Swish Appeal: All Posts by Lauren YoungBasketball is basketball.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49391/swish-fave.png2016-03-09T02:00:03-05:00https://www.swishappeal.com/authors/lauren-young/rss2016-03-09T02:00:03-05:002016-03-09T02:00:03-05:00Size doesn't measure fight
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XJKtzNU59ap82ZsRgwVjgX8l51U=/0x0:4565x3043/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49029245/usa-today-9169618.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Banks-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Height is just a number and while being taller may come off as an advantage on the basketball court, the real advantage is the heart of a player. In the Big East Championship one player stood out immensely for the Red Storm: their point guard Aaliyah Lewis. With fire in her eyes, the leader of the Red Storm did everything her coach expected of her with energy and heart.</p> <p></p>
<p><b>Chicago, IL -- </b>A game of women's basketball is played over four quarters; tonight's win was St. John's fourth Big East tournament title, the game was tied going into the fourth quarter, and the unsung player of the game wore a St. John's University number four jersey.</p>
<p>Four was the magic number, and no one deserved a championship more than St. John's junior guard, number 4, Aaliyah Lewis.</p>
<p>While Aliyyah Handford and Danaejah Grant grabbed the headlines leading into tonight's game and the Big East Tournament accolades after the game, Aaliyah Lewis was the heart and soul for her team. After a rocky start, Lewis pulled herself together and didn't miss a beat.</p>
<p>Coach Tartamella said on his team's performance, "Our players stuck to the game plan, they did not get frustrated, they kept their head on their shoulders. Mental toughness tonight for us was so important in having the ability to win the game."</p>
<p>The battle took place in Chicago, IL at the McGrath-Phillips Arena. Both the Red Storm and the Bluejays floated in on their Cinderella carriages, but as the clock struck the end of the game, the Red Storm kept rolling to the NCAA tournament, while the Bluejays turned back into pumpkins.</p>
<p>"To get to the big dance and have this chip on our shoulder is a great feeling," Handford stated on heading to the NCAA tournament with her team.</p>
<p>As a journalist, I love to cover the Cinderella story. A 4-seed versus a 7-seed was a history-making story and all of the Big East hoped it would be a great game.</p>
<p>That said, the reality of a game played out between two middle of the pack teams sometimes doesn't live up to buzz. That may be why, rather than watching the Red Storm's superstars I was fixated with Aaliyah Lewis.</p>
<p>"Aaliyah Lewis is vital to what we do," Coach Tartamella shared on the importance of Lewis on his team.</p>
<p>Physically, she may not look imposing standing a mere 5'4, and in the first half, she headed to the locker room shooting 2-9. There is no argument she was frustrated and struggling come the third quarter. She had set herself up to either sink or swim in the second half.</p>
<p>Unexpected to those in attendance, but surely expected by her teammates and Coach Tartamella, Lewis swam! She was emotional, she was fiery, she wanted to win, and she was the steady leader her team needed, and her coach could rely on.</p>
<p>"She plays the toughest guys to guard on the other team, she plays 90 feet, she's got to make free throws at the end of the game, she has to run our offense, she's got to make shots, she does everything," Coach Tartamella expressed on what he expects out of his junior point guard.</p>
<p>Like any champion, she didn't let the struggles of her first half and even first three quarters keep her discouraged or reeling, she pulled it together and continued to lead. She didn't turn the ball over once in 40 minutes, almost impossible from the point guard position.</p>
<p>She also grabbed eight rebounds and despite a shaky shooting percentage, tallied 14 points. If anyone questioned it before tonight's game, they didn't after. Lewis is mentally one of the toughest champions around.</p>
<p>Coach Tartamella continued on Lewis saying, "I was really proud of how she was able to bounce back, it showed maturity. She did a great job of rebounding herself emotionally."</p>
<p>As the month of March progresses and St. John's continues into the NCAA tournament, it is leaders like Lewis that play like champions and give March Madness the magic we all know and love.</p>
<p>Aaliyah, her teammates, and Coach Tartamella will find out who and where they play Monday during the NCAA selection show.</p>
<p></p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/3/9/11179768/st-johns-aaliyah-lewis-unsung-hero-big-east-title-ncaawLauren Young2016-03-08T12:21:27-05:002016-03-08T12:21:27-05:00First time for everything
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8XdcCtD4DwxHsgXPiy2YoLGcQaQ=/1459x528:2898x1487/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49022081/usa-today-9166408.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Banks-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The St. John's Red Storm found themselves in an uphill battle as they face top seeded DePaul on their home court. The game was a back and forth ride for all to enjoy, yet in the third and fourth quarters, St. John's was energized by the play of Aliyyah Handford and Danaejah Grant who were not ready to let their season end. Their next game is sure to be another battle verse a fierce Creighton team.</p> <p></p>
<p><b>Chicago, IL --</b> Ask any basketball fan about the month of March and you are sure to get a smile and flash of excitement. It's games like last night's game between DePaul and St. John's that remind us all why we post up in front of the TV in March and what we love so much about the game of basketball.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>If you were ever looking for a great game and a sheer spectacle of athleticism, yesterday's Big East Semi-Final between the Blue Demons and the Red Storm was the one to watch. There was speed, there was hang time, there were pinpoint changes in direction. Played on the Blue Demons home court, from the tip off both teams were off with no sign of slowing down.</p>
<p>When you look at the matchup between these two teams at the top of the Big East Conference, one a number 1 seed and the other a number 4 seed. Any fan would be excited to watch what is sure to be prolific scoring.</p>
<p>This matchup boasted 5 of the conference's top producers Danaejah Grant, the conference's leading scorer, and Aliyyah Handford of St. John's; and Chanise Jenkins, Megan Podkowa and Jessica January for DePaul.</p>
<p>All of that said, the first quarter ended 14-14 with even scoring across the board for both teams. As March approaches, a head coach is more than likely going to look for their star players to step up and lead across all stat columns. But on that same token, one would be hard pressed to find any coach out there who wouldn't be excited to see their team playing as a whole over individual performances.</p>
<p>"It was great having fun out there. We stayed as a team we stayed focus and most of all we played defense," Aliyyah Handford on her teams overall play.</p>
<p>That is precisely what both Coach Bruno of DePaul and Coach Tartamella of St. John's got from their respective teams in the first half. It wasn't until the last few minutes of the first half that the stars began to emerge as expected in a flurry of scores.</p>
<p>The score was tied 28-28 with 2:57 to go in the half, when St. John's fell victim to one of the best teams in the country at scoring in streaks. They wound up trailing 28-34 heading into the locker room at half after a 6-0 Blue Demon run.</p>
<p>"I thought we did a great job of keeping ourselves in the game even when they made a couple of runs that went to the half, with two back to back threes. We started the third quarter hot; we were able to sustain their runs," Coach Tartamella on his team's tenacity through the first 3 quarters.</p>
<p>A run that was stalled in the 3rd but the Red Storm continued to trail leading into the 4th. Come tourney time and come March, this last quarter of play is everything a fan lives for.</p>
<p>The last minute buzzer beater, the fast paced leave it all on the floor mentality. You could tell by the buzz in the arena and the energy in the air everyone was ready for the second upset in McGrath-Phillips Arena, and so were the Red Storm.</p>
<p>Lead by Handford and Grant, both closing the night with 23 and 22 respectively, by the 5:59 mark in the 4th St. John's had made up the ground they had lost and tied the game at 54.</p>
<p>They then proceeded to take over the lead a mere 16 seconds later. Against a team that won the conference outright in the regular season and most had already placed in the championship game before the tip.</p>
<p>"This is our last year, and we fought all year to get here. I was in the moment; something clicked, and I went off," Handford said on her performance tonight. Grant stated on playing with Handford, "I think we compliment each other. When she is on the defense tends to focus on her, and that opens up lanes for me and visa versa."</p>
<p>As a March crazy would hope the Red Storm came from behind and bested the top team in the conference in the most spectacular and well-deserved fashion. Their W will send them to the Championship game against another Big East team raking in the upsets, the Creighton Bluejays. The game will be contested today at 7 pm central at McGrath-Phillips Arena, the first championship matchup between a four and seven ranked team in Big East history.</p>
<p></p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/3/8/11175706/st-johns-aliyyah-handford-snaps-big-east-ncaawLauren Young2016-03-08T00:45:39-05:002016-03-08T00:45:39-05:00Creighton plays underdog roll perfectly
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sARxpNBq0x3ZEIYkkirGYsnuyKA=/0x227:2958x2199/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49019051/usa-today-9166129.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Banks-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Coming into the tournament, Creighton was ranked in the bottom half of the conference. Where others may have counted them out of the tournament championship. Having to go through Villanova and Seton Hall to get there, the Bluejays had other ideas. It has been a journey and they hope it isn't over. </p> <p></p>
<p><b>Chicago, IL -- </b>In the wonderful world of basketball, especially in the month of March, many have had days like the Seton Hall Pirates had today against the Creighton Bluejays. After sweeping the Bluejays in regular season play, the Pirates entered this afternoon's game for lack of a better word flat. It was the first half of the Big East Tournament Semi-Finals at McGrath-Phillips Arena in Chicago.</p>
<p>On top of it being near impossible to beat a team three times in a row, Seton Hall was lacking and Creighton on the contrary with revved up and ready to play. The Bluejays were scrappy, excited and ready for payback.</p>
<p>Feeding off of their confidence the whole of the first half seemed to be the Bluejays to lose and with the stakes so high, they showed no sign of loosening their grip on the lead.</p>
<p>"A lot of it's mental. A lot of us were really hyped up because we haven't had this opportunity before, so you don't think about how you're tired, and you're not thinking about your legs; you're just thinking about winning and playing your best and really living out the experience and having fun," sophomore guard, Jade Owens on the mentality of her team in today's game.</p>
<p>"I think last weekend when we were out at Seton Hall, we kind of felt the momentum going our way with this match-up, so I think that showed with our energy today," .</p>
<p>When your opponent enters a game with the mentality that Creighton entered today's game, confidence has a tendency to be the first area a team struggles. During the awkward scrums, loose ball situations and toss up plays, Creighton did a phenomenal job of using their momentum to capitalize, and Seton Hall could only manage to stay on their shaky feet.</p>
<p>"Even though we were 0-2 against them, I felt like our familiarity with them and the fact that we'd been so close twice maybe worked to our advantage," Coach Jim Flanery on his teams performance.</p>
<p>Going into the locker room MC McGory, an Edina, MN native -- which also happens to be my alma mater -- lead all scorers with 11 points. While Shakena Richardson led the way for Seton Hall at the other end of the court with seven points.</p>
<p>The second 20 minutes brought much of the same. Creighton taking advantage of any and all opportunities put in front of them and the Pirates flustered and unsteady. Pirates Coach Tony Bozella earned himself a frustration technical at the 7:23 mark in the 3rd quarter. A frustration that also emanated through his staff and the faces of his players.</p>
<p>From that point on the urgency was evident for Seton Hall. They hunted for stops and looked to shoot first and pass second. However, through it, all Coach Jim Flanery and his Bluejays weathered whatever storm came their way and closed the 3rd up 52-39. And ultimately the game 77-56, even when MC McGory fouled out with a little under 5 minutes left in the game.</p>
<p>Coach Flanery on tonight's leading scorer MC McGory, "but when we recruited her, I couldn't get her to talk on the phone, and I didn't like calling her because I'm like, I can't get five minutes out of that kid. So even when she committed and signed, I'm like, am I going to like coaching this kid, because she's so introverted.</p>
<p>"But that introvert has become our best leader, and when Marissa got hurt, her leadership just kept building, and she committed even more to it."</p>
<p>While one could argue this was a David vs. Goliath matchup, no one could question this was a dominant and statement making win. This is the 3rd time a number 7 seed will make their way to the Big East tournament finals. They will face St. John's University a 4 seed, the first seven-four matchup in Big East history at McGrath-Phillips Arena, tomorrow 7 pm central.</p>
<p>MC McGory on tomorrow's game, "I don't know, we're just having a lot of fun, and I guess probably got one more top seed to beat."</p>
<p></p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/3/8/11175696/cinderella-creighton-big-east-tournamentLauren Young2016-02-13T00:42:43-05:002016-02-13T00:42:43-05:00Team cohesion does it for DePaul
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UuUysXE4vDKYiJaInImtcsmqJOQ=/1754x0:3731x1318/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48801535/usa-today-8969297.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Banks-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Usually the team that controls the pace of the game finds the final score in their favor. For the Blue Demons, that's exactly how their game against Xavier ended. It wasn't the usual start for DePaul, but Ashton Millender came off the bench ready to show what she can do. She was the only player to score in double digits for DePaul.</p> <p><b>Chicago, IL -- </b>Tonight McGrath-Phillips Arena witnessed the 12th all-time matchup between the DePaul Blue Demons and the Xavier Musketeers. The Musketeers claim a single defeat in the series and undoubtedly looked to make this game an even two. Xavier came off of an anxiety-ridden, buzzer-beating, win against Creighton their last time out, and the Blue Demons a three-game win streak.</p>
<p>In the opening minutes, Xavier looked as if they had carried the adrenaline from last game into tonight's matchup; a 7-0 run had the Musketeers outpacing the Blue Demons for 4:37 in the first half. Like adrenaline does, the high spiraled and DePaul took advantage.</p>
<p>Maybe it was Head Coach Doug Bruno's pink and white Nikes, worn exactly one time every year for ten years to honor Play for Kay Night and Breast Cancer Awareness month. Or it could have been the pink trimmed home whites and the meaning of the night. Whatever it was, the name of the game was run, run, run and then run again in characteristic Blue Demon fashion. The evening outside the arena may have been frigid, but DePaul's feet were fire.</p>
<p>Coach Bruno on his team's characteristic speed, "We are always going to run here at DePaul, we are always going to score in transition."</p>
<p>DePaul stretched its lead in the first half with high percentage, in the paint layups and bunnies. They took advantage of 15 Xavier turnovers, consistently advancing the ball up the floor followed by 1st, 2nd and even 3rd transition cuts to the hoop. As most all basketball fans know, the game is a game of runs, and the Blue Demons ran their way into the locker room at half with a 40-21 lead.</p>
<p>Unfortunate for any fan in the audience look for a tight game, Xavier continued to sink in the second half as DePaul played like the 23rd ranked team in the nation.</p>
<p>Sophomore guard, Ashton Millender lead the way for the Blue Demons. She closed the night with 15 points, the only Blue Demon in double figures.</p>
<p>Coach Bruno on the play of his Sophomore, "She is a really good basketball player who has been getting a lot of steady minutes for us all season. She is a person who can score the basketball; it's important that her scoring comes to fruition on a more consistent basis."</p>
<p>Millender on her night tonight, "I knew it was going to be a good game when I banked the three off of the backboard."</p>
<p>The final score 82-52. DePaul's next opponent is Butler, at McGrath-Phillips Arena on Valentine's Day.</p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/2/13/10983188/ashton-millender-spotlight-depaulLauren Young2016-01-29T20:02:38-05:002016-01-29T20:02:38-05:00Seton Hall sails to victory over DePaul
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pUHMp4As2iPafLb7p9qdnEZJQwA=/0x193:1672x1308/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48681877/usa-today-8436503.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Banks-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Seton Hall played DePaul Friday afternoon, and the Pirates were able to leave Chicago with a win. But while the team is talented, their leader Tony Bozzella navigates them like a true captain. </p> <p><b>Chicago, IL -- </b>Remember that age when the line between shrill screams and cheering is very very blurry? Well, I was reminded of that line this afternoon in the McGrath-Phillips Arena for field trip day at DePaul University. Thousands of school-aged fans packed the arena to cheer on the Blue Demons as they faced the Seton Hall Pirates.</p>
<p>Head Coach Doug Bruno on field trip day said, "DePaul was one of the first schools in the country to start these field trip days many years ago. And imitation is the greatest form of flattery, they have been copied all over the nation including the WNBA. What you saw out there was another effort to grow this game of women's basketball."</p>
<p>This matchup was of special importance in the Big East Conference as both teams were regular season co-champions last year and in the opening game of the conference season this year, the Blue Demons bested the Pirates in South Orange, New Jersey. Not only was the game an essential revenge matchup, but the implications of coming out with either a W or L were massive, as the conference season dwindles down and the NCAA tournament looms.</p>
<p>"One, we move within a game of first which is our goal," Coach Bozzella said on the importance of this game. "Two, we get a little bit of separation between second and third, and three, at the end of the year if we aren't to win the Big East Tournament, the NCAA tournament looks at at-large teams and this is another great check on their home floor."</p>
<p>While the matchup between these two teams is always thrilling, as a basketball fan, it's also a must-see game in that two of the Big East's most legendary coaches square off head to head.</p>
<p>On one end of the floor, Coach Bruno is coaching in his 30th season with the Blue Demons, and on the other side of the court, you have 2014-15 Coach of the Year Tony Bozzella. A head coach notorious for being one of the most animated head coaches in all of NCAA basketball.</p>
<p>Painting the picture a bit more clearly, if one were to solely watch the Pirates bench and Coach Bozzella, no matter the game or the score, you would think his team was down 20, attempting to mount a miraculous comeback. Even though his team came out and held DePaul to six points in the first quarter, while his team dropped 21.</p>
<p>There was never a point in which the stomping, yelling and falling arms ever relaxed. While he may have been out of the coaches box on more than one occasion, he was no question in the game and subsequently so was his team.</p>
<p>Tabitha Richardson-Smith on her head coach, "Our coach is great. He loves the game, and he loves us. He is here to win games and play as a family on the court and off of the court."</p>
<p>Even though the Blue Demons outscored Seton Hall 22-14 in the second quarter, the Pirates headed to the locker room with a confident 35-28 lead, led by Aleesha Powell with 10 points and Tabitha Richardson-Smith with eight.</p>
<p>Coach Bozzella stated on Tabitha Richardson-Smith, "A lot of people, look at the young lady to my left as a scorer, which she is. But her engagement on defense and her commitment to speaking with her teammates, helping them through and then taking responsibility on the defensive end, shows a tremendous amount of responsibility and why she will be a great player at the next level."</p>
<p>The second half was much more of a battle, the swings in momentum loudly announced by Chicago's public school youth. DePaul never led or tied in the second half, but they made sure they were always within striking distance.</p>
<p>That is until the last four minutes when the traditional DePaul fast play within a system was abandoned and replaced with what looked like a panicked slew of poorly chosen three-point shots. Maybe it was the pressure to please the audience or the fact that WNBA scouts were sitting courtside. DePaul lost it's focus and Seton Hall capitalized.</p>
<p>Richardson-Smith showed her team, her coach and the audience her knack for leadership along with 20 points and seven rebounds. And the top scorer of the night for the Pirates was Powell with 24 points and six rebounds.</p>
<p>"I have to give a lot of credit to my teammates to find me and run the play through. We played team basketball today and if we keep doing that we will have great success," Richardson-Smith said on her scoring performance.</p>
<p>Whatever the result, absolutely no one left the arena without knowing just how much Head Coach Bozzella wants to win, and how that translated to his team's confidence on the court. The Seton Hall Pirates beat the DePaul Blue Demons 83-74, next up they have Marquette in Milwaukee this Sunday, January 31st.</p>
<p></p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/1/29/10873618/animated-tony-bozzella-displays-willpower-seton-hallLauren Young2016-01-24T22:38:35-05:002016-01-24T22:38:35-05:00Young & ready to showcase talent
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cae8PMw7WeEBS5wOyCGIzr0JZNg=/0x375:1567x1420/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48632697/Buss_05_1117_md.0.0.JPG" />
<figcaption>Photo by Indiana Athletics</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Indiana Hoosiers might be a young team, but this team is full of young talent who comes ready to play. They were able to pull away from the Wildcats after a back and forth first three periods, dominating in the final quarter outscoring Northwestern, 33 to 19.</p> <p><b>Evanston, IL --</b> This evening's game between the Indiana Hoosiers and Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena, was a story of determination versus potential. The Wildcats ranked 20th nationally, entered the game with a 1-5 record over their last six games. The Hoosiers, in their away reds, came into tonight's game having pulled off their third conference win in which they entered the forth quarter trailing, against the Illinois Illini.</p>
<p>The Wildcats spent the first half of Big Ten play amidst the top 3-5 teams, but have spiraled and now find themselves in the bottom quarter of all teams.</p>
<p>"The past three games have been a little rough. We have had some ups and downs with turnovers," Ashley Deary said on her team's slide in the Big Ten.</p>
<p>Northwestern is also boasting four of the top players in the conference: Nia Coffey, Christen Inman, Ashley Deary and Maggie Lyon; who just surpassed the school record for all-time three-point baskets made. Seemingly their potential is endless to sit atop, and remain atop the conference. Yet, something isn't clicking for the Wildcats as they transition into the second half of conference play.</p>
<p>The Hoosiers on the opposite site of the court are unranked, yet they sit two spots above the Wildcats in conference standings and seem to be climbing their way to the top. They may have started the season slow, and as it appears to tend to start each game a bit timid, but nonetheless they have earned the title of the conference's comeback kids.</p>
<p>A young team lead by sophomore trio Tyra Buss, Amanda Cahill and Jess Walter. The team's entire roster includes only a single senior. Often times a young roster is of concern to a coach, but in this case, it could be the young team simply hasn't learned the bad habit of giving up.</p>
<p>As the ball was tipped, the game was going to be determined not by the numbers on a stat sheet, but by each team's ability to overcome their individual challenges. As expected, the entirety of the first half was played evenly, swings of momentum resulting in flurries of scores and shooting droughts allowing the opposition back within striking distance.</p>
<p>Northwestern wasn't hitting shots as efficiently as the Hoosiers, but there were no other obvious reasons, the Wildcats entered the locker room trailing Indiana 36-41.</p>
<p>The locker room discussion for each team surely broke down the stats sheet, the other teams systems and addressed more efficient ways to put the ball into the hole. But the real discussion that needed to be had was about the intangibles that ultimately win a game and are a mark of a team's desire to win.</p>
<p>Intangibles like hustle plays, defense, distributing the ball within a system, all of the things that a team determined to win possess. Ashley Deary and Nia Coffey had no questions to determine from the minute the second half clock started to tick down, each closing the game with 28 and 29 points, respectively.</p>
<p>"Today was all in for me," said Deary on her performance in today's game.</p>
<p>The rest of the Wildcats squad seemed to have missed the cue to up shift the tempo.</p>
<p>In the other hand, in their wondrously naive fashion, the Hoosiers simply didn't know how to play any other way than hard and to win. Tyra Buss closed the game with a solid 21 point performance that was accented with a flurry of hustle plays, excitement and momentum builders.</p>
<p>"She plays within that team and finds people when they are open. She hit big shots and got to the rim late in the game and made some plays," stated Northwestern Coach Joe McKeown on Tyra Buss in his post game interview.</p>
<p>She was aided by her teammates Amanda Cahill, who ended with 20, Jess Walter, who bucketed 15, Karlee McBride added 14, and Alexis Gassion sent in 12. Slow start or not, it was a whole team effort, the Hoosiers obviously don't know how to say die.</p>
<p>So, as most all of the greatest sports stories go, determination bested potential tonight. Tyra Buss celebrated by lifting Head Coach Moren and spinning her in a circle because once again the Hoosiers were the team to beat in the forth quarter. Indiana won the game 91-84, and I am sure Coach Moren couldn't be more excited to see what her young team has in store for Indiana in the coming games.</p>
<p>Indiana's next opponent is Rutgers January 27th in Bloomington.</p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/1/24/10824574/indiana-hoosiers-youth-success-tyra-bussLauren Young2016-01-15T02:04:15-05:002016-01-15T02:04:15-05:00Down goes #5 Ohio State
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gULjOYMQJffXBRwwzPp72EDtcns=/0x265:1609x1338/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48569979/usa-today-7786233.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The entire Northwestern team was locked in for their battle against their ranked opponent. They pulled off the upset with 14 rebounds from Kunaiyi-Akpanah, 11 assist from Deary, 17points from Inman, 23 points from Coffey and hot shooting from Lyon; Lyon was 50% from deep and finished with 24.</p> <p></p>
<p><b>Evanston, IL -- </b>Coming off of two disappointing losses to Purdue and Michigan State, tonight was Northwestern's chance to pull off the seemingly impossible. They were tasked with taking down the Big Ten Conference's Goliath 5th ranked, Ohio State Buckeyes.</p>
<p>Though the turnout was much to be desired, the energy in the arena was buzzing, and everyone knew just how important this game was for the Wildcats. From the tip won by Northwestern, to the halftime buzzer, the crowd was nothing but impressive.</p>
<p>Northwestern, known for their ‘Big 4,' consisting of Nia Coffey, Ashley Deary, Maggie Lyon and Christen Inman, had their work cut out for them. Factors like foul trouble, low shooting percentages, and overall uncharacteristic play keep Northwestern out of the coveted W column in their last two outings.</p>
<p>Though the performance of Northwestern's famous quartet may have been flawed in their previous two games, they didn't seem nervous or bogged down by pressure.</p>
<p>Instead, tonight the team's perspective seemed to have shifted. Rather than living and dying by the ‘Big 4' they called upon the team in it's entirety to chip away at the OSU armor.</p>
<p>Head Coach Joe McKeown experimented with various lineups, ultimately drawing a combined 10 points out of his bench, along with immeasurable energy and overall solid play. With the added confidence in their bench, all five starters closed the half in double figures, lead by lights out shooter Maggie Lyon. Lyon tallied 20 points, bucketing 4 of 5 from behind the arc.</p>
<p>"We rotated the ball really well tonight," Lyon stated. "We were focusing on reversing the ball and not taking the quickest shot but the best shot. I got some good open looks, in the beginning, I knocked a few down, and it raised my confidence for the rest of the game."</p>
<p>As the first half came to a close, the crowd was buzzing, the Wildcats were in high spirits, and the question became, will Big Ten superstar, Kelsey Mitchell, dig her Buckeyes out of a deep 18 point hole?</p>
<p>When you hear about Kelsey Mitchell, you hear about the young Ohio State sophomore who reached 1,000 collegiate points in a mere 41 games.</p>
<p>You hear about the lights out shooter, who can effortlessly tally 42 points in a single night.</p>
<p>You hear about the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Big Ten Co-Player of the Year, before entering her sophomore season.</p>
<p>You hear all of those things, and then you see her play live -- and the reality of Kelsey Mitchell lives up to all of the hype. Her handles along with her picture perfect shot and basketball IQ, are eerily reminiscent of a young Cappie Pondexter. If Northwestern wanted to walk away with what could be the most exciting win of the Big Ten season thus far, it was going to be up to them to weather Hurricane Mitchell, as well as outlast the clock.</p>
<p>"She is a great player, so are a lot of the players on Ohio State. Not sensationalizing her and playing our defense and communicating, we wanted to protect the paint and not give her easy looks," Lyon in her post game interview speaking about Kelsey Mitchell.</p>
<p>Right away as the second half commenced, Ohio State started to chip away at the Northwestern lead, and by the end of the third quarter they were within six points. The positive energy from the crowd began to take on a small hint of anxiety, and with 7:46 to go in the forth quarter, they were silenced, as the team's leading scorer Nia Coffey was taken out of the game due to injury.</p>
<p>The Buckeyes were nipping at the Wildcats heels, they were beginning to regain the confidence they needed to remain undefeated, and Northwestern was without their most prolific scorer.</p>
<p>"When Nia went down, she has such a great presence on the court. I think Inman and Lyon kept everybody on the court with them in a good position. Lyon and Inman made a couple of huge baskets," Coach McKeown said when asked about the mentality on the court after Coffey's injury.</p>
<p>As all games do that come down to the wire, this game was won with a level head and made free-throws. A point of emphasis for the Wildcats, who round out the bottom of the Big Ten in free-throw percentage.</p>
<p>Stepping up in all areas they needed to, the Wildcats pulled off the insurmountable and beat their first top 10 team since Penn State in 1996. After the game, Head Coach Joe McKeown said, "Our players responded to the challenge that we put out there after last week."</p>
<p>Who knows, this could be the fuel that Northwestern needs to make a run for the conference title. If anything, this was a huge boost for them, as they won 86-82.</p>
<p></p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/1/15/10773690/northwestern-wildcats-maggie-lyon-ohio-state-upsetLauren Young2016-01-01T12:00:03-05:002016-01-01T12:00:03-05:00Shy January Getting a Lot of Attention
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-a890-NSz9Aj_ljpWQPUy3R97Dw=/0x781:5899x4714/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48477861/usa-today-8986867.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Jessica January has been a name filling the headlines leading her Blue Demons this year. Swish Appeal took some time over Christmas break to catch up with standout DePaul player on not just basketball, but also the balance of academics and life.</p> <p></p>
<p>With a name that rolls off of the tongue, Jessica January, the talented Minnesotan might have been destined for athletic stardom from the start. Though just a junior, January has made her presence known in the Big East and in the women's basketball community around the country.</p>
<p>The DePaul standout recently sat down to chat academics, life and of course ball. Our interview took place via Skype as I was on holiday in Australia, and January is wearing a Nike puffer jacket, had recently escaped the dropping temperatures on her Chicago campus. Here's what January had to say.</p>
<p><i><b>Swish Appeal: What did you do at a young age (around 10 or 11) that laid the groundwork for the success you have managed today?</b></i></p>
<p><b>Jessica January:</b> I played a whole lot of sports, my Dad is into sports, so he put my sister and I into a bunch of sports. I did gymnastics, played softball and basketball, and from there I am really competitive so I continued to play whenever I could. I also had neighbors who were into sports, the people around me were sports fans, and that rubbed off on me.</p>
<p><i><b>SA: Minnesota is known for producing great women's basketball players, did that have a factor in your love for basketball and competition?</b></i></p>
<p><b>JJ: </b>I would say so. Growing up being able to see other women playing basketball and achieving success impacted me. My older sister also played basketball, I looked up to her and wanted to be like her.</p>
<p><i><b>SA: Around what age did you realize you could play at the college level?</b></i></p>
<p><b>JJ: </b>I didn't really think about playing in college until my sophomore year. I liked competing and playing multiple sports, I did track and played volleyball, sports were just fun. Once I started AAU, I got recruited more seriously, and that's when I realized I could play in college.</p>
<p><i><b>SA: Who is the most influential person/mentor in your high school career?</b></i></p>
<p><b>JJ:</b> My Dad. He grew up in the south playing basketball on beat up courts and broken rims. Moving to Minnesota gave him the opportunity to put his kids in organized basketball and AAU. He took the time to take me to the gym and get in extra reps, even on days when I would have rather gone to play with friends.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote">"When you are a student-athlete, sometimes you get lost in that because you are always so busy. Remembering not to take stuff for granted is really important." <span>-Jessica January </span>
</div>
<p><i><b>SA: Did your dad coach you?</b></i></p>
<p>He was an assistant coach during my middle school and traveling basketball years.</p>
<p><i><b>SA: How was your recruiting process?</b></i></p>
<p><b>JJ: </b>It was pretty stressful. I am soft spoken; I hated talking to coaches because I was very shy. It was an experience, though; I enjoyed it.</p>
<p><i><b>SA: How did you decide on DePaul?</b></i></p>
<p><b>JJ:</b> When I took my official visit, being on campus, meeting the players and coaches, it was an easy decision. It felt like the right place.</p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i><b>SA: This is Coach Bruno's 30th year at DePaul, how big of a factor was he in your decision making to go to DePaul? In your three years, what is the most influential thing you learned from him?</b></i></p>
<p><b>JJ: </b>He was a big factor in my decision making. He is a great coach with tons of knowledge of the game. Being able to play under him is an honor and experience in itself. He always tells us his thoughts of the day to help us get through the season. My favorite saying he says is, ‘Wake up in the morning with a smile, thank God. How do you thank God? By working to your God-given potential everyday.'</p>
<p>That sticks with me because there are a lot of people who wish they could wake up everyday and play basketball or could get to school on a scholarship. When you are a student-athlete, sometimes you get lost in that because you are always so busy. Remembering not to take stuff for granted is really important.</p>
<p><i><b>SA: Speaking of being busy. Can you walk me through your daily schedule?</b></i></p>
<p><b>JJ: </b>During school practices are scheduled around our classes. Last quarter we had class from 9-1pm, then practice from 230-530 depending on film, going to the trainer and actual time on the court. Then from 6-8, I go to study table to do homework.</p>
<p>I then grab a quick bite to eat before I continue doing homework from 8-10. Friday through Sunday we do not have class, so there is a bit more free time to go shopping, go out to eat or go to the movies, especially if we have a day off.</p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i><b>SA: Have you always been a great student?</b></i></p>
<p><b>JJ:</b> I am really competitive in all aspects of my life including school. I always wanted to be in the advanced classes in high school and middle school. I have wanted to do well in school my whole life.</p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i><b>SA: How do you maintaining the balance between school, sports, and a school life?</b></i></p>
<p><b>JJ: </b>It has gotten easier as I am a junior now. Coach Bruno does a really good job with that in terms of he wants us to have a social life and be college students. He tries to make practice times reasonable and gives us days off to enjoy other things. I also find time management really important. I want to get things done so I can have time to do other things that I want to do. I take academics as seriously as I do basketball</p>
<p><b><i>SA: This year you had to step in and fill Brittany Hrynko's shoes, and take on a larger leadership role than last year. How did you take on doing that this season? Has being a leader always been something you have been good at?</i> </b></p>
<p><b>JJ:</b> This year we knew were going to be missing Brittany. Coming in I wasn't looking to fill Britt's shoes, but step into a leadership role doing whatever I could. I knew we were going to need scoring, but my goal was to be more aggressive rather than be the leading scorer.</p>
<p>I also wanted to be more of a vocal leader. My freshman and sophomore year I didn't have the confidence to do that, but as an upperclassman, I have shown through my actions that I can lead on the floor. This year it is a little easier <i>to be more vocal.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i><b>SA: What is your leadership style?</b></i></p>
<p><b>JJ:</b> I lead by example. I admire Chanise Jenkins as a vocal leader. She is great at communicating without even trying, I have had her to look up to which has helped me as a vocal leader this year.</p>
<p><i><b>SA: Do you have pregame rituals?</b></i></p>
<p><b>JJ: </b>I take a nap and listen to Beyonce.</p>
<p><i><b>SA: Who is the best player you have played against?</b></i></p>
<p><b>JJ: </b>Breanna Stewart. Last year I guarded her at UConn. I don't think the TV always does players justice. She is such a dynamic player, and when you play against her, you realize how good she really is.</p>
<p><i><b>SA: After you graduate have you started thinking about playing professionally?</b></i></p>
<p><b>JJ:</b> I want to play afterwards whether in the WNBA or overseas.</p>
<p>While the name may have always had star power, it is clear Jessica January doesn't have any plans to slow down anytime soon. The ultra-competitive junior has basketball running through her veins; we will just have to wait and see what she and the DePaul Blue Demons will conquer next.</p>
<p></p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/1/1/10670202/jessica-january-depaul-interviewLauren Young2015-11-15T21:04:13-05:002015-11-15T21:04:13-05:00January leads DePaul to WNIT Semifinals
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kFwAiGNlchwqk6MRRVxTYVMgBTg=/1851x657:4778x2608/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47670675/usa-today-8463082.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>No. 22 DePaul Blue Demons, lead by the speed of junior Jessica January, hold off the St. Bonaventure Bonnies in Preseason WNIT second round.
</p> <p></p>
<p><b>Chicago, IL --</b> Coming into this evening's game with a 44-point win under their belt, the No. 22 DePaul Blue Demons face what the basketball faithful hoped to be their first worthy foe of the 2015-2016 season.</p>
<p>The Bonnies also came into today's game with a first-round Preseason WNIT win under their belt, beating Siena University 57-40, Friday night. On paper, this was a great matchup as both teams play fast paced, small ball.</p>
<p>Head Coach Doug Bruno on the pace of todays game, "I like the tempo, I want to win the battle of the tempo, but at the end of the day, we want to win the game."</p>
<p>As to be expected, from the tip each team took to the race track. The Blue Demons signature full-court press helped them control the momentum for the majority of the first quarter. However, the Bonnies maintained their composure and remained in striking distance the whole of the first 10 minutes.</p>
<p>"St. Bonaventure did what St. Bonaventure does, that is turn the game into a grinder game. As much as we worked to make it a DePaul ball game and a free flowing game, it turned into a grinder game," said Coach Doug Bruno in his post game press conference.</p>
<p>The open of the second quarter brought a wave of scoring from the Demons lead by junior, Jessica January. The resulting points kept the Blue Demons ahead by at least 10 points the whole second quarter. As the Demons pulled away, the Bonnies discipline began to unravel.</p>
<p>They strayed from their game plan, stopped forcing the ball into the paint, and their outside shooting ran cold. Ultimately, the first half closed with a 34-19 Blue Demons lead. Jessica January bucketed 14 points in the first 20 minutes.</p>
<p>"I think it is different every game, but I am working as hard as I can and doing whatever I can each game. Whether I am scoring or assisting, I am taking the game as it comes to me," said Jessica January on her stellar play the last few games.</p>
<p>Much like the first half, the second half started with the Bonnies keeping up with the Blue Demons. The question became, had St. Bonaventure dug themselves too deep a hole to make a run at DePaul?</p>
<p>As the clock ran out, the answer was obvious. The Blue Demons had no interest in watching the Bonnies mount a comeback. St. Bonaventure had simply dug themselves a hole that was insurmountable.</p>
<p>The final tally favored DePaul 77-54. Jessica January was the player of the game tallying 19 points and remaining the spark for her team on both ends of the court. The Blue Demons advance to the semifinals November 19th, and the Bonnies take on University of Detroit, November 24th.</p>
<p></p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2015/11/15/9741132/22-depauls-speed-demon-jessica-january-overwhelms-bonniesLauren Young2015-11-13T19:34:21-05:002015-11-13T19:34:21-05:00UIC runs past Howard
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jZ2B8hCxlFKTbCLcB7Y4CU0cvWk=/0x1036:3456x3340/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47658697/_SW82877.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steve Woltmann</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Even without senior leader Terri Bender, Ruvanna Campbell and her UIC Flames hold off the Howard University Bison on their home court in dominant fashion.</p> <p></p>
<p><b>Chicago, IL --</b> University of Illinois-Chicago and Howard University met in competition this afternoon for the first time. The visiting Howard University Bison came into today's game returning eight players from last year's roster along with four newcomers, two true freshmen, and two redshirt freshmen.</p>
<p>The home UIC Flames entered today's game missing senior guard and defensive powerhouse Terri Bender, who is still awaiting MRI results to learn the extent of an injury suffered in practice.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Coach Miller on the status of her senior guard, Terri Bender, "We think she is going to be fine. We don't know the results of the MRI; we are hopeful she is back very soon."</p>
<p></p>
<p>The crowd was minimal due to the noon start time, and the play on the court seemed to be affected by the lack of energy in the arena. The first points weren't scored until 7:23 mark in the first quarter, and Howard was held to 2 points until free throws by Allese Morrison made 3 and 4 at the 3:06 mark.</p>
<p>Though the quarter ended with her team up 15-6, UIC head coach Regina Miller could be heard throughout the arena encouraging, directing and challenging her players to compete and set the tone for the rest of the season to come.</p>
<p></p>
<p>"Every time we step on the court we think success has a certain look, sound and feel. We want to look a certain way when we are on the court, very competitive all of the time. Sound, we need to be vocal encouraging each other. Feel, how we make people feel that come watch us play; Is this a brand people want to associate with," explained Coach Miller on her team's game plan through this 2015-2016 season.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Howard came out during the second quarter in a half court zone that initially slowed the scoring of UIC. The Bison cut the lead from 9 to 5 within the first 45 seconds of the second quarter, but couldn't keep it together on the other end turning over the ball too many times to make the switch up on defense effective. Howard finished the first half with 14 turnovers, and UIC headed to the locker room with a 36-21 lead over the Bison.</p>
<p>Heading into the third and forth quarters, the game was pretty much decided, and each coach took the second half as an opportunity to play different combinations of players to see what jived and what didn't heading into their next regular season games.</p>
<p>UIC played 12 different players before the forth quarter started, all of the players that played scored except for three. Howard played all nine players that traveled with the team, and again all but three of those players scored.</p>
<p>The player of the game was redshirt senior forward Ruvanna Campbell. At one point in the third quarter, Campbell was fouled going up for a layup and took a few too many seconds getting up off of the ground for the liking of the UIC faithful.</p>
<p>Those in attendance held their breath in hopes that Campbell would not also find her way to the injured list alongside Bender. All wound up well, and Campbell bucketed 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks in her 31 minutes of play.</p>
<p>"Ruvanna is an all around player for us, she plays all five positions. She is a great rebounder, she did that well today. When she rebounds the ball the has the green light to push it in transition. She is very versatile, I am glad she is on my team and I don't have to create a game plan to defend against her," quote from Coach Miller in her post game interview.</p>
<p>The Flames look to earn their second win against Central Michigan on November 27th, and the Bison look to make up for this loss against Northwestern on November 15th.</p>
<p></p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2015/11/13/9732142/uic-flames-burns-bison-75-48Lauren Young