak their way into the NCAA tournament or NIT, and be declared "Cinderella" story's all because they finished the season with a couple of wins. How WE finish is much more important than where WE are at, or where WE have been.

Currently the Jacks TEAM is facing another tough stretch of games. 5 games in 7 days, with 3 of the  5 games coming against conference opponents. Thursday night OUR TEAM suffered a difficult loss to BSC by a score of 86-105. The score was not the frustrating part for me or the guys, but rather due to the fact WE did not make BSC earn the win. WE had a lack of discipline rebounding the basketball, lack of focus to identify personnel's strengths for BSC, and lack of competitive desire in front of a great crowd. Everyone knew it was a big game and WE must learn to be mentally/physically tougher when a great opportunity presents itself.

Today WE competed against a very scrappy and well-balanced Jamestown College JV team. WE lost 74-64 after having the lead at half. Just before the game began, WE received notice Jayden McMillin would not be available because of a possible concussion. This group has had to face tremendous opposition from injury issues, eligibility, and a seemingly NBA schedule at times. On a positive note WE did a much better job of defensively rebounding, oddly enough WE won every statistical category except Free Throw's, and had 38 points off the bench. With a difficult road ahead it was crucial we balance out our minutes on the floor. All 10 players accumulated more than 10 minutes of playing time, and nobody cracked over 30 minutes.

Tomorrow the road continues as we compete against another very good Concordia JV team. They have "upset" several Junior College teams already and WE will not take them lightly. OUR TEAM will continue to play balanced minutes as every player will have a chance to improve because this weekend is a non-conference match-up with the most important part of our season ahead of us.

HOW WILL WE FINISH? Several people may believe the writing is on the wall for this group, but I am crazy enough to think "Cinderella" teams don't just pop-up in the NCAA tournament.

Stay tuned for Lumberjack updates.

Get Jacked UP,

Coach Fehringer


Saturday, February 9, 2013

Jacks Lose by 12 at WSC

Once again our Lumberjacks hit the road to take on a very tough Williston State College (20-7). At the end of the first half the Tetons held a 7-point lead by hitting a buzzer beater. The second half would be much of the same as we were outscored by 5-points ultimately resulting in a 71-59 loss. Defensively our TEAM did a nice job of executing the game plan by slowing up the ball in transition, and limiting second possessions against a very skilled/athletic WSC team. When it was all said and done our TEAM simply did not finish opportunities around the rim, or knock down open shots when we had good looks from good shooters. Many would probably agree a 12-point loss at Williston would be classified as a "good try", but in my opinion the Tetons did not get our best punch.

If there is one thing to say about our guys, it is the fact we have been dealt with much adversity throughout the year due to a tough schedule and injuries. Our game against WSC was our 3rd game in four days, arguably against our most difficult opponent and once again our TEAM was one player short as Billy Engel sat out with a rib injury. WE competed at a high-level in many stretches, but our focus, confidence and energy was not consistent enough to take down a strong opponent in their gym. After the game WE discussed what "winning" on a nightly basis required.

Play Hard:
20-25 minutes = LOSS
25-30 minutes = Probable LOSS
30-35 minutes = Might WIN
35-40 minutes = Great Chance to WIN

Statistical Highlights:

Jayden McMillin - 18 points, 6 rebounds
"We needed to do a better job of delivering Jayden the ball in scoring position as he was extremely effective and efficient with his touches."

Kristoff Walker - 14 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals

Next week we have a huge opportunity to really push ourselves in the right direction leading into Regional Tournament play. Bismarck State visits "The Woodshed" on Thursday evening with tip-ff set for 8pm. WE will say a big "Thank You" to Terry Charnholm for everything he has done to help Dakota College. It will also be "Think Pink" night in support for Coaches vs Cancer.

Come support your Lumberjacks as we compete to take down the Mystics.

Let's Get Jacked UP,

Coach Fehringer

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Back in the Win Column

Last night's game had some exciting moments from both teams as the Lumberjacks defended their home court by defeating Turtle Mountain CC 95-84. With the return of Jayden McMillan into the lineup it appeared WE might pull away from the Mikinocks with a 13-point lead at half. The largest lead would be 20-points on the night, but Turtle Mountain did a great job of hanging around and providing a good basketball game to be a spectator. It was good for our guys to get back in the W column after a tough stretch recently, but the relief will short lived as we travel to Williston State College who is 19-7 tonight.

Lately we have had trouble getting the ball in the basket and it hasn't always been because the defense is so great, but rather individual confidence isn't always as high as it should be. Last night it seemed we found some of that confidence by shooting 49% from the field, 46% from the arc, and 82% from the FT line. As mentioned before, basketball is a game of made and missed baskets, as long as you knock down open shot and make easy baskets majority of the time you will have a chance to win. Defensively we were more aggressive out of traps by creating 10 steals, and 18 turnovers but had to many lapses of "lazy" possessions due to the score. Against the top tier teams there is never a possession where OUR TEAM can do anything but give maximum effort.

Statistical Highlights:

Kristoff Walker - 34 points, 5 assists, 2 steals
"Over the course of the last two weeks Kristoff has played at an extremely high level. His ability to attack the rim, create his own shot, and distribute the basketball has been impressive as a coach. As coaches we can always be critical but he has done a superb job of improving down the stretch."

Jayden McMillan - 19 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals
"It was great to see #20 in the lineup again. Jayden appeared to bring another level of confidence to our guys as well, and I do believe those 19 points were the quietest of his career. Hopefully he had a chance to get his legs back underneath of him, and find a little rhythm."

Tyler Storseth - 17 points, 4/10 from 3FG
"Whenever Tyler knocks down perimeter shots, we seem to play inspired basketball. He allowed us to separate early and is always a threat to go on a run. Outside of hitting shots, Tyler does a good job of playing physical defense and rebounding."

WE had a great crowd last night, and WE appreciate the support. Next Thursday Bismarck State will be traveling to "The Woodshed". It will be Terry Charnholm's appreciation game as well as "Pink Night" so get to the game and BE LOUD!

Let's Get JACKED UP,

Coach Fehringer

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Jacks Fall One Stop Short at NDSCS

Sometimes in athletics a team runs out of time before having the ability to take a lead. On Monday night the Lumberjacks left too many seconds on the clock as NDSCS Wildcats (20-4) was able to force the game into OT. With :20 seconds to go in the second half our TEAM took a 69-68 lead off of a Walker assist to Thomas. As time winded down a tough foul call was made on a difficult shot attempt allowing a Wildcat player to make a free throw providing both teams with 5 more minutes of play. In the extra session our Jacks were unable to convert on the offensive end while the Wildcats went 6-9 from the field and pulled off a win 83-75.

Some might say we are "snake bitten" to an extent up to this point, but what is most important during a college basketball season is to keep PERSPECTIVE.

per-spec-tiveability to perceive things in their actual interrelations or comparative importance

 Reality is, this TEAM has gone through a tough stretch of games and to be honest, WE have not performed at an exceptional level as a whole. Jayden McMillan has been injured for majority of the spring semester. This TEAM has yet to play at full strength for more than 3 games this entire season. NDSCS is a very well coached team as the overall record would indicate, and winning any game on the road in college athletics is difficult. On Monday night our guys competed at an uncommon level, stuck together through moments of adversity, continued to play TEAM basketball, and improved our overall ability to stay disciplined for majority of possessions. With that being said, WE are still participants in the "marathon" of a college basketball season and it seems these Jacks appear ready to play solid basketball.

ULTIMATE GOAL - Play our best TEAM basketball in the month of February.

After one game in February there is no argument WE competed as a TEAM at our highest level up to this point in the season. Jayden McMillan is set to make his return tomorrow night against Turtle Mountain CC at "The Woodshed" with tip set for 8pm following the Ladyjacks game. I'm not sure how we will finish the season or what our record might be, but I will say this TEAM has continued to show resiliency throughout the season which is the mark of strong competitors.

Statistical Highlights:

Kristoff Walker - Hands down played his best college basketball season. Played at a different level than any other player in the gym. 29 points and 7 assists.

DaShamone McCarty - Chipped in with 12 points while playing hard nosed defense.

Marquis Thomas and Billy Engel added 10 points a piece. 


Friday, February 1, 2013

No Excuses

"They are bigger than us"
"Jayden is hurt"
"9 games in 14 days"

After losing to Lake Region State College 92-73, these are thoughts that could very easily be running through our TEAM. The only problem is, not one of these issues should affect our ability to compete, play physical, or execute our strategies. Our guys did an excellent job of bouncing back from an early deficit 25-12 to make it a 4-point game going into halftime 47-43. WE played confident, WE played hard, WE played together. LRSC took control of the second half immediately and never budged as they created second opportunities through offensive rebounding and made us pay by taking advantage of turnovers for lay-ups. WE are a TEAM with a small margin of error when we play teams like LRSC, NDSCS, BSC or Williston State. Our discipline can not take a play off or it costs us 2 to 3 points almost every time.

It is easy to point out what was wrong but we also had several positives surface once again. Our scoring was more balanced than it has been up to this point meaning we are doing a better job of sharing the ball. WE were 43% from the field and 39% from the arc which is a major improvement from our previous game, and hopefully our confidence is starting to return. When we played hard/disciplined basketball WE created stops through playing physical and ran for easy baskets. Right now WE are struggling to play well in the second half for about 5-7 minutes. If we can begin to limit mental/physical mistakes during this dry stretch the game is going to change for us, and we will start giving ourselves a chance at the end of the game.

NO EXCUSES. We have a few days off now with an opportunity to prepare for NDSCS who is now 19-4. Of course it will be another difficult road game, but until we get fed up with finding the easy way out good teams will continue to get away from us. I can not accept these excuses nor can our TEAM as the primary objective must stay in tact. Get better everyday and play our best basketball come the end of February.

Statistics:
Kristoff Walker   - 16 points, 4 assists
Roybell Baez       - 15 points, 6 rebounds
Colby Boyes        - 12 points, 3-4 from 3FG
Marquis Thomas -  11 points, 5 rebounds

We had a great crowd on Wednesday night and I hope we can continue to support our Jacks through this tough run of games. Our next home game will be Wednesday, Feb. 6th against Turtle Mountain.

Let's Get JACKED UP,

Coach Fehringer