Strange game. USC surprisingly non-physical and not tall either. Very dependent upon freshman ace and one other player. Several of them shook by Hannah AND Cass and KK's physicality/hustle. Therefore there was no bullying of us by them. Translation: they (USC) can be made "soft" (note relatively low-scoring game. Lots of turnovers both ways.) So, the fact that we got embarrassed by Michigan brought out the pride in several players, and USC paid for it and often wilted in our heated effort. We still didn't look like a good Bball team though.
There was a glimmer of hope that we might get better. The main thing was De Jesus. She stepped up as a player. Good point guard work, plus now seems to have Green Light to shoot. She looks to me to be a person who will grow into making the Open Three, which we desperately need. She also MIGHT be able not only to drive (which she did) but to dish at the correct moment (usually did not, but I believe that is the other players' fault for not getting into position.) De Jesus could turn into a solid ACC guard.
Cass and KK played hard and angry. That helped. KK is getting a little better at shot creation without looking like she's about to fall down. Cass was wild with effort, but really needs to practice and confidently put up her jump shot. Sanchez is what she is going to be as far as physicality is concerned -- she isn't going to manage that. BUT she has no business NOT getting good at shooting threes out of the corners. Her shot has fine form. CONFIDENCE and keep shooting.
That's the starting team. Ivey set up the game with a double stack screen for Hannah (other than single simple pick) so it was harder to coordinate hard double-teams. Good. Then she put De Jesus at point most of the time, and let Hannah come from the corner. Also worth doing. When it was time for USC to "Michigan" Hannah on picks, they had forgotten the proper way half the time.
The two subs: The first one in (the overweight girl) was really pretty bad. She seemed to be trying but ... not much smoothness nor talent to my eye. The other sub (looking like her slightly more in shape little sister) seemed to pick up the team when we went to Zone --- looked like she knew what she was doing defensively. There were a couple of plays when she seemed that maybe she had some offense in her somewhere hidden away.
I believe that the girls will try hard. I also believe that our tolerability depends upon all five starters taking open shots with confidence and Ivey encouraging all of them to do so. IF they get better at it, maybe we'll beat somebody now and then, like today.
