Tar Heels Ground the Eagles

This weekend's visitors were the Boston College Eagles. The Tar Heels have had a week between games and I wondered how they would start.  I told my daughter though that I felt Stephanie would have a really good game.  I felt like they might have some trouble with her.  After a great time at church, the children and I made the drive down I-40 and were in our seats just before North Carolina's starters were introduced.

 

Now what I haven't mentioned is I love the introductions.  The music really goes with the video really well and I love the music.  My daughter does too; but she often mentioned how she missed seeing that train they used in the introduction video a couple of seasons ago.  The Carolina blue train runs through campus at a fast pace and then burst through an image of the opposing team's logo.  The train made a surprise (to us) appearance today.  Man was she happy.

 

As the game got started I knew what to expect from Boston College.  And they went right at it.  They hit six three point shots in the 1st half.  North Carolina played aggressive and kept attacking the basket, which was good because the three pointers weren't falling today.  That aggressive play paid off in some foul trouble for Boston College.  But I also was right about Stephanie.  She had 13 points at halftime.  We had another player in double figures by halftime.  N'Dea Bryant had 10 points in the first half.  Still the three point shot is a nice equalizer.  At the half, Boston College (thanks to a last second shot) had a 2 point lead at the intermission.

 

 

The halftime entertainment was great.  The group called acrodunkers entertained us with some great stunts.  www.acrodunk.com.  I couldn't get any really good pictures.  The only thing I don't like about our seats is that the area in front of them is for some reason a prime spot for people to stop and have random conversations.

 

As the second half got started I hoped for one of the classic Carolina bursts; but it didn't happen.  The game remained close because with their success shooting the 3 point shot in the first half, Boston College had effectively spaced out North Carolina's defense and began making a few shots inside the arc.  They also went to a zone defense which protected their foul plagued players and made it a bit difficult to get the ball inside.  The folks in the striped shirts also apparently decided to even things out in the fouls called because Allisha Gray and Brittany Rountree each picked up 3 fouls in what seemed like two minutes of playing time.  Boston College was having significantly less success behind the arc in the second half and Brittany Rountree's defense was a big reason for that so when she went to the bench with her 4th foul, it was trouble.  Boston College was in the bonus and there was a parade to the free throw line.  Suddenly the Tar Heels were down by 8 points. Then a couple of things happened.

 

One: The Tar Heels made a much more concerted effort to get the ball inside despite the zone defense.  They moved the ball around with much more precision and then someone would take the ball and attack the zone off the dribble.  Generally it was Allisha Gray.  She was too fast for them and nearly set a record with the number of trips to the free throw line she had.  Stephanie Mavunga also got some big baskets and got some more fouls on the Eagles.  The second thing?  Jamie Cherry happened. 

 

 

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

 

 It doesn't show on the stat sheet; but the best way I can say it is, the young lady brought the heat.  They call it being a pest on defense I think because it is like when a gnat is after you in the summer and no matter what you do, it just stays in your face.  That is what Jamie did to the Boston College guards.  There was a sequence of multiple Boston College possessions where she disrupted everything they wanted to do.  She caused a player travel, drew a charge on another, got a offensive blocking call on another player who was trying to set a screen on her.  She was diving on the floor.  Just going after everything.  Took the energy on the defensive end to another level.  I'm really grateful she was ready today.  An early game collision with Danielle (Butts) had Latifah (Coleman) not quite at her best I think. 

 

The Tar Heels went on a run and it wasn't long before the game was tied.  The lead seesawed back and forth until it was tied again at 60.  Then a timely 3 pointer from Jessica Washington gave us the lead for good with about seven minutes to go.  That started a 12-0 North Carolina run.  Boston College didn't score again.  Final: North Carolina 72, Boston College 60.

 

 

 

This was a tough shooting day for North Carolina; but a much better percentage than in the Duke game.  Plus they were a little rusty because the team got some much needed rest during the week between games.  There wouldn't normally be an opportunity for this type of time off until after the ACC tournament so I'm glad they were able to take advantage of it.  I know several players had some aches and pains hampering them.  So here's how it went down.

 

 

Stephanie Mavunga: 25 points, 14 rebounds, 1 block, 1 assist, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Stephanie Mavunga will likely end up being one of the most memorable Tar Heels for us.  She's big on the court and has the personality to match.  She used her size to contribute in every area of the game today and always full of surprises, answered the first question she got in yesterday's press conference by placing her water bottle to her lips and with a straight face saying, Um...well? I'm just here so I won't get fined."  Let me just say I was in no way ready for that.  My daughter who had no idea of the origin of the quote (Seattle Seahawks' Marshawn Lynch who hates press conferences) even got a good laugh.  Still laughing about it this morning.  She seems to be in every single press conference this season so I shouldn't be surprised she shook it up a bit.  Proof life doesn't always have to be so serious, even in high level Division I college athletics. 

 

 

N'Dea Bryant: 13 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 



It is great so many people are seeing what this young lady is capable of now.  North Carolina will be that much more formidable when at full strength again.  N'Dea is bringing it each game now.  I can see her confidence rising and she mentioned as much in the post game press conference.  It's the first one I've seen her do.  The 13 points was a season high.

 

 

Allisha Gray: 15 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 



 I often say of Allisha that she isn't going to let a tough shooting day stop her from helping the team.  So how does a player get 15 points when just two baskets went down?  They keep attacking.  They  move around, they use their quickness, they crash the boards.  They just keep going and that is what Allisha (Gray) did in this game.  Most importantly she looks to be feeling better.  That leg injury that occurred during the Notre Dame game has had her in some type of brace ever since; but she wasn't wearing it yesterday.

 

 

Brittany Rountree: 5 points, 3 assists, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Brittany hit a couple of big shots for us yesterday; but it was the other things I noticed more.  She played really well on defense (even though the folks in the striped shirt didn't agree) and was a big reason Boston College only hit 2 three pointers in the 2nd half after hitting six during the first.  And she continues to find players in scoring position from the two guard spot.

 

 

Danielle Butts: 6 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Danielle showed a lot of toughness in this game.  After that early game collision with Latifah (Coleman) she needed ice for an area around her neck pretty much every time she came out of the game.  Still managed great numbers to contribute in this one.  One basket was on a fast break after a North Carolina steal where she caught the ball in stride as it came down over one shoulder and laid it in without a dribble. 

 

 

Jessica Washington: 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

It was a quiet game for Jessica if you look at the box score; but she hit a huge shot with 7 minutes to go that as I mentioned gave us the lead and started a 12-0 run for North Carolina.  She also came in when Brittany was in foul trouble and gave us some good minutes.  She also drew some fouls on Boston College by aggressively attacking the basket on offense.

 

 

Latifah Coleman: 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 



The senior probably had a massive headache; but in a game where perimeter defense was as important as it was in this one I have to acknowledge her work.  She aims to be the hardest worker on the floor and often is even though the numbers may not show much; but getting those rebounds gave the Tar Heels much needed possessions, she had 3 assists to 1 turnover and getting a block at her size is impressive.  It happens more often than you might think it does.

 

So the walk back to the van was a happy one once again.  This was the last "Sunday Funday" of the season.  I think the children enjoyed those and I hope they continue in the coming years.  Hard to believe we are down to four remaining home games.  Some days it seems the season just got started.  It's going by fast; but we are trying to enjoy every minute even small ones like these.  We've had some beautiful days.

 

 

Next the Tar Heels have back to back road games.  Before the next game in Carmichael, they visit Syracuse on Thursday.  The Orange have been tough; especially at home.  On Sunday, they are on the road at Virginia Tech.  The Hokies have struggled more than anticipated; but have also played well at home.  Every win is important and any win on the road is a big one in the ACC.  Here's to safe travels and well played games. 

 

Until next time,

Go Heels!

 





 

 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Blue Devils Take Round One

Sunday's game was intense; but that is to be expected when Duke and North Carolina play.  It was an up and down game that required an extra five minutes.  We watched from home because my daughter became ill on Saturday night.  Turned out to be because of some bad popcorn she ate at the movies with my mother.  Hated to miss the game.  There was a great crowd in Carmichael.  Unfortunately, the Tar Heels didn't prevail.  Final Duke 74, North Carolina 67 in Overtime. 

This isn't a game too many people with any interest in it missed and we weren't there; so this will be pretty short.  The kids and I gathered in the living room.  I have to say it was strange watching a home game on television; but even though we were sure my daughter didn't have a virus, she was still really tired and trying to refuel; so I know it was the best decision.  The kids were actually louder here in the house than at Carmichael.  I think my son hoped they could hear him from here.

This was the first of two games against Duke; but like NC State (the other ACC team we play two times) we were getting the first game at our place.  I knew this was going to be tough.  Duke has multiple players that are at least 6'3 inches tall including three time All-American Elizabeth Williams who (thankfully) is in her final year of eligibility.  The Tar Heels have 2 players 6'3 and above.  Only Stephanie Mavunga sees significant action.  Rebounding was going to be a challenge even though I hoped the Tar Heels would use their strength and quickness to crash the boards and get position after shots were put up.  Scoring inside was going to be a challenge although I hoped it wouldn't keep the Tar Heels from attacking the paint with their speed.  In the first half, things went great.  Duke had just a slight edge on the boards and North Carolina lead by 10 points.  In the 2nd half, things didn't go as well.

When dealing with Duke I generally take on the mentality of keeping everyone except Elizabeth Williams in check because it has worked before.  She had 28 points in a game the Tar Heels won last season.  She had 33 points in this game.  The difference or x-factor if you will in this fan's opinion was Kalia Johnson.  While Azura Stevens, Elizabeth Williams and Rebecca Greenwell are consistent double figure scorers, I couldn't remember the last game this season in which Johnson scored in double figures.  She is more of a facilitator.  Well, she he had 12 points on Sunday.  Azura Stevens who generally is good for 16-20 points or even more battled foul trouble trying to keep Stephanie out of the paint.  She finished with 8 points.

So what went wrong?

I'm slightly uneasy about how the team's shooting percentage is trending the last few games.  With the exception of the Clemson game, it's been below 40% in the last four contests.  Of our four losses; other than the Notre Dame loss where we shot 37%; the team finished around 30%.  That might be okay in some situations; but I believe in the ACC most nights it's going to be important to shoot a better percentage.  In a game against a team with Duke's size, even more so.  In the Tar Heels losses other than Notre Dame where we scored 79 points, we scored 55 (Oregon State), 59 (Pittsburgh) and 67 (Duke) points. 

In the end we couldn't make enough shots to win this one and it wasn't that we didn't get some good ones.  While there were some that were a bit quick for my taste, for the most part, the team moved the ball well most of the night and got open shots.  They just didn't go down.  We had 9 fewer turnovers than Duke; but, we also had 14 fewer rebounds.  Both of these were expected.  It was speed verses size.  This time, size won. 

The Tar Heels had a chance to win the game with 8 seconds to go because after being down 4 points, they got consecutive defensive stops and Stephanie Mavunga calmly sank two free throws to tie the game.  Then speed (UNC) successfully challenged size (Duke) on Duke's final possession of regulation.  Coleman blanketed Johnson everywhere she went which left Elizabeth Williams standing with the ball on the perimeter.  It was brilliant.  North Carolina got another stop.  Then, speed (Latifah Coleman) challenged size (Elizabeth Williams) one more time in the closing seconds of regulation.  Coleman drove the length of the court to attempt the game winner.  Size won.  Similar to (at the time) UNC freshman Waltea Rolle's block on (then) Duke Freshman Chelsea Gray in 2011 that sealed a victory for North Carolina, Elizabeth Williams blocked Coleman's shot and the game went to overtime where Duke won.  I was hoping for size on size on that play.  I thought we were going to see a repeat of the Oklahoma State game where Latifah drove towards the defense and passed the ball to Stephanie for a lay-up.  I think this time she went a little too far under the basket and once she got to a certain point, that option was no longer there. 

Most everyone will remember Latifah's game against Duke for that moment.  I will remember we wouldn't have had that chance were it not for the 13 points she poured in during the first half and the outstanding defense she played on Kalia Johnson on the play preceeding it.  I hope she carries that over to the rest of the season.

 

Latifah Coleman: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 3 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Stephanie Mavunga: 15 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assist, 3 blocks 4 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Considering Duke had six post players they just rotated in and out, this is a tremendous effort.  And she made no excuses when it came to this game when asked about how Xylina McDaniel might have made things easier for her although it kind of goes without saying really.  I was really impressed with how she picked her battles in this one, careful to remain on the floor.  She lead the team in minutes.

 

 

N'Dea Bryant: 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 block, 1 assists, 1 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

I remember the shot shown in this photo.  It was when North Carolina badly needed a basket.  I was proud of N'Dea in this game.  She had a tall task (literally) helping to play defense inside and for the most part she held her own.  I think her help in there was a big reason Stephanie was able to play as many minutes as she did.

 

 

Danielle Butts: 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

You have to love this young woman.  She's mentally in fifth gear when she's out there.  Six inches shorter than most everyone she went up against but there wasn't one of the 19 minutes she was out there that she wasn't contributing somehow.  Only thing was in a game like this it takes a lot of energy so she was a bit limited.

 

 

Allisha Gray: 20 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

I'm glad for the space between this game and the next one (against Boston College).  A more than admirable effort; but I'm not sure Allisha (Gray) is 100% on that wrapped leg or the apparatus is just bothersome as the game goes on.  It might have affected her shot a bit.  She worked hard to get open and was successful at that; but some were short and some too strong.  It was like she was just a little off and I could see it was frustrating, especially after working her way to a good spot, reading the defense, in some cases getting a good screen and getting the ball where she liked it. 

 

Gray wasn't alone in her struggles.  While Duke got more than usual out of Kalia Johnson, the Tar Heels were missing points from some normally dependable sources.  Jessica Washington, Jamie Cherry and Brittany Rountree were a combined 1 of 16 from the floor.  And again, these weren't ill-advised shots, or shots out of the flow of the offense.  Sure there were times I wanted us to attack instead of taking a three-point shot; but these also weren't shots I hadn't seen these ladies make over and over again.  And some of them were taken as the shot clock was nearing zero.  Brittany (Rountree) did contribute 3 rebounds, 2 assists and some really good perimeter defense.  Jessica (Washington) had 4 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal.  Jamie Cherry had 2 points, 1 assist and 1 steal in 9 minutes.  A big part of the game plan I believe was to challenge the Duke post players to come out and defend the perimeter; but, because for a significant amount of time in the 2nd half, those shots weren't falling from out there, the plan's execution stalled.

 

On a somewhat outside note, it was good to see Xylina finally off the crutches and able to sit on the bench with the rest of the team.  Being on crutches looks exhausting to me.  I'm also hoping that means she will be able to fly with the team when they travel to Syracuse, Miami and Louisville in the coming weeks.  The last time they had to take a plane (Pittsburgh) she stayed behind.  They need her in game counsel.  She was also sporting the puff ball hairstyle my daughter loves; even though she's been too shy to tell her so when given the opportunity.

 

So forward we go.  February may be busier than January.  It has a mix of teams numerically at the top and bottom of the league; but as we've seen in the ACC, rankings matter very little when the ball goes in the air.  Next up is a home game against Boston College on February 1st.  After the big upset win over Duke, the Eagles lost a tight game at Pittsburgh. 

 

Until then and as always,

 

Go Heels!



 

 





 

Tar Heels Beat the Wolfpack

Sometimes, things look a little nuts.  Tonight for a while I wondered if someone had put me in an episode of the Twilight Zone.  It started out well enough.  Well, technically this was before it started.

 

The team looked ready and so were the kids.  My daughter had taken her usual position.

 

 

This was not your usual game though.  This was the kind of game where players have to rely on everything they learned outside of shooting the ball to grind out a win.  Here we had two teams, both averaging over 70 points per game.  UNC averages close to 80.  For a while I wondered if the teams would get to half those totals.  I didn't get a photo; but with 11:27 left in the first half, the score was 7 to 5 in favor of NC State.  This was one of those games where locking down defensively and crashing the boards was going to win.  North Carolina dominated the boards 51 to 35, limiting NCSU to three, yes, three offensive rebounds.  UNC had 20 offensive rebounds and when you shoot 30% from the floor, dominating the boards and playing good defense is key to having any chance at victory.  North Carolina 67, North Carolina State 63.

This was very different from the first matchup with NC State; but it was more like what I'm used to.  My daughter being only 11; has not seen us lose to NC State much at all.  It hasn't happened since my 5 year-old son was an infant.  We arrived early and I had a feeling this was going to be a battle.  It took a while to move from the starting point.  State managed a double digit lead (20 to 7) before North Carolina went on a run.  From there to half-time, the Tar Heels outscored the Pack 14 to 6 to pull within five points at the break.  My throat was already getting scratchy.  My daughter had shed her UNC hoodie.

Where's My Run?

When they came out for the second half; I was glad for the basket switch.  I told myself something must be wrong with the one we had in the first period.  I was really looking for one of those typical North Carolina runs at the beginning of the half.  Didn't happen.  After a few minutes we were down 10, 35 to 25.  Reynolds was rocking.  I had a guy behind me heckling me every time State scored.  I'll never act up.  I'm a mother.  And this is far from my first road game at NC State.

But then...

Bring on the Press

UNC went to a pressure defense.  NC State inbounded the ball and Latifah (Coleman) and Danielle (Butts) trapped Len 'Nique (Brown-Hoskins) in the backcourt.  Steal and a layup Latifah Coleman.  Then on the next play, a full court press.  NC State inbounded the ball and it went straight to Stephanie (Mavunga) who jumped the passing lane.  Steal and a layup.  Time out NC State.  The Tar Heels actually stole the ball again; but weren't able to score on the third one.  But the entire bench was on fire by this point.  Everyone's body language was totally different.  I could tell during the timeout.

The game went back and forth for a while.  I continued to torture my throat.  My daughter sweated through her t-shirt.  She said that never even happens in PE.  We took the lead 39 to 38 when Jessica (Washington) and Latifah (Coleman) both had long balls find the net.  Eventually State went back in front by six points.  Coach wisely called a timeout to stop the momentum and UNC caught up again.  This was beginning to remind me of the game at State two seasons ago, a four point UNC victory.  In the end, it was familiar.  In that game and in this one, Brittany Rountree stepped forward, stood boldly in the moment and brought the victory home at the free throw line.  She made 8 free-throws in the final minute, after her only points in the game had come on a trip to the free throw line earlier in the game where she made one of two.  The term the players use is "clutch".  It fits.

 

Brittany Rountree at the line (photo from www.goheels.com)

So how did we get to 67 points? 

 

N'Dea Bryant: 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

She was out there for just 13 minutes; but those two shots she hit came at a time when it seemed UNC couldn't hit the ocean with a boulder.  She was a real bright spot in those minutes.

 

 



Jamie Cherry: 3 points 1 rebound, 1 assist (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Same with Jamie.  That shot she hit was a big one.  When it appeared there was a lid on the basket, she came off a screen and swished a shot.

 

 

Latifah Coleman: 8 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

A tough night shooting (like everyone else that touched the floor) but it was defense that carried this team tonight.  She was the top of the defense and that steal when we were down 10 in the second half changed the course of the game. 

 

 

Allisha Gray: 10 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

That lid on the basket was mean, even to our most efficient scorers.  Allisha clawed her way to these numbers.  One thing about her, she isn't going to let a struggle to score stop her from contributing. 

 

 

Stephanie Mavunga: 11 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Never enough room to put it all on one line.  It wasn't nearly as easy this time around.  Once it became clear we had some trouble shooting the ball, they packed in on Stephanie.  I guess they didn't want her having a similar outing as the first time (23 points, 12 rebounds).  I think too it was hard to get a feel for how the folks in stripes were calling this one.  It seemed they weren't going to allow much to go on at all.  There were 44 fouls called in this one.  I never like the number of fouls to exceed the number of minutes in the game.  Early one there were more fouls than points.  It had to be frustrating.  It seemed her counterpart was having just as hard of a time.  Shuhmacher fouled out near the end.

 

 

Jessica Washington: 6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Jessical hit a couple of shots; but again it was the timing of her scoring.  Everyone stuggled; so every basket was crucial. 

 

 

Danielle Butts: 12 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 assist (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

The one player to shoot over 50%, Danielle scored on a variety of moves.  She was aggressive; and powerful.  That fade away jumper was a thing of beauty.

 

 

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

 

Finally the woman of the hour.  All nine points were earned at the charity stripe.  She was the main part of an 81% success rate at the stripe for the team.  Eight of them were in the final 30 seconds of the game to seal the victory for UNC.  God bless her.  She's the designated person for this.  I know she got beat up with the Pack players trying to foul or take the ball away. 

 

 

Moving Forward

 

It's always good to get a win at Reynolds.  Road wins in the ACC are to be treasured no matter which team it is.  I wasn't bothered by the margin.  The shooting percentages, yes; but not the margin.  But I was glad to see the Tar Heels battle past it and bother NC State enough that they struggled as well.

 

It answered a question for me I never really wanted answered: "What will they do if they struggle to shoot 35% again?  Still I hope it never happens again.  Duke comes to Carmichael on Sunday with a lot of height and that's putting it mildly.  They'll pack the paint; so good shooting will be important.  Ask Boston College, who sunk 13 three pointers tonight in a victory over the #15 Blue Devils.  So hopefully we're ready because Duke will not be happy.  Until then and always...

 

Go Heels!

 



















Tar Heels Tame the Tigers

Today the Tar Heels were on the road to play the Clemson Tigers.  With the exception of Nikki Dixon who is in her final year, they are a really young team.  North Carolina controlled this game.  They shot well, defended well and took care of the ball.  The lead was in double digits about 5 or 6 minutes in.  By halftime it was over 20.

The second half saw much more use of the bench players and some starters getting some much needed rest.  Still, the Tar Heels managed a 22 point victory.  Final, North Carolina 78, Clemson 56.

The Tigers play in Littlejohn Coliseum.  I hadn't been there in years; so really had little memory of it; but my phone's GPS didn't fail.  We parked right outside about an hour before tip-off.  This was plenty of time to get nice seats in the section behind our team's bench.  All the orange and purple was a little confusing to the short one; but it was all good when he saw his Tar Heels.



Prior to the National Anthem and player introductions a very entertaining video ran on the jumbo-tron.  Lightening struck the tiger statue outside Littlejohn and Death Valley, bringing it to life.  It then chased down a North Carolina truck, ripping the Tar Heel flag flying on it with its claws.  Then he and two others that joined him climbed on top of the North Carolina truck roaring in triumph.  My daughter had an interesting reaction...a full giggle. 

How the Tar Heels Tamed the Tigers

This was very much a team effort; but two players got a career high today.  Our two resident ankle breakers, Jessica Washington and Jamie Cherry.  Jessica scored a career high 20 points.  Jamie dished out a career high 7 assists.



Jessica Washington: 20 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist (photo from www.goheels.com)

Watching Jessica today I almost wanted to bring those baskets home.  Swish here, swish there, everywhere a swish swish.  Three pointers, midrange jumpers, lay-ups you name it, she was hitting them today.  Throw in a couple of free throws and there you have it.  Coach said she played all three guard positions today.  Very productive 30 minutes for the sophomore.



Jamie Cherry: 12 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds (photo from www.goheels.com)

Still learning; but I saw some great things out of Jamie today.  Her court vision was great.  She managed the game really well.  She used the screens set for her to get off some nice shots and did not turn the ball over at all.

Stephanie Mavunga: 15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal (Associated press photo)

Stephanie played a great game.  Some fouls; but really a good game.  She used her size well and had a good shooting day despite being double teamed some of the day.  A lot of the game though we spent trying to figure out a fashion statement she was making with her uniform.  Long gone are the days when basketball uniform shorts were...well....short.  Stephanie made a little adjustment in hers today.  It seemed like a little blast from the past.  She took a little ribbing from Clemson's Pep band when she went to the free throw line.  They started singing "We wear short shorts" from that "Nair" hair removal cream commercial.  I'm sure she got a laugh out of it.





 Allisha Gray: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

It seems I often find myself asking, "How?" when I look at Allisha's numbers.  She saw very limited action today.  She was able to rest most of the game.  How does one manage these numbers in 17 minutes on the court?  That's Allisha Gray.  She needs very little opportunity to make an impact.

Brittany Rountree: 6 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

Tough shooting day for Brittany; but she contributed in every positive way in this game.  She also spent a bit of time guarding Clemson's best player, Nikki Dixon and that takes a lot of energy.  I love how she consistently has assists from the off guard position.





N'Dea Bryant: 7 points, 3 rebounds (photo from www.goheels.com)

So proud of how N'Dea is contributing.  She's stepping up and hitting shots consistently and crashing the boards.  I hope she continues to see time I love watching her play.  



A Little About Our Journey

Since this is a fan experience blog, I'll include a little about our journey.  This was a great trip.  I've long made road trips part of how I support the team; but with my son being so young, this is the first year since he joined our family that we've traveled over a couple of hours away for a game.  Clemson is about five and a half hours from home for us (with one stop to stretch); and not wanting to stretch myself or my son's patience too thin, we made this an overnight trip.  I knew from a drive down to Orlando in 2013 that I broke into two days he could handle that much.  We left home around 1:00 yesterday afternoon to drive down there.

Thankfully I'm two for two on children who love to travel.  With the long-legged one in the third row of the mini-van armed with her books and Kindle Fire and the short one strapped in the 2nd row with his backpack of toys and his tablet within reach, we cruised down I85 South to our home for the night, a Comfort Suites on Interstate Boulevard.  It's in Anderson, just outside Clemson, South Carolina.  No complaints at all.  Nice area (several restaurants, other hotels a gas station and even a movie theater were right on that street) and the rooms were clean and comfortable and we all had a good night's sleep.  It was also very easy to find.  First right turn off exit 19B of the highway.

We enjoyed the hotel's included breakfast before checking out.  One thing I love about Choice Hotels is that breakfast is generally included in the room rate.  There was a lot of time before the game; and our hotel was just 10 miles down Highway 76 west from Clemson; but right off 76 West was Veteran's Park in Pendleton, South Carolina.  We went there for some play time.  Major props to the keepers of this place.  It was beautiful and the children loved it.

The road trips aren't done.  This coming Thursday, the Tar Heels travel over to Reynolds Coliseum for round two against the Wolfpack of NC State.  This game kind of snuck up on me.  I'm so used to it being the Hoops for Hope game in February, the one dedicated to raising money for Breast Cancer research.  I didn't even purchase tickets for this game until a couple of days ago.  We've made multiple trips to this game over the years; but going to Clemson today was a first for my children.  On the drive I realized this was the tenth different location my daughter has been to in order to see the Tar Heels play.  It's the sixth for my son.  We marked that with a picture by the Tiger outside Littlejohn before heading back to the van.

North Carolina is now 16-3.  This was a great win today as we were able to see some players rest that would normally play a lot of minutes.  Our bench gave us 41 points.  And that's good because you need depth to do well in the ACC. NC State is likely gaining confidence winning three of the four games they've played since the loss to UNC on January 4th.  They are always tough at home; but UNC should be confident as well with shooting over 52% today while holding the Tigers to 30% and even though it was a loss, the effort the Heels put forth in the Notre Dame game would beat a lot of teams.  Hopefully we can keep on the trend the Tar Heel/Wolfpack matchup has been on lately.  Until then and as always...

Go Heels!