First Scrimmage

We had our first scrimmage on Saturday and it turned out fairly successful. We scrimmaged MCTC, who is ranked #1 preseason in the NJCAA D3 poll (which really means nothing). We started off a little slow and then our "second group" came in and had a ton of ball pressure and really pushed the tempo. Guys were communicating and really getting after. That group's pressure turned our whole half around. We ended up winning the first half handily.

At the start of the second half, we were scoreboard watching and our lead fell very quickly. Though, we didn't play particularly well, we still won the scrimmage (if you can do that). I always think its difficult for a young team to develop that killer instinct to beat teams when they are down. It is something that we will have to develop in order for us to get to where we want to be and that is the NCAA tournament. I give credit to Coach Jay Pivec and his players for coming after us after a lackluster first half. I won't go into specifics about players but we had four players in double figures with two upperclassmen and two freshmen.

This afternoon we watched the film and there is still a ton for us to work on. We were a step slow in many of our defensive slides. We must get more ball pressure and force the offense into making rushed decisions. Hopefully, we will learn from the film and keep working at it.

After watching film, we headed over to former Piper great Howie Schultz's viewing. It was great to interact with former Hamline players, I just wish it would be been in better circumstances. I know these viewings (or wakes) of Joe Hutton Jr. and Howie Schultz don't hit home with our players as much as they probably should but it's great for them to see the history of the Hamline basketball program. My condelences go out to his family. We are looking forward to honoring the past Hamline teams with a great season this year.

Congrats to the football team in their great win against Carleton on Saturday.