Kangaroos Travel North For Summit League Play At North Dakota State And South Dakota State
1/28/2011 9:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Kansas City, Mo. -- The UMKC women's basketball team heads north this weekend for a Summit League series with North Dakota State and South Dakota State. The Kangaroos will face the Bison on Jan. 29 at 5 p.m., and take on the Jackrabbits on Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. UMKC is 9-11 overall and 4-5 in The Summit League.
The `Roos worked their way to a successful 2009-10 campaign that was highlighted by the program's first ever Division I postseason appearance. The `Roos took on Memphis in the inaugural Women' s Basketball Invitational.
Head coach Candace Whitaker is back for her fourth+ season and returning with her are four starters and 10 letterwinners from the 2009-10 record breaking squad. Whitaker welcomes back two seniors, six juniors and two sophomores. The Kangaroos will also welcome five newcomers, four freshmen and one sophomore, to the 2010-11 team.
Be A Part of the Action
Fans can listen LIVE to T.J. Jackson on KCWJ 1030 AM for both games. Live streaming and stats will be available at www.gobison.com for Saturday's game. Kangaroo fans can also get live stats for the game against North Dakota State at UMKCKangaroos.com.
Live streaming and stats will be available at www.gojacks.com for Monday night's contest at South Dakota State.
Opponent Preview
North Dakota State is currently 8-11 overall and 4-5 in The Summit League. The Bison have four players averaging double figures, led by Abby Plucker with 15.0 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. Katie Birkel is averaging 14 points, Janae Burich is averaging 11.6 points, with Danielle DeGagne sitting at 11.5 points per game. North Dakota State is coming off of a 68-55 loss to IPFW.
The Bison are coached by Carolyn DeHoff, who is in the middle of her third season.
South Dakota State is 8-12 overall and also 4-5 in The Summit League. Jennie Sunnarborg leads the Jackrabbits with 13.4 points per game, while Kristin Rotert is averaging 11.8 points per contest. The Jackrabbits are coming off of a 57-56 overtime loss to Oakland. South Dakota State will host Southern Utah prior to hosting UMKC.
Aaron Johnston is the head coach for South Dakota State and is in the middle of his 11th year.
Series Record
The Kangaroos are 3-5 all-time against North Dakota State. Back on Dec. 29, the Bison defeated UMKC on its home court, 71-59. Despite the loss, freshman Eilise O'Connor had a career-high 22 points. Brianna Eldridge also finished with a career-high 13 rebounds. Head coach Candace Whitaker is 2-5 all-time against the Bison.
UMKC is 1-7 all-time against South Dakota State. Back on Dec. 31, the Jackrabbits defeated the Kangaroos, 81-59. O'Connor again led the `Roos in the game with 14 points and Sam Sikkink contributed 11. Kaycie Boyles was the leading rebounder, finishing with five. Whitaker is 1-6 all-time against South Dakota State. Last season, Whitaker led the women's basketball team to its first ever program win over the Jackrabbits.
Summit League Standings
Oral Roberts remains atop The Summit League standings with a perfect 9-0 record. IPFW (2nd) and Oakland (3rd) both are carrying a 7-2 league record. Southern Utah is fourth at 5-4, while UMKC is sitting fifth with a 4-5 Summit League record.
Also holding a 4-5 records at sixth, seventh and eighth place are North Dakota State, South Dakota State and Western Illinois. IUPUI is currently ninth at 1-8 on the season and Centenary is still 10th with a 0-9 record.
`Roos On A Roll
UMKC is currently on a three-game winning streak thanks to home wins against Western Illinois and IUPUI over the past week. The Kangaroos winning streak began with the Ladies on Jan. 17. In that time, the `Roos were able to climb three spots in The Summit League standings from eighth to fifth.
Defense Big Part of Success
The UMKC defense has worked very hard this past week and its hard work paid off as they were able to hold the past three opponents to 55 points or less. The `Roos held the Ladies to just 49 points and kept the Fighting Leathernecks to 51 points. UMKC held IUPUI to 55 total points on Monday night.
Veterans Step Up Over Weekend
While the `Roos are still considered to be a young squad, they have eight players with junior status or higher who played at least one season for UMKC. Several freshmen have been carrying the squad thus far but that all changed over the weekend as the veterans led the way in points, rebounds and steals. Against the Fighting Leathernecks, Jade Tinner led the squad with 14 points and Brianna Eldridge finished with eight rebounds. LeAndrea Thomas recorded five steals against Western Illinois.
Against the Jaguars, Dayon Hall-Jones led the `Roos with 13 points, with Tinner contributing 12 and Thomas adding 10 points. Thomas also finished with four steals. Eldridge came up big on the boards again, notching 13 rebounds for a second time this season.
UMKC Statistical Leaders
Dayon Hal-Jones leads the Kangaroos with 9.2 points per game. Hall-Jones has scored 20 points against two opponents this season and hit 10 points or more in five games. The Dallas, Texas, native scored a career-high 21 points against Drake last season.
Brianna Eldridge is averaging 5.7 boards per contest to lead UMKC. Eldridge finished with a career-high 13 rebounds against North Dakota State on Dec. 29, and another 13 rebounds against IUPUI on Jan. 24.
Hill Leading Summit League
The 6-5 freshman is currently leading The Summit League in blocks in league games only and is second overall. Hill is averaging 2.9 blocks per game in league play. Overall, the Lawrence, Kan., native is second in the league with 2.8 blocks per game and leads overall with 53 blocks this season.
Hill has a good chance to beat the UMKC school record for most blocks in season. The current school record is held by Alysa Klein. During the 2007-08 season, Klein recorded 77 blocks in 31 games, averaging 2.5 blocks per game.
Eldridge Shows Some Muscle
Brianna Eldridge had a big first half against North Dakota State on Wednesday night. Eldridge recorded 10 first half rebounds, just one rebound shy of a UMKC school record. The junior finished the night with a career-high 13 rebounds. Eldridge matched her 13 rebounds against IUPUI on Jan. 24.
Last Time Out: Veterans Lead Kangaroos Past Jaguars, 73-55
The UMKC women's basketball team played its way to a 73-55 win over IUPUI on Monday night. The Kangaroos were led by Dayon Hall-Jones with 13 points, while Jade Tinner finished with 12 and LeAndrea Thomas contributed 10. Brianna Eldridge led UMKC with 13 rebounds, tying her career-high.
`Roos Winning Battle Below
Despite its average height, other than 6-5 Ashli Hill, the UMKC women's basketball team has been fighting hard underneath the basket for the ball and it has been paying off. The Kangaroos are second in The Summit League overall statistics in rebounding offense with 41.1 per game. The `Roos are also first in rebounding margin over their opponents this season, holding a 3.3 advantage. In Summit League statistics only, the Kangaroos hold a rebounding margin with a 7.3 advantage over their opponents this season.
Hill Breaks UMKC Freshman Blocking Record
Hill is sitting at 47 blocks this season, making her the top blocking freshman in UMKC school history. Hill surpassed teammate Mariah Davis, who recorded 41 blocks her freshman year in the 2008-09 season. The freshman also holds the school record for most blocks recorded in a half. The Lawrence, Kan., native finished with six blocks at Kansas, all recorded in the first half.
`Roos Hold Kansas To 56 Points
UMKC may have dropped a 56-41 decision at Kansas on Jan. 3 but the `Roos achieved something that no other non-conference opponent has been able to do this season against the Jayhawks. Prior to facing the Kangaroos, Kansas (13-1) was averaging 82 points a game in non-conference play this season and the UMKC defense was able to hold them to just 56.
O'Connor Voted Lady Osprey Holiday Tournament MVP
UMKC freshman guard Eilise O'Connor was voted to the all-tournament squad for the Lady Osprey Holiday Tournament. O'Connor was also chosen as the MVP of the tournament after leading UMKC to a 2-0 record at North Florida. The San Francisco, Calif., native averaged 11.5 points and 4.5 rebounds over the weekend.
O'Connor finished with 13 points in the 60-51 win over Bethune-Cookman on Dec. 18. She scored 10 points in the 62-55 win over Troy on Dec. 19. O'Connor shot .813 (13-16) from the free throw line over the weekend and averaged three assists.
Nezianya Doubles Up
Kim Nezianya recorded her second double-double of the season at Missouri, with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Nezianya finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds against Texas-Arlington.
The Carrollton, Texas, native recorded three double-doubles last season as a freshman. Her last double-double was against Oral Roberts in The Summit League Tournament on March 8, where Nezianya finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Women's Hoops To Be Aired On KCWJ 1030 AM The Light & Hot Talk 1510 AM
Kangaroo fans will now have the opportunity to follow the UMKC women's basketball both home and away this season. During the 2010-11 campaign, over 80 percent of Kangaroo women's basketball games will be broadcast on the radio on KCWJ 1030 AM The Light and Hot Talk 1510 AM. T.J. Jackson will call all the play-by-play action for the 'Roos for the fifth straight season.
The Summit League Releases Women's Basketball Preseason Poll; `Roos Tabbed Sixth
The UMKC women's basketball team has been picked to finish sixth in The Summit League Preseason Poll after receiving a total of 253 points in a vote of the league's coaches, SIDs and members of the media. Oral Roberts is tabbed to finish first in The League this year, after claiming the 2009-10 regular season title.
School (1st place votes), Points
1. Oral Roberts (26), 438
2. South Dakota State (4), 393
3. Oakland, 336
4. IPFW, 285
5. North Dakota State, 274
6. UMKC, 253
7. Southern Utah, 162
Western Illinois, 162
9. IUPUI, 99
10. Centenary, 48
`Roos Break Even In 2009-10
UMKC finished the 2009-10 season with a 16-16 (.500) overall record, which is the second best winning percentage for the women's program since its admittance into The Summit League (former Mid-Continent Conference).
Whitaker Leads UMKC To School Win Record
The Kangaroos finished with a 12-6 Summit League record last season. UMKC's .667 winning percentage is the second best in school history and the 12 league victories are a school record.
The `Roos worked their way to a successful 2009-10 campaign that was highlighted by the program's first ever Division I postseason appearance. The `Roos took on Memphis in the inaugural Women' s Basketball Invitational.
Head coach Candace Whitaker is back for her fourth+ season and returning with her are four starters and 10 letterwinners from the 2009-10 record breaking squad. Whitaker welcomes back two seniors, six juniors and two sophomores. The Kangaroos will also welcome five newcomers, four freshmen and one sophomore, to the 2010-11 team.
Be A Part of the Action
Fans can listen LIVE to T.J. Jackson on KCWJ 1030 AM for both games. Live streaming and stats will be available at www.gobison.com for Saturday's game. Kangaroo fans can also get live stats for the game against North Dakota State at UMKCKangaroos.com.
Live streaming and stats will be available at www.gojacks.com for Monday night's contest at South Dakota State.
Opponent Preview
North Dakota State is currently 8-11 overall and 4-5 in The Summit League. The Bison have four players averaging double figures, led by Abby Plucker with 15.0 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. Katie Birkel is averaging 14 points, Janae Burich is averaging 11.6 points, with Danielle DeGagne sitting at 11.5 points per game. North Dakota State is coming off of a 68-55 loss to IPFW.
The Bison are coached by Carolyn DeHoff, who is in the middle of her third season.
South Dakota State is 8-12 overall and also 4-5 in The Summit League. Jennie Sunnarborg leads the Jackrabbits with 13.4 points per game, while Kristin Rotert is averaging 11.8 points per contest. The Jackrabbits are coming off of a 57-56 overtime loss to Oakland. South Dakota State will host Southern Utah prior to hosting UMKC.
Aaron Johnston is the head coach for South Dakota State and is in the middle of his 11th year.
Series Record
The Kangaroos are 3-5 all-time against North Dakota State. Back on Dec. 29, the Bison defeated UMKC on its home court, 71-59. Despite the loss, freshman Eilise O'Connor had a career-high 22 points. Brianna Eldridge also finished with a career-high 13 rebounds. Head coach Candace Whitaker is 2-5 all-time against the Bison.
UMKC is 1-7 all-time against South Dakota State. Back on Dec. 31, the Jackrabbits defeated the Kangaroos, 81-59. O'Connor again led the `Roos in the game with 14 points and Sam Sikkink contributed 11. Kaycie Boyles was the leading rebounder, finishing with five. Whitaker is 1-6 all-time against South Dakota State. Last season, Whitaker led the women's basketball team to its first ever program win over the Jackrabbits.
Summit League Standings
Oral Roberts remains atop The Summit League standings with a perfect 9-0 record. IPFW (2nd) and Oakland (3rd) both are carrying a 7-2 league record. Southern Utah is fourth at 5-4, while UMKC is sitting fifth with a 4-5 Summit League record.
Also holding a 4-5 records at sixth, seventh and eighth place are North Dakota State, South Dakota State and Western Illinois. IUPUI is currently ninth at 1-8 on the season and Centenary is still 10th with a 0-9 record.
`Roos On A Roll
UMKC is currently on a three-game winning streak thanks to home wins against Western Illinois and IUPUI over the past week. The Kangaroos winning streak began with the Ladies on Jan. 17. In that time, the `Roos were able to climb three spots in The Summit League standings from eighth to fifth.
Defense Big Part of Success
The UMKC defense has worked very hard this past week and its hard work paid off as they were able to hold the past three opponents to 55 points or less. The `Roos held the Ladies to just 49 points and kept the Fighting Leathernecks to 51 points. UMKC held IUPUI to 55 total points on Monday night.
Veterans Step Up Over Weekend
While the `Roos are still considered to be a young squad, they have eight players with junior status or higher who played at least one season for UMKC. Several freshmen have been carrying the squad thus far but that all changed over the weekend as the veterans led the way in points, rebounds and steals. Against the Fighting Leathernecks, Jade Tinner led the squad with 14 points and Brianna Eldridge finished with eight rebounds. LeAndrea Thomas recorded five steals against Western Illinois.
Against the Jaguars, Dayon Hall-Jones led the `Roos with 13 points, with Tinner contributing 12 and Thomas adding 10 points. Thomas also finished with four steals. Eldridge came up big on the boards again, notching 13 rebounds for a second time this season.
UMKC Statistical Leaders
Dayon Hal-Jones leads the Kangaroos with 9.2 points per game. Hall-Jones has scored 20 points against two opponents this season and hit 10 points or more in five games. The Dallas, Texas, native scored a career-high 21 points against Drake last season.
Brianna Eldridge is averaging 5.7 boards per contest to lead UMKC. Eldridge finished with a career-high 13 rebounds against North Dakota State on Dec. 29, and another 13 rebounds against IUPUI on Jan. 24.
Hill Leading Summit League
The 6-5 freshman is currently leading The Summit League in blocks in league games only and is second overall. Hill is averaging 2.9 blocks per game in league play. Overall, the Lawrence, Kan., native is second in the league with 2.8 blocks per game and leads overall with 53 blocks this season.
Hill has a good chance to beat the UMKC school record for most blocks in season. The current school record is held by Alysa Klein. During the 2007-08 season, Klein recorded 77 blocks in 31 games, averaging 2.5 blocks per game.
Eldridge Shows Some Muscle
Brianna Eldridge had a big first half against North Dakota State on Wednesday night. Eldridge recorded 10 first half rebounds, just one rebound shy of a UMKC school record. The junior finished the night with a career-high 13 rebounds. Eldridge matched her 13 rebounds against IUPUI on Jan. 24.
Last Time Out: Veterans Lead Kangaroos Past Jaguars, 73-55
The UMKC women's basketball team played its way to a 73-55 win over IUPUI on Monday night. The Kangaroos were led by Dayon Hall-Jones with 13 points, while Jade Tinner finished with 12 and LeAndrea Thomas contributed 10. Brianna Eldridge led UMKC with 13 rebounds, tying her career-high.
`Roos Winning Battle Below
Despite its average height, other than 6-5 Ashli Hill, the UMKC women's basketball team has been fighting hard underneath the basket for the ball and it has been paying off. The Kangaroos are second in The Summit League overall statistics in rebounding offense with 41.1 per game. The `Roos are also first in rebounding margin over their opponents this season, holding a 3.3 advantage. In Summit League statistics only, the Kangaroos hold a rebounding margin with a 7.3 advantage over their opponents this season.
Hill Breaks UMKC Freshman Blocking Record
Hill is sitting at 47 blocks this season, making her the top blocking freshman in UMKC school history. Hill surpassed teammate Mariah Davis, who recorded 41 blocks her freshman year in the 2008-09 season. The freshman also holds the school record for most blocks recorded in a half. The Lawrence, Kan., native finished with six blocks at Kansas, all recorded in the first half.
`Roos Hold Kansas To 56 Points
UMKC may have dropped a 56-41 decision at Kansas on Jan. 3 but the `Roos achieved something that no other non-conference opponent has been able to do this season against the Jayhawks. Prior to facing the Kangaroos, Kansas (13-1) was averaging 82 points a game in non-conference play this season and the UMKC defense was able to hold them to just 56.
O'Connor Voted Lady Osprey Holiday Tournament MVP
UMKC freshman guard Eilise O'Connor was voted to the all-tournament squad for the Lady Osprey Holiday Tournament. O'Connor was also chosen as the MVP of the tournament after leading UMKC to a 2-0 record at North Florida. The San Francisco, Calif., native averaged 11.5 points and 4.5 rebounds over the weekend.
O'Connor finished with 13 points in the 60-51 win over Bethune-Cookman on Dec. 18. She scored 10 points in the 62-55 win over Troy on Dec. 19. O'Connor shot .813 (13-16) from the free throw line over the weekend and averaged three assists.
Nezianya Doubles Up
Kim Nezianya recorded her second double-double of the season at Missouri, with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Nezianya finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds against Texas-Arlington.
The Carrollton, Texas, native recorded three double-doubles last season as a freshman. Her last double-double was against Oral Roberts in The Summit League Tournament on March 8, where Nezianya finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Women's Hoops To Be Aired On KCWJ 1030 AM The Light & Hot Talk 1510 AM
Kangaroo fans will now have the opportunity to follow the UMKC women's basketball both home and away this season. During the 2010-11 campaign, over 80 percent of Kangaroo women's basketball games will be broadcast on the radio on KCWJ 1030 AM The Light and Hot Talk 1510 AM. T.J. Jackson will call all the play-by-play action for the 'Roos for the fifth straight season.
The Summit League Releases Women's Basketball Preseason Poll; `Roos Tabbed Sixth
The UMKC women's basketball team has been picked to finish sixth in The Summit League Preseason Poll after receiving a total of 253 points in a vote of the league's coaches, SIDs and members of the media. Oral Roberts is tabbed to finish first in The League this year, after claiming the 2009-10 regular season title.
School (1st place votes), Points
1. Oral Roberts (26), 438
2. South Dakota State (4), 393
3. Oakland, 336
4. IPFW, 285
5. North Dakota State, 274
6. UMKC, 253
7. Southern Utah, 162
Western Illinois, 162
9. IUPUI, 99
10. Centenary, 48
`Roos Break Even In 2009-10
UMKC finished the 2009-10 season with a 16-16 (.500) overall record, which is the second best winning percentage for the women's program since its admittance into The Summit League (former Mid-Continent Conference).
Whitaker Leads UMKC To School Win Record
The Kangaroos finished with a 12-6 Summit League record last season. UMKC's .667 winning percentage is the second best in school history and the 12 league victories are a school record.
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