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3/10/06-
End of a Nightmare
It has been a while
since this gonzo journalist last penned a screed regarding Michigan
women’s basketball. Cheryl’s Crew had just dropped a road contest
against Purdue on February 16 and next up was a trip to the great
wide open farm country of Iowa for a rematch with the Hawkeyes, who
had already claimed victory over Michigan at Ann Arbor back in early
January. Perhaps the Wolverine women would have more luck this time
around?
Iowa tallied the first four points of the game, then Stephany Skrba,
Melinda Queen, and Janelle Cooper all scored to put Michigan on top.
Iowa then went on a scoring binge to grab a ten point advantage, but
Carly Benson and Jessica Minnfield combined with Skrba to keep
Michigan in contention.
The Hawkeyes finished the half strong and headed to the locker room
up by 12. The lead got bigger as the second frame began, before a
scoring spree from Minnfield cut the deficit to less than ten. Foul
trouble became an issue for Michigan at this point, and Iowa was
able to pull away for a 67-55 victory.
Minnfield scored 20 points, including a perfect four of four from
three point range. Skrba had ten points and eight rebounds, and
Cooper also scored ten points.
Only two regular season games remained, both at home. The first
would be a rematch with arch rival Michigan State. This game usually
draws more fans than any other Michigan women’s basketball game, and
this was once again the case as a season high 3144 came to Crisler
Arena. Many were wearing Maize and Blue, but there was plenty of
Green and White as well, due to the recent success that the women of
Sparta have enjoyed.
With three minutes and twenty seconds gone in the opening half, the
score was tied at six and hope for an upset was in the air. Krista
Clement kept the Wolverines within striking distance with a couple
of triples and with eight minutes and change until halftime Michigan
only trailed by seven. Michigan’s defense did a decent job over the
first twenty minutes and Michigan State made a number of errors.
Unfortunately, the Michigan offense was all too often unable to take
advantage as they managed a mere 14 points to 28 for the Spartans.
One MSU player (Liz Shimek) was able to post that many points all by
herself in the opening frame.
The wheels completely fell off in the second half, as the more
experienced Spartans asserted themselves against the young and
lacking in depth (only nine healthy players, only seven of whom saw
any action) Michigan roster. Although Michigan doubled their scoring
output to 28 in the second half, it was not nearly sufficient and
MSU won easily.
Janelle Cooper was the bright spot on offense for Michigan with 18
points. Ashley Jones was the top rebounder with seven, and Stephany
Skrba blocked a pair of shots.
Michigan’s last chance to make the home crowd happy was February 26
against Illinois. It was the Illini who started the current agony
for the Wolverine women as they beat Michigan in the conference
opener on December 29.
Things started out badly for Michigan as Illinois scored the first
nine points. Cheryl’s Crew fought back and soon trailed by just a
single point. As the first half clock wound down under five minutes,
Janelle Cooper gave the Wolverines a one point lead of their own. It
did not last long, as Illinois went on an eight point run to take
back the lead at the break.
The Illini boosted their advantage to ten as the final twenty
minutes began, but Michigan would not give up and a Cooper led rally
got the home team within five. Another Illinois surge put them up by
16, and despite Michigan’s best efforts it was yet another defeat,
this time by ten points.
Janelle Cooper had another big game, with 24 points to lead
Michigan. Ashley Jones led in rebounds with 11 while also scoring
nine points. Jessica Minnfield had six assists.
Michigan went to Indianapolis for the Big Ten tournament with the
eleventh seed, and would face Indiana in the first round. Back on
January 22, the surprisingly good Hoosiers handed the Wolverines a
loss at Bloomington.
Michigan got a lift in this game from the return of sophomore
forward Ta’Shia Walker, who had missed several games due to health
issues. Ta’Shia wasted little time getting involved, as she scored
an early basket to give Michigan some momentum.
Indiana took the big mo away from the Wolverines and before long
Cheryl’s Crew was facing a 20-7 deficit. Skrba, Cooper, Walker and
Minnfield all made contributions for Michigan but Indiana shot the
ball much better and so at the half it was the Hoosiers with 40
points to half as many for Michigan.
The second half was a bit better for the Wolverines, and at one
point they drew to within eleven. That was as close as they were
able to get, and in the end it was Indiana who advanced with a 68-52
win and Michigan who saw a nightmare season come to a bitter end.
For the third game in a row it was Cooper leading Michigan in
scoring, this time with 16. Skrba was the rebound leader with five,
and Minnfield had a career best nine assists.
The tragic final numbers for Michigan in 2005-06: six wins and 23
losses. All of their wins came in the non-conference, as they went
0-16 in the Big Ten regular season and then were one and done in the
league tournament. Losing Kelly Helvey, the only junior on a team
with no seniors, was a major blow to the team’s hopes especially as
Kelly had just had some of her best games as a college player prior
to her season ending injury. Her experience, skill, hard work and
hustle were greatly missed, and we all hope for a full recovery and
a successful senior season for #32.
Katie Dierdorf was also playing quite well when, for the second time
in as many college seasons, health issues forced her to the bench.
She was able to play more games this time around, but now once again
has to work to get well enough to play again. As is the case with
Kelly, the thoughts of the Michigan faithful are with Katie and we
look forward to seeing her back in action next season.
Ta’Shia Walker also was unable to play late in the season, but came
back for the final game.
These injuries depleted a roster that was already lacking in depth
and experience, and made a difficult situation well-nigh impossible.
Although it may not be much consolation, I give the players and
coaches all the credit in the world for the effort they gave this
season. The past two seasons have been extremely painful, but from
that pain will come something better starting next season. The good
news is that everyone will be back next season and another good
group of freshmen will be coming. So the future looks fine, even if
the recent past has not been.
Vince Prygoski
prygoski@umflint.edu
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Vince Prygoski, is the Women's
basketball columnist for UMGoBlue.com. He's been a fan of Michigan
sports for as long as he can remember.
He has written a book on the history of Michigan women's
basketball that will be published soon.
Full Bio
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