3.29.2014

The (Other) Big Dance.

There are 2 big dances going on right now. Just like at the professional level, the women's collegiate players are often overlooked and forgotten during this time of year. Men's Elite Eight games may not start until late afternoon today, but the women's Sweet Sixteen tipped off this morning.

People who have never given women's basketball a chance have no idea. It is not like frowning upon a food like brussel sprouts without trying it. You're depriving yourself of a sport at another skill level. Less physical, perhaps. Less skilled, absolutely not.

There is no "one and done." You see players grow and develop with their team; you get to watch programs dominate. How do you know the name of Shabazz Napier and not know Breanna Stewart? You can't. You shouldn't. A sophomore on the Connecticut women's basketball team, Breanna is helping to build onto UConn's dynasty. Coach Auriemma describes her as "Durantesque." DURANTESQUE! Kevin Durant! The Slim Reaper! Her demeanor on the court is similar to Durant's - she does not have the flashy flare of Sue Bird or Diana Taurasi, but she doesn't need to. Her awe factor is in the completeness of her game. At 6'4" she is nearly unstoppable anywhere on the court; she is a proven mismatch for every team.


The Lady Huskies are a great team to watch. You're watching the team, not the game so much, because with an average winning margin of 30+ points, it is not much of a game by the second half. But to see Bria Hartley, Stefanie Dolson, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, and Breanna Stewart's chemistry and dominance on the court, even for only 20 minutes, is simply amazing. At times, unfair even. Their game reminds me of perfectly lined up dominoes. Upon tip-off, the first domino is nudged, and the rest gracefully follow suit. The 40 minute game is seen as a well-coached pattern of pieces working together. Each pass, each drive, and each jump shot more impressive than the previous one. Each possession is damn near flawless.

Another team that has been exciting to watch is Louisville. Unfortunately for them, they share the same conference as the Huskies. Every time the two teams meet up, I get excited and expect a superb game. And each time, the same result - Connecticut is up by double digits at the half and ends up winning by 17+ points. If Louisville can make it out of their region and beat what looks like the undefeated Fighting Irish, it'll be another rematch with the Huskies. I'll be hyped again...because I like the fight. And I love the game.

And who knows...it could be a good game. After seeing Duncanville girls fall to Manvel in the Class 5A State Championship game this year, we all know a victorious program can and will eventually lose.


-bObD.