Monarchs @ Seattle Storm Pre Season Gm1 Comments

We need work--lots of it. I understand that Kara and Bek were out, but they (Seattle) only played one prospective starter (Burse) while we played three and we still almost lost by double figures. Even their scrubs were much better than our scrubs, and two of those awkward camp attendees played in Sacramento last year (go figure).

Whether she played 14 minutes or 40, a Ticha Penicheiro-led team should NEVER have this bad a turnover problem. It seems as though we're STILL being plagued by the turnover bug and our new acquisitions certainly aren't going to help in that department.

Simply stated, we need players who can both make plays (good assist numbers and decent shooting %s) AND handle the ball (good assist-to-turnover ratio). Why is that so hard to find? If this trend of coughing up the ball at a high rate continues, we aren't going to make the playoffs. Maybe that's not such a bad thing given the talent in the 2010 draft, but we need to at least try to put a quality product on the floor in 2009 first. After Tuesday night's debacle in Secaucus, I don't think our Kings are going to bring the excitement next season, so the Monarchs are all that's left.
 
We need work--lots of it. I understand that Kara and Bek were out, but they (Seattle) only played one prospective starter (Burse) while we played three and we still almost lost by double figures. Even their scrubs were much better than our scrubs, and two of those awkward camp attendees played in Sacramento last year (go figure).

Whether she played 14 minutes or 40, a Ticha Penicheiro-led team should NEVER have this bad a turnover problem. It seems as though we're STILL being plagued by the turnover bug and our new acquisitions certainly aren't going to help in that department.


Okay I am a little bit concerned my own self. No Bird, No Cash, No LJ and we pretty much got spanked.

I am also wondering who was playing back up point for Ticha while Kara is out. But here is my biggest concern. Kara's knee is flaring up when she has been inactive all off-season? I know she had the Hip, ankle and knee Injury. But i thought that happened at the end of the season. Was she injured in the off-season?

Even More reason for us to have picked up another 2 besides Maio who got less than 10 minutes of pt. Interesting that Sholanda stared instead of Newton. But also the 2nd unit got plenty of minutes.This has me very intrigued for the game on Wednesday. Maybe after seeing the team play in person I can get a better vibe about how they are gonna shake out.
 
I don't get the sense that there is any major concern about kara being ready to go. the box score seemed to indicate some early thinking on who needed reps or longer looks from the coaching staff. I neither saw no heard the gm and thus defer to those who did. I didn't sense a walloping from what I saw. it was a 1pt gm @ the half. what did concern me was the turnovers for the same reason creative one pointed out...looks like early replay of last season. if you're going to turn the ball over 23 times and nearly concede a pt for every turnover...you arent going to beat a team of 3rd graders from natomas elementary, let alone players who actually have height and skill..scrub or not. the other obvious concern from my stat review was the fact that the team had another early 2nd half meltdown...ala last season. the turnovers? meh, I will wait to pass judgment on that until the first week of the season. they seemed isolated to certain people or the majority of them at least...so I gathered they were working on something. but if they think they are going to beat anybody turning the ball over 20 times, its going to indeed be a long season...props to powell tho...she was perfect from everywhere they let her shoot. that was a bright spot. have some others that jumped out to me but I will stop...at least until I get back to a real computer....anybody else have thoughts on this game?
 
I'm with you MBF...No need to be concerned yet;)
It's gonna look sloppy & the coaches are trying to work on stuff.
Injuries are gonna be a major issue this season, for all teams.
Lets hope we can avoid any serious ones, with the 11 player roster it
will be a challenge.
 
Given that this pre-season game occurred on the 4th day after the opening of training camp, I am not surprised by either the play, score or turnovers at this point. In her post-game interview, Courtney said they had only worked on two offensive plays, that they had spent most of their time trying to learn the Monarchs defensive system. We all know from previous seasons that takes a LOT of time for the new folks to learn.

The Monarchs pretty much controlled the first half, despite only being up by one point at the half. Ticha & Nicole did not play after the first half, Kara & Bekka stayed in Sac, and that left very little continuity to work with in the second half. The coaching staff & Wiz were clearly giving lots of minutes to those they needed to see more of. Personally, I was hoping to see more out of Boddie, and at one point, Chelsea was playing point!:eek:

I am optimistic about their chances this season, and am looking forward to being pleasantly surprised on Wednesday!:D
 
Forgot to mention that Warburton (sp?) had the best showing I thought for her 10 minutes as compared to Maio, Chelsea, and Sholanda. I know it was just one game, but she was the strongest two guard on the floor. Long-shot for her to make the team, but she shouldn't be an automatic waive...
 
Pre-Season Game #1 after just 3 days of training camp. No concerns here!! Why would we be concerned. In sports, pre-season means nothing, unless you get an injury. No injuries, it is all good.:)
 
Uhh Yeah Right...

Pre-Season Game #1 after just 3 days of training camp. No concerns here!! Why would we be concerned. In sports, pre-season means nothing, unless you get an injury. No injuries, it is all good.:)

No Disrespect intended here BUT... If Kara Lawson sitting home with ice on a swollen Knee, when she was no where near competitive basketball in over 8 months Doesn't concern you, well I would love a sip of the Kool-Aid you are drinking.

As for the rest...The TO, they are not that big of a deal to me either, because yeah camp is only 3 days old. But then again, the season starts in 2 weeks. I will definately look forward to seeing the team with my own eyes rather than relying on stats to tell me a story.
 
No Disrespect intended here BUT... If Kara Lawson sitting home with ice on a swollen Knee, when she was no where near competitive basketball in over 8 months Doesn't concern you, well I would love a sip of the Kool-Aid you are drinking.

Kool Aid!!!! Ooooooo I love me some Kool Aid, especially Cherry and Monarch Purple Grape":D

The question was any thoughts on "the game". It is hard to read anything into a pre-season game when both teams had multiple starters out, and both coaches are not going to reveal any of their game plan, especially when they open versus each other in two weeks.

Now injuries before the season start is a completely different subject. Sure having Kara and Brunson both not at full strength is always a concern. But I heard Kara the other night say that it is more precaution than anything. Brunson is coming off of major surgery so I can assume that it may take her a minute to get back to 100 percent.

But I have full confidence in the depth of this team, you can call me brain-washed if you want to. This team is going to show up this season. If Brunson can't go, you still have capable post players that can step in and up. Kara Lawson is going to play. I have no doubt in my mind about that. In fact I have full anticipation in seeing her on the floor Wednesday morning (if I am there:mad:).
 
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