SOUTH DAKOTA STATE SCOUTING REPORT, DEADLY AT FREE THROW LINE

[ZAGS ATTACK BASKET]

South Dakota State is scary looking at their first 2 games and listening to their last game here some input.

SDS is a great free throw shooting team and they get to the line often. 1st game 23-26 free throws made. 2nd game 17-23 free throws made. A big part of their game plan is getting to their Center under the basket #44 Selland who gets layins and lots of trips to the free throw line. SDS is also very proficient at 3 point shooting 1st game 9-26 34.6%. 2nd game 7-15 46.7%. Another strong point is everyone on this team gets rebounds.

SDS also has good depth going 10 deep. Lets review their players.

#44 Selland (6'1" Center) is their most consistent scorer and rebounder. Scored 19 and 17 points first 2 games, 11 rebounds last game. Gets to the charity stripe 4-4 and 7-10 first two games. Named 1st team Summit Preseason

#11 Greer (5'10" Guard) Good 3 point shooter 4-6 and 2-4 first two games. Free throws 4-4 1st game.

#3 Theuninck (5'7" Guard) On 3 pointers 2-3 and 1-2 first 2 games. Free throws 3-4 1st game.

#20 Nelson (6'1" Forward) Free throws 4-4 and 4-5 first 2 games. Named 2nd team Summit Preseason

#33 Burckhard (6'0" Forward)) Scored 8 and 13 points first 2 games. Free throws 2-2 and 5-6 first 2 games. Named 1st team Summit Preseason Average 9.7 points per game last year.

#21 Irwin (6'0" Forward) Scored 8 points last game, shot 2-2 on 3 pointers. Named second team Summit Preseason. Last year averaged 8.5 points per game and 5.1 rebounds per game.

#35 Stapleton (5'10" Guard) First 2 games played 24 and 15 minutes

#24 Byom (6'2" Forward)

#22 Vlastuin (6'1" Forward)

#30 Ferrand (6'1" Forward)

Note everybody on their team attempts 3 pointers. Its looks like #11 Greer attempts the most.

Another observation listening to the game they move the ball very well, within 5 seconds one time five different players touched the ball at one point.

All 5 of their starters are outstanding free throw shooters.

SDS finished 1st in Summit league 2 years ago 15-1 and last year 2nd 13-3. They beat #15 Iowa State their first game and 2nd game beat Creighton by 19 points.

Get ready Lady Zags you have your work cut out for you. And please practice free throw shooting.

[ZAGS ATTACK BASKET]

Interesting note first 2 games #44, #33, #20, #11, #3 were starters. So I'm pondering a question last year SDS #21 Irwin started 31 of 32 games. #21 Irwin did not play the first game, in the 2nd game #21 came off the bench and played 23 minutes and had a good game. I heard the announcer for say that 2nd game that #21 was trying to work her way back and looked great during this game. So perhaps #21 was coming back from some kind of injury. #21 Irwin was 3-5 FG in this game going 2-2 3 pointers.

Upon further research also discovered #11 Greer a starting Guard for SDS first 2 games is a graduate transfer, #11 played 4 years at Colgate. Her last year at Colgate averaged 8.1 Points per game. #11 Greer loves shooting 3s last year she made 34-102 the previous year she had attempted 138- 3 pointers.

#3 Theunkick started just 12 games last year and averaged 4.7 points per game.

[ZAGS ATTACK BASKET]

Just a heads up that WBB South Dakota State has allowed fans to their first 2 home games. Game 1 had 678 in attendance, Game 2 had 557 in attendance. Did not find out how many fans they are allowing per game.

WBB Wyoming last I saw is allowing 2,000 fans per game.

Game time this Sunday against SDS is 12:00 PM

[ZagDad84]

Here is a pre-game summary from the SDS Jackrabbit Wbb website:

JACKRABBITS TURN ATTENTION TO NO. 18 GONZAGA
Women's Basketball
12/4/2020
7:19:00 PM

South Dakota State concludes its three-game homestand as it hosts No. 18 Gonzaga Sunday. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. at Frost Arena.

The Jackrabbits are off to a 2-0 start on the season for the first time since the 2017-18 season. State topped then ranked-No. 15 Iowa State in the season opener, 76-69, and Creighton, 66-47.

Gonzaga comes to Brookings 1-1 early this season. The Bulldogs opened its season in Sioux Falls at the Bad Boy Mowers Classic. Gonzaga was edged by No. 1/1 South Carolina, 79-72, before defeating South Dakota, 54-50.

Sunday marks the third meeting between the two programs with SDSU holding a 2-0 advantage in the all-time series. The Jacks look to not only capture its third-straight win over Gonzaga, but its second victory over a ranked opponent early in the season.

About South Dakota State:

Myah Selland leads the team with 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists per game. In her first game since Dec. 5, 2019, Selland made an immediate impact as she recorded 19 points, five boards, two assists and two blocks. In the win over Creighton, the redshirt junior recorded the third double-double of her career as she led the squad with 17 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. A season ago, she averaged 13.8 points and 3.0 assists per game in the nine contests she played in before suffering a season-ending foot injury. The junior shot 55.8 percent (48-of-86) from the field. Selland turned in season-bests of seven assists in the Jacks' win over Notre Dame and 20 points against FGCU. A Preseason All-Summit League First Team honoree for the Jacks, the Letcher native averaged 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game while ranking second on the team in assists (108) and blocked shots (18) during the 2018-19 season.

Paiton Burckhard averages 10.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 28 minutes per game. In the season opener she turned in eight points, three rebounds and two steals, while playing a career-high 35 minutes. She ranked second on the team with 13 points in the win over Creighton. Burckhard averaged a team-best 14.2 points and ranked second on the team with 5.7 rebounds per game after starting all 32 contests that she appeared in last season. The junior scored a career-best 27 points to lead the Jacks to a home victory over North Dakota and reached double-figures in 26 contests, including 20-plus points in seven games. Additionally, she ranked first in the Summit League in field goal percentage (54.3 percent), third in field goals made (178), fourth in free throw percentage (80.2 percent), and sixth in points per game (14.2) and total points (455). Burckhard has registered three double-doubles in her career. She added 57 assists, 23 steals and 11 blocks on the season. The Aberdeen native earned Preseason All-Summit League First Team honors after being selected to the All-Summit League First Team for the 2019-20 season.

Tylee Irwin saw the first action of her senior campaign after being out with a minor injury in the season-opener. Against Creighton, she turned in eight points, seven rebounds and tied a career-high three blocks. Irwin finished second on the team in minutes played for the 2019-20 season, averaging 27.6 minutes per game. Last season, the Wahpeton, N.D. native scored a season-best 18 points in the Jackrabbits' semifinals victory over North Dakota State. Against North Dakota, Irwin pulled down a season-high 10 boards. She blocked a career-best three shots against Omaha and Western Illinois. In Summit League play, the senior averaged 9.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Irwin earned a spot on the Preseason All-Summit League Second Team for the second consecutive season.

Haley Greer ranks second on the team averaging 14 points, 2.5 assists and 1 block per game. She posted eight points and three assists to help the Jackrabbits to a victory over Creighton. She led SDSU in her debut as a Jackrabbit with a career-best 20 points as she went 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. She joins the Jackrabbits as a graduate transfer after spending four years at Colgate. Greer, a 5-10 guard from Winnetka, Ill., comes in after leading Colgate in 3-pointers made (34) and blocked shots (23) while averaging 8.1 points per game in 2019-20.

Lindsey Theuninck earned the starting assignment for the 14th time in her career against Creighton and leads the team with three assists per game. She turned in nine points, while tallying a team-best six boards and three assists against Iowa State. In the win over Creighton, she added five points, four rebounds and three assists. Theuninck averaged 24.5 minutes and 4.8 points per game last season. In the win over Chattanooga, the junior scored a career-high 13 points in her first-ever start as a Jackrabbit. At Denver she made a career-best three 3-pointers.

Sydney Stapleton recorded four points, three assists, and two steals against Iowa State. The Blaine, Minn. native added four points to the Jackrabbits efforts against Creighton. She averaged 17.1 minutes and 5.5 points per game off the bench a season ago. The junior turned in a career performance against Coppin State, shooting 5-of-10 from the 3-point line and totaling 17 points. She ranked second on the squad from beyond the arc with a total 38 3-pointers.

The duo of Kallie Theisen and Tori Nelson return for their sophomore seasons. Nelson, the reigning Summit League Freshman of the Year, averaged 22.7 minutes per game and Theisen averaged 15.9. Nelson posted the squads first double-double of the season in the win over Notre Dame. She also scored a career-best 23 points against Coppin State. Nelson helped the squad to a semifinals win over North Dakota State with a team-best 21 points. Nelson started in 19 games for the Jackrabbits and averaged 10.1 points per game in Summit League action. Theisen appeared in 14 games before suffering a season ending injury. Nelson recorded 12 points against Iowa State and eight in the win over Creighton.

Juniors Jordan Ferrand and Addison Hirschman appeared in 18 games, while redshirt sophomore Lauren Rongisch played in 15 contests. Ferrand made an appearance in the 2020-21 season opener and recorded a block.

A trio of freshmen in Emily Herzberg, Madysen Vlastuin and Mesa Byom will round out the 2020-21 roster. Vlastuin and Byom played 19 and 12 minutes, respectively, in the season opener and recorded two points apiece. In the home victory over Creighton, she sank her first collegiate 3-pointer.

State is outscoring its opponents 71-58 and holding them to 31.6 percent shooting, including 21.2 percent from long distance

You can read the rest of the write-up including their scouting report of the Lady Zags here: https://gojacks.com/news/2020/12/4/w...8-gonzaga.aspx

If you want to see some extended highlights of the SDS victories over #15 Iowa State and Creighton you can click the highlight videos on the right side of the pre-game summary page at the same link.

ZagDad

[ZagDad84]

Here are some TEAM stats for South Dakota State ahead of Sunday's game against the Lady Zags:

South Dakota State = 71.0 ppg
Opponents = 58.0 ppg

South Dakota State (Overall Shooting %) = 41.0%
Opponents (Overall Shooting %) = 31.6%

South Dakota State (3-Point Shooting %) = 39.0%
Opponents (3-Point Shooting %) = 21.2%

South Dakota State (3-Point Shots Made) = 8 pg
Opponents (3-Point Shots Made) = 5.5 pg

South Dakota State (Free Throw %) = 81.6%
Opponents (Free Throw %) = 84.6%

South Dakota State Rebounds (Off/Def./Total) = 8.0/27.5/35.5 rpg
Opponents Rebounds (Off/Def/Total) = 11.5/24.0/35.5 rpg

South Dakota State - Personal Fouls - Fouled Out Per Game = 21.0 - 1.5
Opponents Rebounds - Personal Fouls - Fouled Out Per Game = 19.0 - 0.0

South Dakota State - Assist - Turnovers - Blocks - Steals = 14.0 apg - 10.0 T/Opg - 6.5 bpg - 5.5 spg
Opponents Rebounds - Assist - Turnovers - Blocks - Steals = 9.5 apg - 14.5 T/Opg - 2.5 bpg - 5.0 spg

For anybody who wants to delve further into some stats, here is the link to the SDS stats page: https://sdstate_ftp.sidearmsports.co...B/teamcume.htm

ZagDad

[ZAGS ATTACK BASKET]

The MBB Zags game was canceled today because they had a player and member of traveling party come up positive for Covid. The MBB Zags team and traveling party also had covid issues in Florida. Obviously the MBB Zags are doing a poor job 24/7 protecting themselves from Covid. Mark Few needs to tighten the ship in this regard to Covid, he also needs to set the example. Been watching Few meet with opposing coaches after the game with both wearing their mask on their chin or around their neck. Also the MBB head coaches on the bench (Mark Few) during the game a majority of the time has his mask on his chin including when talking to players on sidelines. WCC is much stricter and if the MBB Zags don't start taking Covid seriously they are going to have a lot of WCC games canceled on them.


I hope the WBB Zags and CLF are doing a better job protecting themselves and the team from Covid. Like I said before players can here the coaches just find, while the coach is wearing a mask. So for starters coaches (CLF) set a good example on the sidelines keeping your mask on at all times on the sidelines. Also traveling parties for road games should be cut down to the bare minimum essential personnel needed for road games.

Yes Coaches your players are constantly watching your example about wearing masks etc, if your lackadaisical or cavalier about wearing a mask, shaking hands, keeping safe distance, then your players will follow your lead.

[ZagDad84]

Gonzaga's pre-game write-up from GoZags:

#18/18 Gonzaga Travels to (RV) South Dakota State Sunday
Women's Basketball 12/5/2020 1:23:00 PM

SPOKANE, Wash. – The No. 18 Gonzaga women's basketball team travels to Brookings, SD to take on (RV) South Dakota State Sunday, Dec. 6 at 12 p.m. PT.

THE TIP-OFF
- Gonzaga faces RV/RV South Dakota State Sunday afternoon in Brookings, SD.
- This will be the third meeting between the Zags and the Jackrabbits in program history. SDSU holds the edge 2-0 in the series, defeating the Bulldogs in back-to-back seasons in 2008-09 and 2009-10.
- Sunday marks the 15th time Gonzaga has played on Dec. 6. The Zags carry an 8-6 overall record on the day, including a five-game win streak dating back to Dec. 12, 2007.
- For the second time in program history, the Bulldogs are ranked in the preseason Associated Press Poll. Gonzaga debuted at No. 21 in the AP poll earlier this month. Gonzaga also touts a No. 20 ranking in the USA Today/WBCA Coaches Poll; it marks the third time in history GU has been ranked in the preseason coaches poll and the second-straight season.
- GU moved up to No. 18 in both the AP and Coaches Polls this week. The Bulldogs have now been ranked or receiving votes for 40 consecutive voting weeks, dating back to Dec. 3, 2018.
- The Bulldogs return three starters and nine letter winners from last season's squad that claimed the Zags' fourth consecutive West Coast Conference regular season title.
- In 2019-20, Gonzaga rose to its highest regular-season national ranking ever, securing a No. 11 AP and No. 10 ranking in the USA Today/WBCA Coaches Poll. Prior to the cancellation of the NCAA Tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Zags were predicted as high as a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament and were expected to host the First and Second Rounds for the first time since the NCAA changed hosting rules for the tournament in 2014-15.
- Gonzaga returns 79.1 percent of its scoring and 79.2 percent of its rebounding from last season.
- Gonzaga returns as one of the top defensive teams in the nation from a season ago. In 2019-20, the Bulldogs ranked third in the nation in scoring defense, limiting opponents to 51.9 points per game.
- The Bulldogs won 28 games last season, including a 17-1 mark in WCC play to tie their own record for wins in a conference season. It was the fourth-straight 25+ win season and 12th 25+ win season in the last 13 seasons.

SERIES NOTES
- This will be the third meeting all-time between Gonzaga and South Dakota State. SDSU claims the edge in the series, 2-0.
- The Bulldogs carry a 5-4 record against current Summit League members.
- This will be the second-straight opponent GU has faced out of the Summit League (South Dakota, Nov. 30, W, 54-50), and the third-straight game against an opponent that is either ranked or receiving votes in national polls.

SCOUTING THE JACKRABBITS
- South Dakota is currently receiving votes in both the Associated Press and USA Today/WBCA Coaches Polls.
- The Jackrabbits return 10 letter winners and three starters from last season's squad that finished 23-10 overall with a 13-3 mark in Summit League play. SDSU advanced to the championship of the conference tournament, falling to South Dakota 63-58.
- South Dakota State was selected to finish second in the Summit League this season. Four players earned preseason all-conference recognition as Paiton Burkhard and Myah Selland were named to the Preseason All-Summit League First Team while Tylee Irwin and Tori Nelson were tabbed to the second team.
- Four players average double figures for SDSU, led by Selland at 18.0 points per contest while adding 8.0 rebounds per game and 3.0 assists. Haley Greer adds 14.0 points per game shooting 60 percent from the floor, while Nelson adds 10.5 points. Nelson rounds out the double-figures scoring for the Jackrabbits at 10.0 per game.
- South Dakota State has already defeated a top 25 opponent this season as it edged then-No. 15 Iowa State 76-69 in Brookings to open the season on Nov. 28. The Jackrabbits followed it up with a 66-47 rout of Creighton on Nov. 30.
- As a team, South Dakota State averages 71.0 points per game shooting 41.0 percent from the floor and 39.0 percent from long range. Almost 40 percent of the Jackrabbits' attempts are from three, and they average 8.0 treys per contest so far this season.
- SDSU also gets to the free throw line nearly 25 times per game (through two games), and its shooting 81.6 percent from the charity stripe so far this season.
- The Jackrabbits rely heavily on their starting five as every player in the group averages over 25.0 minutes per game. Greer leads the pack with a 33.5 minutes per game average.

Article Link: https://gozags.com/news/2020/12/5/wo...te-sunday.aspx

ZagDad

[TerpZag]

18/18 GONZAGA (1-1) vs. (RV) SOUTH DAKOTA STATE (2-0)
DEC. 6 | 12 P.M. PT | BROOKINGS, SD | FROST ARENA
LIVE STREAM | LIVE STATS

Gonzaga Article Link

[ZAGS ATTACK BASKET]

Just a couple of thoughts from todays game. First hats off to South Dakota State they had a good game plan and they executed. SDS were 11-25 from the 3 point line 44%, 12-15 Free throws. And their coach did a great job on strategy.

Lady Zags on the other hand were 4-20 on 3 pointers 20%. Would have liked to have seen some of those 20 shots on shorter shots and even driving the lane. We had 3 of their players with four fouls, but did not capitalize. This included their center Selland, should of made a point of driving to the lane and get her fouled out early in the 2nd half. Still not happy about our free throws, it seems most players on our team can only make one out of two free throws. Also we only had 12 free throw attempts not enough driving in the paint. If you can't make wide open 3s well start getting closer to the basket and up your percentage of making a basket. The Zags seem to go on some cold shooting spells particularly caused by poor shot selection.

Another thought since O'Conner is eligible to play this year, start telling her to attempt more shots and look to set her up. We need some help on offense and less turnovers and I think O'Conner is the answer. O'Conner sure looked good at FanFest CLF encourage her to take her shots and her follow players to find her.

Advice to Lady Zags and CLF take advantage when you have their starters in foul trouble, and please practice mid range shots more and driving to the basket and making layups.

It would be wise of CLF to find more minutes for Scanlon in addition to O'Connor. Would try to get these 2 players on the court early and often. Double digit minutes for both these players every game. Let them show you what they got am sure you won't be disappointed.

Lady Zags so far good job protecting against Covid. Lets keep it up and onward to Wyoming on Tuesday.

[Zaglaw]

What I liked today: First and foremost, we got to play! This season, that's a big deal. I also liked that lots of players got playing time and with good effect in many cases. Glad to se AV getting more touches as well as our numerous guards. I also would like to see Scanlon and O'Connor get more minutes.

What I didn't like today: 3 pt shooting, 3 pt defense, and traveling. The latter is just a fundamental, but based on the 1st 3 games, they need to work on it. 3 pt shooting - reps?

What I didn't understand today: What the heck is our offensive strategy? Too many possessions where we ran down the clock until we had to throw up a wild shot. Doesn't look like a typical Zags offense.