March Madness in February. UNC Beats UVA at the Buzzer

So my fears materialized and the weather kept us in on Thursday night.  I was really sad to miss Senior Night for the team.  I'm so appreciative of the contributions from this class.  This time of year is never easy when your team has seniors.  My daughter started her "Nooooooo, they can't go!" about two weeks ago.  Danielle Butts, Brittany Rountree, Latifah Coleman, Megan Buckland, Erika Johnson.

 

From the top going clockwise: Erika Johnson, Megan Buckland, Brittany Rountree, Latifah Coleman and Danielle Butts (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

So as to the game, we did start out slowly and was down by as much as 12 points in the first half as Virginia shot lights out in Carmichael.  Coach had warned of the emotion of Senior night combined with the sense of urgency Virginia would be playing with because their post season hopes are on the line.  It was an important game for North Carolina as well because...well, you want to win senior night.  But also while a top 4 seed in the ACC tournament is out of reach since Syracuse won their final conference game and holds the tie breaker, North Caroline with a win would stay on pace for a top 4 seed in the NCAA tournament and that is crucial because the top 4 seeds in each region will host the first two rounds.  Final, North Carolina 72, Virginia 70.

 

This was an exciting game for sure.  The children and I gathered in the family room and the children yelled "C'mon Tar Heels!" whenever they had the ball.  Have to love those two.  Soon the Tar Heels closed the gap, mainly behind the play of N'Dea Bryant. 

 

 

N'Dea Bryant: 13 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

That killer jump shot strikes again.  My favorite was the one she hit on the break to bring us to within four points and force Virginia into a time out.  She was in double figures yet again.  Loving her play.  She's really helping with the spacing around Stephanie Mavunga and it was a big help because Virginia was face guarding Allisha Gray and her touches were really limited in this one.

 

 

Allisha Gray: 9 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Limited touches and all, what I love most about Allisha is she will find a way to put a stamp on the game and help the team.  Rare she doesn't reach double figures; but there you have 8 rebounds from the guard position and those 4 assists, means she contributed to 8 more points going up for North Carolina without shooting the ball.

 

Jessica Washington: 5 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Nice steady game for Jessica.  She's looking really confident on the court and that can only be good for North Carolina.  I loved that three she hit in the corner.  Some say the best time to shoot that is after a loose ball.  Hillary Summers made a great play to save the ball from going out of bounds and Jessica caught it in stride and swished a three from the corner.  Some absolutely great work crashing the boards as well.

 

 

Jamie Cherry: 4 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Jamie's shot wasn't falling in this game; but her passing was on point.  Five assists in a big ACC game, showing patience and good control.  This year's experience is going to really help her and North Carolina going forward.

 

 

 

Danielle Butts: 4 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Wow, the final regular season home game for our Power Pack.  Really going to miss her.  She stuffed the stat sheet in this game, was aggressive on defense and really showed her crazy vertical on that block.

 

 

Latifah Coleman: 4 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 3 steals (www.goheels.com)

 

Ah, this does not get any easier.  Latifah Coleman has worked and worked and worked.  I am not sure there's a more determined player on the defensive end of the floor especially. 

 



 

 

Brittany Rountree: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Another senior and she's been playing with that sense of urgency you want to see.  Not just hitting three point shots but using her reputation as a three point shooter to draw her defender and go around them.  Just playing some really inspired basketball right now.  She's as steady as they come.  And she kept Faith Randolph from getting the ball and possibly getting off  a three pointer on UVA's last possession.

 





 

 

Stephanie Mavunga: 23 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 3 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

But the woman of the hour (the 2nd half) was a sophomore.  I should have known this was going to be a big game for her when she got a steal at half court and took it all the way for the lay-up.  That is skill at 6'4".  Even when they stopped her, she got some offensive rebounds.  She was just a force in this game, making 10 of 15 field goals including the game winner.

 



 

Virginia had tied the game at 70 with 22 seconds to go.  After a time out, North Carolina got the ball and as instructed at the 7 second mark, Latifah Coleman handed the ball off to Allisha Gray who dribbled off to her strong side to take the shot.  It missed.  There appeared to be contact; but it didn't shock me nothing was called.  There was just enough time for Stephanie to get the rebound and knock in the game winning shot.  Thankfully it was still relatively early as the kids and I surely would have woken the neighbors.  It was really great to see this scene after the game.

 

 

 

Carolina Victory (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Well, after winning Senior night we are set to be the opponent on another team's senior night.  The next opponent and the last one of the regular season is the Duke Blue Devils who are having some challenges lately.  They went on a bit of a winning streak after the last game against UNC; but things have changed and they come into the game on Sunday having lost their last three games.  Hopefully this weather doesn't act up again and we make it over there. 

 

Until then,

Go Heels!









Heels Score a Big Win at Miami

On Sunday, the Tar Heels were on the road at Miami.  The Hurricanes are great at holding court at home.  They also handed Notre Dame their only ACC loss of the now nearly two seasons they have been in the conference.  This was a huge game.  North Carolina and Miami came into it tied for 6th place in the ACC and sporting identical Conference records at 8-5.  The winner would get a firm hold on 6th place and bump the other down to 7th. Final, North Carolina 66, Miami 65.

These teams are so much alike.  The length, the athleticism, the speed, the tempo at which they like to play.  It is little wonder they have played some close games.  Including yesterday's game, the last three have been decided by a total of 6 points.  Last season Miami Freshman Adrienne Motley dropped 27 points in Carmichael and led Miami to a 3 point win. 

Two seasons ago, the Tar Heels won in Coral Gables in a real battle.  Down 5 with 30 seconds to go, I stared at the TV hoping for some Tierra Ruffin-Pratt magic.  Then senior and team leader, Tierra was known for her defensive prowess.  Willed us to many a victory as the team's leader.  With back to back plays on the defensive end, she tied the game.  It's what a senior does.  With that done, in the end it was two sophomores who delivered on the final play.

 

On to the current day, each team has quick guards who can pressure the ball, each team has good shooters.  Each team has an agile talented post player and each team has a sophomore star capable of taking over the game.  So how would it play out?  The children and I gathered in the family room after church.  I think my daughter feels if she can yell loud enough they will hear her wherever they are.  Funny kid.

The Tar Heels went on a 7-0 run to start the game; but then Miami settled down and it was back and forth.  Both teams were really efficient from long range in the first half.  They combined to hit 9 of 18 three pointers.  The Tar Heels had a scary moment when a Miami player fell against Stephanie Mavunga's knee under the basket sending it bending in a way it wasn't made to bend.  I think I breathed maybe twice while she was out of the game.  She seemed a bit uncomfortable up to that point having gone 1 of 8 from the floor; but, upon returning was 5 of 10.  Another double double for her. 

 

Stephanie Mavunga: 14 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

 

 

Jessica Washington: 8 points, 1 rebound, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Another good game off the bench for Jessica Washington.  She was very efficient, played within herself, took care of the ball and used her speed really well.  Loved watching her out there.  She made 3 of her 4 shots and they were all good takes.  And I think I caught another smile.  Always good to see that.

 

 

Latifah Coleman: 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.theacc.com)

 

Kind of a tough shooting night for her; but this was a real defensive battle.  North Carolina had a lot of possessions that used the entire shot clock and she ended up taking some long shots at the end of several possessions.  Her defense was crucial in this one, especially at the end of the game.  She spent some time on Motley lead North Carolina's pressure on the perimeter.  After going 4 of 9 in the first half from 3, Miami was 3 of 11 in the 2nd.

 

 

Brittany Rountree: 10 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

I love how Brittany is playing.  Just a steady stream of production games for the senior.  She shot so well in this game and played great on the defensive end.  Miami had several changes to tie the game at the end and despite calling two timeouts were unable to even get a shot at the basket and she was a big part of that effort.

 

 

Jamie Cherry: 2 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Jamie wasn't on the court much for this one; but when she was out there she got the ball to players in scoring position and kept North Carolina on pace.  Major props though because after sitting for a great deal of time, she was sent into the game at the end to be fouled.  She's the team's best free-throw shooter and with North Carolina up two with 3.1 seconds to go, she entered the game to receive the inbounds pass.  With 1.7 seconds to go she stepped to the line and calmly sank both free throws and sealed the win for North Carolina. 

 

 

 

N'Dea Bryant: 11 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 blocks (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

The giant sleeps no more.  N'Dea continues to come up big.  It is so great to see her hard work paying off.  That jump shot is a deadly weapon and she is playing strong in the post on defense.  The picture above (as they all are) was from a different game of course; but pretty much describes what I mean.  She nearly had a double double in this one and was a real stat stuffer. 

 

 

Allisha Gray: 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

My daughter had one question at the start of this game.  Is Allisha okay?  She played with the flu against Wake Forest (still led UNC in scoring).  Prior to the start they gave us a shot of her stretching and I saw her smile.  That had to be a good sign right?  She put her stamp on this game for sure.  Very good all around game for our All-American. Yes I'm calling it.  A couple of rough plays but probably just from trying to do too much.  And her defense on Adrienne Motley at the end of the game was outstanding.  She kept her from getting the ball and helped force the turnover that gave UNC the ball at the end of the game.

 

Up next is a game I have been dreading.  Thursday night is Senior Night and unlike last season, we have some players who will be playing their last home game at North Carolina...of the regular season that is.  The Tar Heels are still on pace to host during the first couple of rounds of the NCAA tournament. 

 

But on Thursday I hope a lot of people come out to honor this outstanding group of young women.  I've written about them previously.  From left to right, Latifah Coleman, Brittany Rountree, Danielle Butts and Megan Buckland.  (all photos from www.goheels.com)

 

 

I believe we will also be honoring Whitney Adams (left), a 6 foot 2 player who was forced to the sidelines after two seasons due to shoulder issues.  Ever since she has worked as an Undergraduate Assistant for the team.  She's been selected for the "So You Want to Be a Coach Program" being held in April.  Also a possibility is Erika Johnson.  She transferred in after playing a year for California; but had a hip injury that sidelined her this season.

                                         

I really appreciate the contributions these young women have made to the University of North Carolina Women's Basketball program.  They've represented the team and the University well.  I will miss them. 

Until then,
Go Heels!



 

 









 

 





Tar Heels Dominate the Deacs

Thursday night we braved the cold temperatures to go see the team battle the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.  Wake is having a rough year; but I believe they are better than their record indicates.  We were there in plenty of time for warm-ups.  This was our Play 4 Kay night so the team wore their pink uniforms for breast cancer awareness.

 

 

Our recent battles with Wake Forest have been really competitive.  Last season the teams met twice.  In the regular season they played in Winston Salem and the Tar Heels pulled away in the last few minutes for a double digit win.  Then in the ACC tournament, had to come from behind in the last few minutes to pull out a victory on the event's second day.  Um...yeah this game wasn't like that.  Final, North Carolina 83, Wake Forest 45.

 

 

But lately the team seems to have upped their play a whole new level.  And Wake Forest had the unfortunate task of being the next team the Tar Heels faced after the loss at Louisville, a game in which Louisville came from behind and won in the last few minutes. 

 

The Heels were taking no chances in this one.  The defense on Dearica Hamby (future WNBA draft pick and Wake's best player) was outstanding.  She averages an incredible 20 points and 10 rebounds.  Thursday night she had 7 points and 10 rebounds.  And the Tar Heels were super aggressive forcing over 30 turnovers.  They were also really balanced on offense from beginning to end.  Not even in the early days when they played their easier non conference games did I see this type of domination.  We've had some 50 point 2nd half efforts; but I think 43 points in the first half was a high for this season.  If not it was close to it.  Amazed this was just 2 points less than what Wake would score for the night.

 

 

The domination continued in the 2nd half as the Heels outscored the Deacs 40 to 22.  We did get outrebounded; but, the minutes were really spread out in this one.  Jamie Cherry played 28 minutes and that lead the team.  Still North Carolina shot over 50% from the field, had 21 assists (on 31 made shots) to 14 turnovers.  It was a great effort.  The Tar Heels were favored by 21 points and won by 38.  They won my favorite way...a total team effort.  My daughter had different words for it.  She was pretty relaxed for this one. Both children were; but, at one point she got up from her spot, came over and whispered, "Mom, this is a beat down...you know a beat DOWN.  We are killing them.  Do they call it before it's over."  No child.

 

 

Latifah Coleman: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

This young lady brings so much to the court.  Even when her shots aren't falling, she's always working hard to help the team.  Thursday night her shot was falling through and I really enjoyed seeing her midrange pull-up jumper in particular.  She made back to back jumpers in transition after Wake Forest turnovers.

 

 

Jamie Cherry: 13 points, 4 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Jamie was good on both ends of the floor on Thursday.  She was drawing charges on the Wake guards, passing well and had great shot selection.  She's always had great moves and is crazy quick and it was good to see her have a good shooting night.  Makes me even more excited about the future.

 

 

Jessica Washington: 10 points, 4 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Speaking of excitement for the future, Jessica played great on Thursday as well.  She shot well, moved well without the ball and played smart on the defensive end.  She'd had a couple of tough games lately so I was hoping for a good game for her.  It was good to see her smiling.

 

 

Brittany Rountree: 9 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

As steady as they come is Brittany Rountree.  On both ends of the floor, she has really developed over the years.  As a senior now she is doing what a senior does and making things happen.  She hit three 3-point shots in the game and continues to get others the ball in scoring position.  She had some fouls; but I wasn't overly impressed with the crew we had.  Thankfully they were not too active; but this was called a block.  I didn't agree.  Yes I know I'm biased; but the offensive player wasn't hindered and see that forearm?  Start of the contact.

 

 

photo from www.goheels.com

 

 

N'Dea Bryant: 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

I've been trying to come up with another nickname for N'Dea.  I used to call her my sleeping giant because I knew there was a great player in her and we were going to see it in time.  Well, the giant sleeps no more.  In the starting lineup for the last few games now, she's been bringing the heat on both ends of the floor.  She spent a lot of time guarding Dearica Hamby in the game and gave an outstanding effort holding the star to 7 points and scoring 12 of her own.  She has a beautiful jumper and I'm so proud of how far she's come this season.

 

 

Stephanie Mavunga: 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Yes, I know...no blocks.  The team's biggest personality had a quiet; but very efficient night on the floor.  She managed these numbers in 21 minutes.  They tripled teamed her at times; but, she's a good passer.  She's also continually adding to her game to manage these double and triple teams she sees every game.

 





 

Allisha Gray: 16 points, 4 rebounds (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

So how does a player score more points than minutes they spend on the floor.  70% shooting is how.  She picked up right where she left off when she fouled out at Louisville where she picked up where she left off in the Florida State game.  She had double figures on 4 of 6 shooting when she went to the bench on that...interesting call after a mind blowing 22 point 14 rebound effort against Florida State.  Why 15 minutes?  Didn't need more time?  Domination from the Heels?  Diagnosed with the flu folks. 

 

I found that out later in the summary, which clears up why I kept hearing chants of "MJ!" coming from the bench each time she scored.  Apparently they reminded her of the monster game Michael Jordan had in the NBA play-offs when he played with the flu.  Hopefully they gave her Tamiflu.  I swear that stuff is straight from the Lord. 

 

I so appreciated everyone's effort; but knowing that made me appreciate Allisha even more.  My daughter really appreciated knowing that.  I appreciated being able to tell her.  I've really been trying to get across to her the importance of real effort.  How even if you're gifted at something it takes hard work to be successful.  And that it does pay off.  Thursday despite the temperature being around the same as her age, she was determined to "be there for her girls"  An added bonus was that the UNC Loreleis sang the National Anthem.  She's 11 and in her first year in a city-wide children's choir.  Her face lit up hearing them sing. At the end of the game, she didn't want to leave, even though I invested in some extra winter wear.

 

 

The Tar Heels are on the road next and boy I wish I was with them.  It is set to warm up here in the next day or two; but the team is headed to Miami.  It's about 73 degrees there and will probably be around 80 tomorrow.  Even with the rain predicted that is a big difference.  Here's hoping the Tar Heels remain hot on the court as well. 

 

As Always,

 

Go Heels!



 

 

 







 









Tar Heels Rise to the Challenge Against FSU

Last night's game was against 7th ranked Florida State.  North Carolina came in ranked 17th and in all honesty, really in need of a win.  I'm super proud of how they just continued to battle.  Florida State is a team put together to do everything a basketball team should do and they had been doing really well.  They are one of four ACC teams with nine conference wins at this point.  Duke, Notre Dame and Louisville are the other three.  We fought the traffic and made it in for the end of warm-ups.

 

 My children settled in and I was glad I'd gotten dinner en route.  My son left our extra seat between us like he knew this was going to require some room for mommy.  My daughter took her usual "we are playing a really good team, we better bring it" position.  The child will never have nails.

 



This was one of those games that sends you as a fan, home tired from the battle.  I have learned as I have gotten older and had children not to scream until I had no voice; but I definitely tortured my throat in this one.  Was it worth it?  SCOREBOARD!

The Tar Heels did play from behind in this game; but they showed a toughness we all knew was in them.  It was an "It's February of the ACC season" toughness.  This game was not pretty.  There were almost 50 fouls called and neither team is great at the charity stripe.  There was more than one stoppage for an injury (no one seriously hurt thankfully).  There were bodies flying everywhere and the teams combined for more than 40 turnovers.  North Carolina trailed by 9 early when the score was15 to 6 and trailed by 7 at halftime.  It was also a game where heroes emerged.  At the end of the first half, our two best players, Allisha Gray and Stephanie Mavunga had combined for 6 points.  North Carolina was down by 7.  That was largely due to the play of Hillary Summers.

 

Hillary Summers: 9 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

That's a career high and nearly a double double!  I was thrilled for her and for the team.  North Carolina went on a European tour during the summer prior to her freshman year and I'd heard she was doing really well and was so excited to see her play.  She tore her ACL in a practice after that trip though and she's been quiet but showed flashes coming in off the bench the two seasons since then.  It was great to see her use her size crashing the boards, keeping the ball high inside and finishing.  She also came out to the perimeter when North Carolina switched on screens and showed herself to be quite mobile.  She hit 4 of her 5 field goal attempts and it was great to see her get some press time after the game.  For Florida State, their leading scorers were held in check in the first half; but Ivey Slaughter was in double figures in the first 20 minutes.  She actually managed 15 points in the 19 minutes she played, which I believe was less than usual due to foul trouble. 

 

The 2nd half

 

I generally consider a 7 point deficit kind of on the edge of a danger zone.  If you don't manage a couple of scores early on, you can find yourself staring at a double digit deficit.  And that is what happened.  After several possessions where each team failed to find the basket, Florida State hit a 3-point bucket increasing their lead to 10 points. 

 

The folks in the striped shirts had been active early and continued to blow the whistles in what wasn't really that physical a game at least compared to some I'd seen.  But it turned.  It seemed like the players decided if there were going to be a lot of calls, they'd test the waters.  I don't know that I'd seen a game with this many offensive fouls.  It seemed touch fouls were called and harder contact wasn't.  It seemed frustrating for the post players.  Florida State's Adut Bulgak fouled out near the end.  North Carolina's Stephanie Mavunga wasn't quite comfortable but did get loose for 11 points and 4 rebounds, which she managed in 20 minutes.

 

Stephanie Mavunga: 11 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)



 

It was a tough one for her.  I'm glad Hillary Summers came in a played so well.  Opposing teams are more and more determined to clamp down on Stephanie the longer Xylina McDaniel is sidelined.   She continued to attack and got trips to the line where she got 5 of her 11 points.  Bulgak battled hard inside and had 13 rebounds; but finished well below her average with 9 points.  The officiating had some to do with both teams post players' numbers; but for Bulgak, the combination of Hillary Summers and Stephanie Mavunga was also too much to overcome.

 

 

Brittany Rountree: 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

In double figures for the 2nd consecutive game; but the rest of the stat line tells the story on what I'm going to miss about Brittany when she is done at the end of this season.  Just out there making things happen as a senior in a big game.

 

 

Jamie Cherry: 5 points, 2 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

 

Latifah Coleman: 6 points, 1 assist, 3 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Our point guards had a tough night.  Jamie had some absolutely sick moves to the hoop she didn't quite finish and a couple of tough plays where there was some miscommunication.  Latifah had some tough plays as well; but one thing about her which is something that has developed over time is she keeps her head up and fight through.  Late in the game with it on the line, she broke through for a couple of huge baskets in the lane that drew fouls on FSU players.  I wonder if one inspired this reaction from Coach Latta.  I think she still wants to get back out there.

 

 

Ivory Latta '07 (photo from www.goheels.com)





 

The folks in the striped shirts made me think we'd be there all night. Both teams had some foul trouble.

 

N'Dea Bryant: 4 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Along with her 2nd career start, N'Dea got to spend a significant amount of time guarding Bulgak and that was a tall task.  She had a couple of plays where I thought she'd gotten all ball; but the officials didn't agree so she was a bit limited.  She never showed any fear of crashing the boards against the taller Seminoles.  The rest will come.

 

This crew really worked their whistles.  I never like to see more fouls than minutes played; but they also seemed unsure of themselves at times.  I thought to myself, if they don't get it together, something is going to go wrong. 

 

 

Danielle Butts: 2 points, 2 assists (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Going after a loose ball, a Florida State player jumped into Danielle's path.  It was an awful collision; and obviously a foul on the Florida State player.  The initial call however charged the foul to Danielle (Butts) which sent Carmichael Auditorium into a frenzy and resulted in seeing this for the 2nd time this season.  She went from Coach to momma on a dime.

 

 

(photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Thankfully they corrected the error and both players are okay; but if I don't see this crew again I will be okay.  But in the end, they had another lasting effect on the game. 

 

BOOM!

 

I can't say I've ever seen Allisha Gray play "angry".  She's usually very steady even when things aren't going well.  But in the last quarter or so of this one, she looked different.  In the post game presser she admitted to being angered in the game.  Let me just say, I don't mind angry Allisha.

 

 

Allisha Gray: 22 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 



Not that we didn't know she could take over a game; but it was beautiful to watch.  She did most of the damage in the final few minutes of the game.  She was scoring in the paint, at the free throw line and yes, the 3 point line.  For a stretch it seemed she was grabbing every rebound.  And this...

 

 

photo from www.goheels.com

 

This was a block on what looked to be a sure 2 points when Florida State was trying to increase the lead.  Still not sure how she got to it.  A friend said, "In the end we had Allisha Gray and they didn't."  No doubt, this was an All-American type of performance.  And she comes with an All-American attitude.  She's as humble as they come.

 

It can't be said enough.  This was a huge win.  Florida State is a conference opponent and a top 10 team.  As the regular season winds down every win is going to be crucial.  To pull together and get this win in what was a bit of an ugly game makes me very proud of the staff and players.  North Carolina scored 71 points on a team that normally allows just over 50 points per game and held a team to just over 60 that averages close to 80 points. 

 

Conversations around Carmichael let me know the significance of this one wasn't lost on anyone.  My daughter knew it as she made her way down to stand on the sideline for the team's victory lap.  She even waited patiently for Stephanie to finish her interview and come around.  I let her wait.  the more she sees of them the more I like it.  I take all the help I can get reinforcing the concept that you have to work hard to accomplish things even when you are gifted. Not an athlete; but she's studying music; but it translates anyway. 

 

Have to build on this one.  The Tar Heels head into Louisville on Sunday to face the Cardinals who are at this point enjoying a lot of success in their first season in the ACC.

 

Until then,

Go Heels!

 

 

 

 





 

 

Tar Heels Roast the Hokies

The Tar Heels were in Blacksburg, Virginia today to square off against the Virginia Tech Hokies.  It was the 2nd of back to back road games.  The first was a close loss at Syracuse, which I didn't see due to technical difficulties.  Yesterday though we loaded up and hit the highway.

 

 

Today I followed my gps app's directions to the Virginia Tech Sports Complex and parked in a large lot outside the coliseum after asking some nice people to make sure it was legal.  They said, despite our Carolina Blue attire we were fine to drive in.  From there, we purchased tickets and found a place to sit.  We got there pretty early.  The place actually filled in nicely, especially around where we were sitting. 

 

 

 

I have to mention how I appreciated the class shown us today.  The afternoon began with a moment of silence in honor of Hall of Fame Coach Dean Smith who passed away yesterday evening.  He was 83 years old.  They displayed a nice photo of him on the jumbo tron prior to the National Anthem.  I don't think there is a basketball program that isn't effected; but I still felt that was nice of them to do.  I will miss him. 

 

 

Dean Smith

February 28, 1931 - February 7, 2015

 

So we have lost a couple of great Tar Heels this year.  Stuart Scott died January 4th.  The Tar Heels played that day too.  This game was tight in the first half though the Tar Heels lead for most of it.  The lead grew to 10 (36 to 26) but then a couple of trips to the free throw line and a three pointer for the Hokies and they closed to within three at halftime.  What was also tight in the first half was the defense on Virginia Tech sophomore Vanessa Panousis.  The Tar Heels were on her everywhere she went.  She finished with 2 points.  She's the leading scorer for the Hokies  What we all wanted to forget; but couldn't was how she as a freshmen absolutely torched North Carolina for 24 points.  Virginia Tech won in Carmichael last season 50 to 47, a detail the PA announcer was kind enough to rehash prior to the start of the game this afternoon.  Nothing doing today.  North Carolina 74, Virginia Tech, 52.

 

 

 

I wanted one of those 2nd half bursts.  Though Panousis was held in check, Virginia Tech had shot 41% in the 1st half and had (the main reason they were still in the game) 11 points at the free throw line on 11 of 15 shooting there.  The Hokie faithful were excited with what they'd seen, particularly the young fans in attendance. 

 

After turnovers by each team to start the 2nd half, the Tar Heels grabbed a hold of the game.  The defense continued to smother the Hokies and the Heels started shooting more the way they are capable, in a way I hadn't seen them shoot in a while.  We had five players in double figures and it was great to see some folks who had been struggling find the net. 

 

 

Brittany Rountree: 15 points, 3 assists, 2 steals (associated press photo)

 

On the drive up to Virginia my daughter put one of her favorite songs on repeat-"Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys.  It was in my head a while and I started hearing it again watching Brittany in the 2nd half.  After completely frustrating Panousis in the first half with a monster defensive effort, she torched the nets on our end of the court with 4 three pointers in the 2nd half.

 

 

Latifah Coleman: 10 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists (associated press photo)

 

We always get great defense out of Latifah; but when she scores in double figures as well it makes things so much better for us.  It goes towards keeping the defense honest, helps with spacing and I'm sure it helps the team mentally.  She scored in a variety of ways as well.  She was also part of the "You will not score 24 points today" defensive effort on Panousis.

 

 

Stephanie Mavunga: 10 points, 8 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal, 1 assist (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Stephanie was double teamed much of the game; but she put the moves on her defenders to get to the rim, drew fouls on some Hokies and hit a couple of midrange jumpers.  That block though.  She has one in most every game; but sometimes the way she sends it back you almost feel bad for the shooter...almost.  Several of the young basketball players around us put their faces in their jerseys after that block.  If I had a photo of it, I'd caption it, "It may be your house, but I still own the paint."

 

 

Allisha Gray: 13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

It was so great to see a couple of three pointers fall for Allisha today.  She's been great about doing whatever she has had to do to help the team.  It hasn't mattered what it was, she did it.  Her efficiency at 4 of 10 today is more what we're used to and I attribute that to the overall balance on offense North Carolina had today. 

 

 

Danielle Butts: 3 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals (photo from www.theacc.com)

 

Danielle played fewer minutes today and has lately with the emergence of N'Dea Bryant (2 points today); but she was all over the place as usual aggressive on defense and on the boards.  She did that damage in 17 minutes.

 

 

Jamie Cherry: 11 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals (associated press photo)

 

Jamie got her first career start today and did a good job pushing the ball and picking spots to go to the basket.  She contributed nicely to the perimeter players' defense effort.  If you're counting, that's five North Carolina players in double figures.  

 

 

Jessica Washington: 7 points,  1 assist (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Jessica got a little banged up in this one; but she contributed to the 2nd half burst that put the Hokies away.  She moved really well without the ball and scored one of her baskets on a post move.

 

A bit about our journey

 

It took us three and a half hours to make the drive.  Not as long as Clemson; but we still left a day early so we could take it slow and I wouldn't wear myself out after my recent bout with bronchitis.  Okay so it was also an opportunity to get some more Choice points.  We bunked at a Comfort Inn and Suites in Christiansburg, about 20 minutes from Cassell Coliseum.

 









 



 

 

Going to Virginia Tech was a first for me too and I was pleasantly surprised.  This was an absolutely beautiful drive.  I consider it a bonus for the kids and myself to have more than just pavement and trees to look at on any journey.  For most of this one, we were driving through the mountains.  In particular we drove by Pilot Mountain.  I woke my long-legged one.  She was dosing in the back; but these opportunities aren't to be missed.  Of course I was driving and didn't get to take a picture so I borrowed this image from Wikipedia.

 

 

Pilot Mountain

 

I took a few shots while filling my van's gas tank near our hotel. 

 

 

Christiansburg, Virginia

 

The hotel was fine for us.  My children love to travel; so I take advantage of that at every opportunity.  Small children can be apprehensive away from home; but my two have always been good about it, particularly my son who I think is now getting the concept of road games.  And though hearts were heavy, we came, we saw, we conquered.  I couldn't resist a shot with the coliseum's "guardian" on the way out.

 

 

It was a stunning day and Virginia Tech's campus was beautiful. 

 

 

 

Can't stop now.  The Tar Heels will need what they produced today and more for a home game against Florida State on Thursday.  The Seminoles have sky rocketed into the National News thanks to some hot play from several new comers. 

 

Until then,

 

Go Heels!